
The first ever Vietnamese cultural centre and museum in Australia is one step closer to reality, and it’s going to be set right here in Melbourne. The three-storey building will host exhibitions that honour migrant journeys and celebrate contributions of the Vietnamese community to Australia. The museum will be set in the western suburbs, acknowledging the area as a key locale of Vietnamese culture in Victoria. Vietnamese Museum Australia will be located at 119 Durham Road in Sunshine, and the project’s planning permit has been given the green light.
Vietnamese Museum Australia
This museum will be the sixth cultural museum in the Multicultural Museums Victoria Network, which currently includes the Hellenic Museum, Museum of Chinese Australian History, Jewish Museum, Islamic Museum and Museo Italiano.
“The establishment of this museum is not just a celebration of Vietnamese culture but also an important platform to preserve the remarkable history of the Vietnamese refugee diaspora and highlight their significant contributions to the fabric of multicultural Australia,” said Tammy Nguyen, CEO of Vietnamese Museum Australia.
The museum is expected to receive over 280 artefacts, and will also feature a community hub and resource centre for education. The venue will also have a function centre and café, so that it can host community events for up to 450 people.
The site is currently owned by Brimbank City Council, and is just a three-minute walk away from Sunshine Railway Station.
“As a refugee to Australia myself, I am thrilled that stories and histories like mine will be collected, preserved and on display at Victoria’s newest multicultural museum,” said Mayor Thuy Dang, Brimbank City Council.
Now that the permit has been approved, the museum team will be working with the community, council and government to bring this project to life.