Preparing for your visit

The OBL studios are dedicated spaces designed to allow close interaction with the Chau Chak Wing Museum's collections. They are located on Level 2 at the back of the galleries (Museum entry is on Level 3). 

• Bags: Should be checked into the free lockers outside the Object Study Rooms using your student card. Please arrive early to allow time for this. 
• Food and drink: No food or drink can be brought into the OBL studios, including water bottles. 
• What to bring: You may bring a laptop, phone, wallet or purse, notepad and pencils into the OBL studios.  

Please note: Pens and objects from outside the collections are not allowed and should remain in your checked bags.

• Photography: Unless advised otherwise, you are permitted to take photographs of the objects for personal use. Flash photography is not allowed. 
• Gallery visits: When spending time in the gallery spaces, please be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways. Bags are not to be carried while visiting the galleries and should be checked into the free lockers in the Museum's lobby. 
• COVID-19: Depending on the NSW guidelines for COVID-safe practices at the time of your visit, you may be required to wear a face mask and maintain social distancing. You will be advised of this before your visit. 

Good object handling practices are designed to reduce the risk of damage to collections. You have an opportunity to handle ancient artefacts, cultural material, natural specimens and artworks – a rare and valuable educational experience. 

Careful handling practices are essential during all object handling sessions. 

• Gloves: You must wear gloves to avoid the transfer of oils/sweat which can damage an object. The gloves provided are single-use gloves, with multiple sizes available to ensure a comfortable fit. Always put gloves on before handling any object. Do not reuse gloves, as this can transfer oils, sweat, etc to objects. Gloves should be disposed of in the glove-recycling box near the door to the room. 
• Handling objects: Before handling an object, you should consider how best to pick it up and check for any points of weakness or signs of damage. If the object is appropriate for handling, then, with gloved hands, use open palms over the largest and most stable surface area to pick it up. Avoid holding objects by rims, handles, etc and never poke inside an object. 
• Close inspection: Some objects are not appropriate for handling (due to their fragility and/or toxicity), especially items from the natural history collection and some artworks. In these cases, the items will be available for close inspection in the OBL studios. 
• Moving objects: Objects should not be moved around the room.