Past and present collide at the Chau Chak Wing Museum. Situated at the University of Sydney, across from the iconic Quadrangle building, the public institution boasts a diverse range of 18 exhibits, from ancient Roman artefacts and Egyptian mummies to wildlife specimens and contemporary art.

What were formerly three different collections are now conveniently housed in one cultural centre. There are more than 2000 items on display — although the total collection amounts to 440,000 pieces.

Almost as impressive is the fact that the whole museum is absolutely free. You can even tag along to one of the various free events, which include panel discussions, tours, talks and book readings.

So if you’re looking to discover something new (or old), we’ve compiled five reasons why the Chau Chak Wing Museum deserves a spot on your Sydney to-do list.

Though the building’s concrete exterior may seem imposing, the airy interior is brimming with natural light. Designed by Johnson Pilton Walker, the structure offers views of Victoria Park from every level, which acts as a continual point of reference for the visitor and emphasises the accessibility of the museum to the public.

Spread across four levels, each gallery space was designed with a specific pace in mind to break up the viewing experience. As a result, travelling through the museum feels like a journey through time.

The flow of the space also works to highlight how our history and culture are interconnected, from First Nations objects and contemporary photographs to ancient Roman and Greek artefacts and scientific tools.

History and culture reign supreme at the Chau Chak Wing Museum, which boasts one of the largest collections of antiquities in Australia. 

As part of the Ambassadors exhibit, objects of cultural significance from First Nations communities around Australia stand on display throughout each level of the museum. Expect to see delicate mosaics and 2000-year-old portraits in Roman Spectres, Egyptian mummies and coffins at The Egyptian Galleries and Mediterranean artefacts from the first millennium BCE in Mediterranean Identities, before you go on to wander through rotating exhibits such as Chinese Toggles: Culture in Miniature and Tidal Kin, which opens on Saturday, October 7.

You can also get technical with scientific tools like theodolites and graphintegrators in the ongoing Instrumental series, and marvel at animal and insect specimens from around the world at Natural Selections.

But it’s not all history and science — bridging the gap are artworks and photographs from various time periods.

The Staged Photograph features reproductions, glass negatives and stereographs that transport visitors back through pop culture in the 19th and 20th centuries, while Photography and the Performative explores the connection between photographs and modes of performance.

Then, delve into pioneering artworks by the likes of Chinese-Australian artist Guan Wei and Lao-Australian artist Savanhdary Vongpoothorn. And for something more contemporary, get lost in renowned artist Mikala Dwyer’s vibrant works in Penelope and the Seahorse.

Break up your visit with coffee and a meal at Sounds Sydney. Overlooking Victoria Park, the cafe has a breakfast and lunch menu that includes Little Marionette coffee, peperonata with sausage on focaccia, soba noodle salad with pickled veggies and a reuben bagel.

On Thursday nights, the eatery transforms into a bar from 5–8pm. Choose from a selection of wine and beer, served alongside small bites like arancini, tostadas, cheese and charcuterie, before taking advantage of the museum’s extended opening hours on Thursdays.

Take a deeper dive into subjects like philosophy, archaeology, ancient history and science with the museum’s variety of free events. 

During the day, catch a guided tour, a talk with a curator or an artist, a lunchtime lecture with a renowned professor or a book reading.

Or you can live out your Night at the Museum dreams and roam the exhibits after hours on Thursdays, when the museum stays open until 9pm. On Thursday, September 7, there’ll be drinks and live music for Beats and Bars from 5–7.30pm. Or you can catch University of Sydney students sharing their take on an artwork in the Photography and the Performative exhibit on select Thursdays in September and October.

Find out more at the Chau Chak Wing Museum’s website.