The Gold Museum in Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill complex presents an insight into the glimmering metal that built the city and changed the course of Australian history. Learn about the precious gold nuggets that were transformed into priceless treasures and launched Ballarat onto the world stage in the 1850s. Peruse mesmerizing displays of golden artifacts and alluvial deposits as you explore this modern museum situated within the city’s open-air historical village.
The Gold Museum’s distinctive building incorporates a series of concrete panels and glass planes that appear to jut out of the hillside like the facets of a precious stone. Enter the building and begin your journey with the museum’s major exhibition, Ballarat: Inspired by Gold. This comprehensive exhibition shows a timeline of the historic city from its early days as a European settlement to the enormous impact of the mid 1800s gold rush. Learn about how this precious metal captured the imagination of thousands of people across the world that flocked to the goldfields to try their luck.
Make your way through the museum’s collection of exhibits that showcase the many forms that gold can take. See rough gold nuggets and alluvial deposits, as well as expertly crafted gold artifacts and coins. The invaluable resource was traded over the gold-rush years to create the booming wealth that formed the city of Ballarat.
Take a moment to check out the views from the glass-fronted museum. You’ll see views across the Sovereign Hill complex and a statue of Sir John Bolte. The museum’s gift shop stocks an impressive array of gold nuggets, exquisite gifts and locally crafted gold jewelry. Peruse artworks and craft made by local Aboriginal artists or pick up beautiful scented oils infused with gold flakes and dried wildflowers.
Entry to the Gold Museum is included in the admission to the Sovereign Hill open-air museum complex. Separate admission is also available for a fee, which is discounted for concession, children and families. The museum is open daily, except for Christmas Day. Parking is available on site for free.
