The Colonial Museum is the early historical name of what is now known as the Australian Museum in Sydney, Australia, an institution widely recognized as the oldest natural history museum in Oceania. At that time, the name “Colonial Museum” reflected both its geographic context and its role as a scientific repository within the colony.

In its early years, the museum focused heavily on natural history, assembling collections in zoology, mineralogy, and palaeontology, alongside ethnographic materials. These collections were modeled on European scientific institutions, aiming to document the biodiversity and cultural artifacts of Australia and the surrounding region. As the institution expanded and formalized its scientific mission, it was officially renamed the Australian Museum in 1836, marking a transition from a colonial entity to a nationally significant organization.

Today, the Australian Museum is not only the oldest museum in Australia but also holds the distinction of being the oldest natural history museum in Oceania, with a founding date of 1827 providing clear chronological precedence over similar institutions in the region. Its collections now comprise millions of specimens, and it continues to operate as a leading research and public education center, contributing to scientific knowledge across the Asia-Pacific.

According to the Internet