The UNE Museum of Antiquities Project
Image: A 19th century portrait bust of the Roman Emperor Augustus being prepared for UNEMA’s refurbishment.
The refurbishment of UNEMA will protect and preserve the museum’s collections, and enhance the museum’s ability to support teaching, research, and community engagement with UNE’s collections. The proposed refurbishments are explicitly designed to promote inclusivity, equity, and opportunity for all participants and visitors, both in person and online. The refurbishment of UNEMA will create the following:
1. “Gallery One”
Discover through interactive displays the first object accessioned at UNEMA, the story of the museum, and the origins of UNEMA’s material culture, and learn about humanity’s quest to understand the universe and our place within it.
2. “Cyprus at the Crossroads”
Explore Cyprus from the Stone Age to the Byzantine Empire. Observe the development of ceramic technology and international trade through this island crossroads, and discover the nationally significant collection of Professor James Stewart, Australia’s first Professor of Near Eastern Archaeology and the first Australian to lead an international archaeological dig.
3. “Mediterranean Lands”
Take a journey through time to meet the civiisations that flourished around the Ancient Mediterranean.
4. “Ethnographic Gallery”
This gallery showcases UNEMA’s Ethnographic Collections covering the material culture of Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the Oriens.
5. “Automata Alley”
Automata Alley explores the history and meaning of automata through the ages. The interactive exhibition also supports UNEMA’s STEM training program.
6. “Masquerade Parade”
Masquerade Parade provides three windows into the world of masks and into masking culture, - ancient and modern.
7. “19th Century Gallery”
The 19th Century Gallery showcases aspects of the material culture of the 19th century to assist with the interpretation of Booloominbah, support UNE’s History teaching program, and promote the work of UNE’s 19th Century Studies Research Network.
8. “Diorama District”
District dives into the world of diorama and how it has been used by museums and collecting institutions.
9. “Spectacula”
“Spectacula” is the Latin word for ‘spectacles.’ This gallery is devoted to hosting short-term exhibitions showcasing the hidden collections of the UNE Museum of Antiquities, Heritage Centre, and Dixson Library, as well as new work developed by students and staff in their teaching and research.
The Lab
UNEMA’s workroom will also be refurbished to create suitable lab space supporting UNEMA’s work experience, online and 3D digitisation, STEM, conservation, and curatorial training programs.
Audio-Guides
App and Handset based audioguides delivering tours and explanatory content of UNEMAs collections and displays.
To make a donation to the UNEMA Refurbishment Appeal, use the donation form below:
