Our Mission
The RD Milns Antiquities Museum strives to support and promote the study of the classical civilisations of Greece, Rome, Egypt, and the Near East through their material remains, at primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions in Queensland and Australia, as well as to the general public.
The Museum's vision is of a dynamic public space that encourages interaction with, and understanding of, the cultures of the ancient Mediterranean, and the profound impact that these cultures have had upon the literature, art, politics, and society of our modern world.
Our Collection
In 1963, the purchase at a London auction-house of a Red-figure Attic amphora marked the establishment of a collection of Antiquities designed to enrich the teaching programs of Classics and Ancient History at The University of Queensland.
The RD Milns Antiquities Museum is now the foremost collection of classical Mediterranean antiquities in Queensland. A highly accessible teaching museum for both the general public and university-level students and researchers, the museum has grown from a small collection of artefacts to a catalogue of several thousands.
The Museum's archaeological material reflects the achievements of the great ancient civilisations that developed in the lands bordering the Mediterranean Sea. The collection provides the only comprehensive survey of ancient Mediterranean antiquities on public view in Queensland. The objects span almost 3500 years of history, and are in a variety of materials - stone, pottery, terracotta, metalware, and glass. Together they give a picture of the technological and artistic advances made by the forerunners of Western civilisation.
In 2007 the Antiquities Museum was renamed after Emeritus Professor Bob Milns, AM, retired professor of Classics and Ancient History at UQ and a great supporter and benefactor of the museum throughout his long career.
Our Staff
Our Future
View and/or print a copy of the Antiquities Museum Development Policy 2001-2006.