The Gold Museum holds a range of collections linked to the Museum’s central theme of gold.
Jessica and Paul Simon Collection
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Ballarat Historical Society CollectionThe Society’s Historical Collection forms the heart of the Museum’s strength in social history. A wide range of artefacts is included in the collection, although it is particularly strong in the area of photographs.
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Social History CollectionThis collection contains material collected since 1977 which relates to the history of Ballarat and district, with particular regard to the impact of gold on the development of the region. |
Bolte CollectionThe memorabilia in this collection offers an unusual insight into the political life of Sir Henry Bolte who was Premier of Victoria from 1955 to 1972. Relevant additions to the collection will be made as material is donated. |
Arnott Rogers Collection
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Pern Collection
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FitzGerald Postcard CollectionA major collection of 30,000 postcards spanning the history of the medium and covering an international range of themes. This collection will continue to be developed. |
Art CollectionArtworks relevant to the goldfields. |
Pioneer Chair CollectionA collection of primitive hand-made Australian chairs and related furniture pieces. |
Eureka CollectionA small collection of artefacts, memorabilia and books relating to the Eureka Stockade uprising of 1854. |
Costume CollectionA significant collection illustrating the history of costume in Australia, focussing on domestic, ceremonial, industrial and military clothing. |
Rare Book CollectionHistorical publications acquired for their research value in the history of goldmining.
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This collection of over 900 gold samples, nuggets and coins is unique in Australia and remains a central focus for the Museum. The collection is closed and further active acquisition is not planned.
A specialised collection of Chinese decorative art, textiles and social history of national significance. The collection is essentially closed although relevant donations of associated material will be accepted.
A significant collection of Aboriginal and Pacific Island artefacts transferred from the Ballarat City Council. The collection is closed; however, artefacts relevant to the Aboriginal history of this region will continue to be collected as appropriate. It is the policy of the Museum to return Aboriginal or Islander material to the original owners of material if such can be identified.