Burke Museum, Beechworth Athenaeum

Brilliant old style museum of randomness from back in the olden days when they killed things so they could look at them in cases.

They have a beautiful big old globe which is like an old fashioned maps.

Highlights for me were Ned Kelly's death mask, he had a little head; and a collection of hairballs from the stomachs of different animals.

Learnt that a woman's mourning period should be 4 years, whilst for a man 3 months is sufficient. This is because men's emotions are more highly controlled and can be focused very intently over a shorter period. I would have made a good Victorian.

Great museum dedicated to Robert Burke, of Burke and Will's fame. Loved the mini version of old Beechworth.

Lovely museum, with a great miniature display of how Beechworth was in the 1800s. Plus a display of influential locals and even more about animals. Easily spent an hour here.

The amount of exhibitions in this museum is amazing! You need to take your time.lots to see.
Highly recommended

Great insight to such a historically important area and time in Australian history.
Well worth the admission which is remarkably inexpensive.

A very nice collections of original tools used by the early settlers. It is also good to bring the kids for a visit to know more about the history.
Access fee is reasonable to maintain the facility.

Small but full of interesting local history. The latest exhibition is on the people of Beechworth. A good mix of new & old. Of course my favourite section is the history, hence not many photos here on the people.
When learning about Burke & Wills in primary school in the early 80s, I did not know he was a Beechworth police superintendent.
My favourite section of the museum is the ‘street’ of shops with artifacts that transport you back in time.
Can’t believe how many stuffed animals people had. A whole wall of birds!
$5 entry fee. There a free postcards you can take just near where you pay. We probably spent about half an hour in there. It could take you longer if you read every single display.

Lovely shop, BUT, the surly gatekeeper followed us around with arms crossed watching us like we were shoplifters. No smile, no acknowledgement of us. We will spend my birthday money elsewhere. Never judge a book by its cover.

Small museum, a good collection of rocks and birds (taxi) and the old world street was cool

Great place to stop with the family and learn some history of the region. The staff were great and answered any questions you may have.

Easy parking, close to town centre, close to public conveniences. Lady at front desk was lovely, admission is reasonable. Lots of local history on display.

Hands down, best Museum ever! The ladies are very knowledgable. Rikki, the Senior here went out of her way to look up historical information on hubby's family who migrated to Beechworth in 1860. Hubby was over the moon with this. A BIG thank you to Rikki. Apart from that, the Museum arranges the historical walk around town. And this Museum has a wealth of history including one of the best pioneer exhibits that we have ever seen. See photos. Oh and I was impressed to learn that Tom Thumb visited here. See the photo exhibit of his little boots below. And that is not all. We only paid half of the entry price because they had to corden off a bit of the museum for a presentation. We cannot believe that there is more to this amazing museum! Deserves 5+

Nice regional museum which is good for a wet day. Costs $5 to enter and will take most people between 30-60 minutes to walk around. Do note that there is a lot more here that just stuff on Burke so don't let that put you off. There was also an interesting exhibit on the Chinese in the area which was illuminating

Quite a remarkable little museum showing the history of the area. Fantastic to see some relics from the Burke and Wills trek, as Burke worked in the area as policeman.

Not a big museum person. Very small and not a lot in it for the historical area it is in. Got much more local history from other businesses. Not worth the entry fee for me.

Interesting place to visit in beechworth. Informative and friendly staff. Put this on your list of things to do and browse the curiosities. It's also in a beautiful old building with lovely ambience.

Nice little museum with history of beechworth and Australia in general. Rakes you back in time.

This country town museum is by far the best museum we have ever had the pleasure to enter - the team behind this place should be very proud of themself. We highly recommend to spend some time here and read their history.

The facade alone is just beautiful! And when you enter into the museum you are in awe! The gentleman at the front counter was so informative & helpful. The museum artefacts themselves were fantastic, all a visual history of the incredible history of Beechworth.
There is even such a cleverly created ‘high street’ in the museum! A must see!

Learn all about Australia’s early history.covers Bourkes journey so week & has an excellent street scrap from the mid 1800’s.