Exhibitions at the

Golden Dragon Museum

Exhibitions at the Golden Dragon Museum

Temporary Exhibitions

Permanent Exhibitions

Sun Loong Gallery

Welcome to the Sun Loong Gallery, where you can meet dragons and lions, learn about the history of Chinese people in Bendigo and admire beautiful examples of Chinese craftsmanship. 

As you walk into the circular Sun Loong Gallery, past the large cloisonné lions guarding the entrance, your eye will be immediately drawn to the two large and colourful processional dragons directly in front of you on the other side of the gallery – Sun Loong and Dai Gum Loong. With each dragon over 100 metres long, their impressive mirrored and beaded bodies coil around a ramp that extends around the entire length of the curved wall of the gallery.  

The dragons’ processional regalia – banners and costumes – are also on display throughout the gallery, along with stories about Bendigo’s 130+ year dragon parading history.  

Embodying a commanding presence, Sun Loong and Dai Gum Loong are the heart of the gallery. However, while the two main parading dragons are impressive, don’t forget to look for the other FIVE performing dragons on display in this space. (Hint, they are much smaller and you need to look up high). Keep any eye out for the dancing lions as well! 

On either side of the gallery entrance, under the ramp that displays Sun Loong and Dai Gum Loong, you will find exhibits tracing the origins, migration and settlement of Chinese people in the Bendigo area. They include stories about the Gold Rush, community life and cultural traditions. 

Scattered throughout the Sun Loong Gallery are large-scale examples of Chinese art and craft practices, including cloisonné, porcelain, metal and woodwork pieces. These items include Chinese religious and cultural figures, vases, censors and furniture such as chairs and cabinets. 

Loong Gallery

Welcome to the Loong Gallery, where you can meet the world’s oldest surviving complete parade dragon; learn about a significant historical Chinese figure; and admire beautiful examples of Chinese craftsmanship.

The Golden Dragon Museum’s oldest dragon, Loong, is the namesake of this gallery, and he is on permanent display here. Loong first paraded in 1901, the year of Federation and he paraded for 69 years until his retirement in 1970. He was replaced by Sun Loong, who is on display in the Sun Loong Gallery. Loong can no longer parade as he is now very fragile and has undergone recent conservation work to preserve him into the future.  

The head of another significant dragon, Yar Loong – the ‘Night Dragon’ – is also on display in this gallery. He is our second oldest dragon, and dates from 1939. A historic drum cart ensemble once used in the Bendigo Easter parade is also on view. 

As you move through the gallery you will encounter a display about Sun Tan Sen, a key Chinese political figure who founded the Republic of China and is considered the father of modern China.  

Almost everywhere you turn in the Loong gallery you will find examples of Chinese craftsmanship. Highlights include a life-size serpentine jade carriage, as well as smaller serpentine jade model boats; an en masse display of ornate metal censers (incense burners); as well as many examples of historic Qing dynasty clothing, including processional outfits. There are also numerous items of ornate wooden furniture, including decorative screens, thrones and a wedding bed.  

This gallery provides an opportunity to consider Chinese cultural traditions and their influence on Chinese Australian identity today.