The Collection
The R.D. Milns Antiquities Museum is the foremost collection of classical Mediterranean antiquities in Queensland and amongst the top university collections in Australia. Envisaged as a highly accessible teaching museum for both the public and university students and researchers, the collection has grown from humble beginnings to its current location, taking pride of place on Level Three of the university’s Michie Building. The collection now consists of several thousands antiquities on constant display, mostly relating to the classical civilisations of Greece, Rome and Egypt, but also housing collections which are relevant to the study of other Near Eastern and European groups. The R. D. Milns Antiquities Museum also holds a broad collection of Athenian black and red figure ceramic fragments, along with a wide variety of other fragmentary artefacts housed in on site, permanent storage.
Above: The R.D. Milns Antiquities Museum Gallery in the Michie Building during 2010.
The Name
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.
From UQ News 28 February 2007:
Professor Milns retired in 2003 after 33 years as UQ Professor of Classics and Ancient History, during which time be built the museum into an invaluable resource for teaching and research.
“The name Bob Milns has become synonymous with Classics, Ancient History and the Antiquities Museum at UQ,” University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hay, AC, said.
“Under Bob's leadership, the museum has grown into one of the country's finest collections of its kind – a reflection of the quality of his scholarship and passion for the discipline.
“Renaming the museum is a well-deserved and appropriate tribute to his ongoing contribution to the University of Queensland and the community at large.”
For the full article please see the UQ News Website: A classic honour for Emeritus Professor.