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Landmark Agreement with China

Australia’s largest museums organisation has signed a significant agreement with the Shanghai Museum of Science and Technology – and sealed it by donating a koala specimen aptly named “Victor”.

Museum Victoria CEO, Dr J Patrick Greene, signed the Memorandum of Understanding on 28 March in Shanghai with his Chinese counterparts, as they await opening of a new $400 million Natural Science Museum.

Dr Greene said: “Australia and China’s collaboration in the cultural sphere is growing rapidly, and Museum Victoria is proud to be part of this with a formalised relationship with one of China’s largest natural science museums.”

“We look forward to working with colleagues in Shanghai as they embark upon the ambitious project to build a new museum. At the same time, Museum Victoria is experiencing rapid growth in the number of visitors from China attracted to Melbourne Museum, the Immigration Museum and Scienceworks. I am sure both organisations have much to learn and share from our agreement.”

The ongoing agreement enables Museum Victoria and the Shanghai Museum of Science and Technology to work together on a wide range of projects – from exhibition development to sharing technical and curatorial skills and knowledge. Staff exchanges between China and Australia are expected to be the first step in cementing this new long-term relationship.

At the signing ceremony in Shanghai, Dr Greene and Museums Board of Victoria member Wilkin Fon presented a mounted koala specimen to their Chinese colleagues. Originally from Warrandyte State Park, the koala had been found dead on a roadside – the likely victim of a passing vehicle. “Victor”, as he became known by museum preparators in Melbourne, is destined for display in the new Natural Science Museum.

For further information contact Karen Meehan, Museum Victoria, 8341 7136 / 0478 314 014,  [email protected]