Museums and Collections of Macquarie University

Macquarie University, contains nine museums, galleries and collections on its main North Ryde campus, each focusing on various historical, scientific or artistic interests. All are open to the public and offer educational programs for students at primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

Building containing the Macquarie University Art Gallery

Galleries and Collections

The Macquarie University Art Collection was established in 1967 and since then the collection has developed either through acquisition or donation of artworks that reflect cultural and critical values of importance to Australian society. The Art Collection encompasses modernist works (Australian and International) and emphasises contemporary Australian art practice. In 1974, the renowned Sydney art dealer Rudy Komon donated the first major painting by the artist Leonard French to the University, the work titled The Myth remains a focus on the 3rd level of the University Library. The collection comprises a range of media from painting, photography, video, prints and drawings to glassware, ceramics and textiles and all artworks are displayed throughout the campus.

The Macquarie University Art Gallery, located in building E11A has been in operation since 1999, and focuses on providing a changing exhibition program. The gallery contains an extensive collection of major post-1960s Australian artworks including those on loan from private collectors, as well as representative works by leading artists which have been purchased by, or donated to, the University. The collection includes a wide-ranging selection of indigenous artworks. Exhibitions are developed that reflect a multi disciplinary style to include aspects of science, history, media and culture that are often linked with teaching and research at the University. The University Art Gallery delivers a wide range of public programs in association with each exhibition that include artists, curator’s talks, seminars, forums, workshops, poetry readings, dance and music.

Macquarie University Sculpture Park

Macquarie University Sculpture Park[1] was established in 1992, founded by sculptor, Dr Errol Bruce Davis, OAM.[2] The University's sculpture collection is exhibited across the entire campus, and focuses upon works by contemporary Australian sculptors with some international sculptors featured also. The collection aims to show a variety of styles, materials and techniques showing works in sandstone, limestone, concrete, steel, stainless steel, painted steel, bronze, copper and ceramics. At close to 100 sculptures on display, it is the largest park of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Twilight evening tours for the public are offered in November and December and focus on a different section of the campus per week. The collection has recently been divided up into four distinct walks for visitors - Western Walk,[3] Central Circuit, Eastern Walk and Lakeside Walk.[4]

  • Nigel Harrison's Autonomy - Near MGSM hotel
  • Andrew Rogers' Labile - North side of lake
  • Christopher Hodges' Mira Mira - Corner of stairway to Macquarie Theatre
  • Larissa Smagarinsky’s Together Through Time

The Australian History Museum

The Australian History Museum holds a vast collection numbering over 3,500 items reflecting Australia's history from pre-colonization to today. Located on the ground floor of W6A, the museum offers the opportunity to engage with the range of objects and sources within the museum in a hands-on experience to staff, students and the public. The collection includes items that range from the everyday to the exquisite, material is acquired primarily for its value to teaching and research. The collection focuses on 5 key themes spanning the nineteenth, twentieth and twenty first centuries:[5]

  • Indigenous Australia
  • Immigration
  • War & Society
  • Women’s Studies
  • Domestic & Working Life

The museum organises educational programs for students at primary, secondary and tertiary levels to enhance their understanding and insights into Australian history. The museum also offers yearly one-day symposiums on Higher School Certificate Extension History for teachers and students often featuring distinguished historians and keynote speakers.[6]

The Aboriginal Technology and Bio-resources Collection

The Biological Sciences Museum

The Downing Herbarium

The Earth Sciences Museum

The Lachlan Macquarie Room

The Museum of Ancient Cultures
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References
  1. "Macquarie University Sculpture Park". Macquarie University Art Gallery. Retrieved 2017-12-02.
  2. "Errol B. Davis - Sculptor". Retrieved 2017-12-02.
  3. "Macquarie University Sculpture Park Western Walk". Macquarie University Art Gallery. Retrieved 2017-12-02.
  4. "Macquarie University Sculpture Park Lakeside Walk". Macquarie University Art Gallery. Retrieved 2017-12-02.
  5. "Macquarie University Australian History Museum". Macquarie University Department of Modern History. Retrieved 2009-11-17.
  6. "Macquarie University Australian History Museum". Macquarie University Department of Modern History. Retrieved 2009-11-17.
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