Friends of the Nicholson Museum
Support the Nicholson Museum by becoming a Friend
and enjoy the benefits of belonging
“The Nicholson Museum had, I remember, a marvellous musty smell of age. Dark, stone walls, Gothic arched windows, heavy wooden cases, and a great crowd of peculiar objects. The aesthetic was that of a Victorian drawing room, jumbled, detailed, fill of memorabilia with overtones of an obsession with death.”
Times have changed, and the exhibitions have become more modern, but many of the issues are just the same. It’s all in the presentation.
There are great stories to be told and fascinating histories to be relived. From the intriguing to the macabre, Australia’s oldest University museum gives a fascinating insight into the daily lives of past civilizations and into the minds of the archaeologists, collectors and curators who have made it all possible.
The Museum now holds the largest collection of antiquities in the Southern Hemisphere. Significant collections come from Egypt (we have more mummies than any other Museum in Australia), from Italy, including Rome and Pompeii, from Greece and Cyprus, from the Near & Middle East, and from Europe.
Be part of history and enjoy the benefits
Benefits of membership:
- The Sydney University Museums NEWS magazine sent direct to your door 3 times a year.
- The SUM six monthly Calendar of Events to keep you informed of all forthcoming exhibitions, lectures and events
- A minimum 25% discount on entry to all non-fundraising Nicholson Museum lectures and events
- 10% discount on all merchandise
- But above all - knowing that your support will help us to improve the Museum: to put on new exhibitions, to acquire new objects, to bring in overseas speakers, and to offer student prizes
Download a membership form here
History of the Museum
The Nicholson Museum was founded in 1860 by Sir Charles Nicholson. Born in 1808 in Cockermouth in the North of England, Nicholson arrived in New South Wales to practice medicine in 1833. He was 25 years old. Three years later, his uncle died, leaving Nicholson his entire fortune. The young man rapidly became an influential figure in colonial Sydney rising to become Speaker of the Legislative Council and in 1850 one of the founders of the University of Sydney.
Nicholson had always had a passion for the ancient world. His wealth and position now enabled him to indulge this passion, not only for himself but also for the common good of the colony.
In 1856 Nicholson left for a three-year trip to Europe and Egypt. On the 28th January 1860, he wrote, as Provost (Chancellor) of the University of Sydney, to the Vice-Provost and Fellows of the University:
During my recent visit to Europe and in a journey along the valley of the Nile I was able to make a considerable collection of Etruscan, Greek, Roman and Egyptian antiquities. I have always had it in contemplation to present, under certain conditions, this Collection to the University.
Later that year, the entire collection was moved from this house ‘Lindesay’ at Darling Point to the University. It has been here ever since.
Over the years the collection has increased twenty-fold with material coming from excavations, exchanges, acquisitions, and donations. It is still growing.
2010 will be the 150th anniversary of Nicholson’s great achievement.
How to find us
The Nicholson Museum is at the southern end of the Quadrangle on the main Camperdown Campus of the University.
Enter by car from Parramatta Road/Broadway on to University Avenue or from City Road on to Eastern Avenue. Parking on the campus is metered.
Opening hours
Monday to Friday: 10am to 4.30 pm
Sunday: 12-4
Free admission
For other special events and openings check the Sydney University Museums six monthly Calendar of events on our website
Enquiries
For all general enquiries about membership of the FNM contact Michael Turner (Senior Curator & General Executive Officer of the FNM)
(02) 9036 6485 or
www.usyd.edu.au/museums