ABOUT US
Museum of Precious Objects (MoPO) is a community-focused micro museum, based in North Bondi, NSW, Australia.
MoPO was founded in August 2021. Before we moved in, our building was a former bus ticket sellers' office that was left empty and abandoned for 25-30 years.
The museum is privately funded by a local resident of North Bondi, who wanted to contribute positively to the community.
Zero profit is generated from the museum's operation. Any funds donated are put back into the museum.
Small acts of kindness transform suburbs into communities.
Every time I pass by the North Bondi Community Bookshelf, I get a huge buzz when seeing the books I added have been taken. I imagine them bringing joy to someone else in the neighbourhood, which inspires me to contribute more (and take a few favourites home too.) It’s this cycle of joy through participation that inspired me to start Museum of Precious Objects.
This museum celebrates community diversity through personal storytelling. By sharing our history, through the objects most precious to us, we might just enrich the lives of the people around us and spread a little compassion and joy throughout the neighbourhood.
MESSAGE
FROM THE FOUNDER
VISIT US
NORTH BONDI, NSW, AUSTRALIA
MoPO is located inside a former bus ticket sellers' office that was left empty and abandoned for 25-30 years. We are located in the heart of the North Bondi shops, Campbell Parade, North Bondi, NSW.
OPENING HOURS
MoPO is open 24hrs/7 days a week, including public holidays.
FREE ENTRY
Entry to MoPO is free to all.
GETTING HERE
WALKING + CYCLING
MoPO is a short walk up the hill from North Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club. The stairs next North Bondi RSL also lead to the museum.
We are nestled in the heart of the North Bondi shops.
BUSES
Buses 333, 380 and 379 all stop in front of MoPO.
Exit the bus at the North Bondi shops.
TRAINS
Bondi Junction Station is the nearest train station to MoPO.
From there, you will need to take the bus to North Bondi.
CAR + TAXI + RIDE SHARE
The neighbourhood features 30 minute - 2 hour paid street parking, along Campbell Parade and the surrounding streets. Hastings Parade offers free, untimed parking.
Additionally, there is a drop-off area right next to the Museum.
FERRY
Rose Bay Wharf is 4.1km from MoPO.
Watsons Bay Wharf is 6.6km from MoPO.
Circular Quay Wharf is 10.1km from MoPO.
PLANE
Sydney Seaplanes in Rose Bay is 4.2km from MoPO.
Sydney Airport in Mascot is 14km from MoPO.
ACCESSIBILITY
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY
MoPO is completely accessible by wheelchair.
The neighbourhood is wheelchair accessible too, despite not having any designated mobility parking areas.
The museum is located at the top of a hill, but the surrounding landscape is relatively even.
The 333 bus running between the city and North Bondi is wheelchair accessible.
ASSISTANCE/COMPANION ANIMALS
Service animals and pets are welcome at MoPO.
Several shops in the neighbourhood provide water bowls for your animals.
HEARING IMPAIRED
Details on each of the museum exhibits can be found on the MoPO website, written in descriptive text.
VISUAL IMPAIRED
Each museum exhibit features an audio recording detailing the object on display, as well as the story behind it. This can be found in the Exhibitions section of the website.
SENSORY AWARENESS
MoPO is located in a high sensory area. Loud noises, such as bus engines and passing cars are present at all hours.
MUSEUM FACILITIES
AUDIO TOUR
We have a free self-guided audio tour for guests to access, via Spotify.
TOILETS
There are no toilets at MoPO.
The nearest public toilet is adjacent to the North Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club. These are also accessible toilets.
CLOAKROOM
There is no cloakroom at MoPO.
GIFT SHOP
There is no gift shop at MoPO.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Stills photography and video is permitted for personal use only.
For commercial use, please contact MoPO to make arrangements.
CAFE + RESTAURANT + BAR
There is no cafe, restaurant or bar in MoPO.
The neighbourhood enjoys an incredible variety of popular cafes, restaurants, bars and takeaway options.
FAMILIES + CHILDREN + PETS
MoPO welcomes families, children and pets to the museum.
MoPO is pram and stroller accessible.
VISITOR FAQs
How much does it cost to enter the museum?
Entry to MoPO is free, allowing you access to all of our exhibits.
Is the museum open on public holidays?
Yes, the museum is open during all public holidays. MoPO is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We are also open 24hrs a day, making us Australia's most accessible museum.
Do I need a ticket to access the museum?
No, there is no need to pre-book a ticket to MoPO. Please report anyone attempting to sell tickets to MoPO.
Can I take photos and videos in the museum?
Yes, photos and videos are permitted for personal use only. If you are sharing to social media, the museum's hashtag is: #mopoBondi
For photos and videos with commercial use, please contact MoPO to make arrangements.
Can I hire the venue for my event?
Unfortunately, MoPO is not available to hire for private events. This is to ensure the safety and security of the exhibits.
CONTRIBUTOR FAQs
How can I contribute an object to the museum?
We recommend contacting the museum via the contact form below. Remember to tell us what the object is, and the story of why the object is precious to you.
My precious object is very expensive. Will you display it?
No, the museum will not exhibit any objects that have a high financial value. Our emphasis is on objects that have little to no financial value. Precious does not mean expensive.
What kinds of objects are you looking for?
The story behind the object is often more impressive than the object itself. To anyone else the object could be considered worthless, but it means the world its owner. We wish to share the personal story behind each precious object.
Can people of all ages contribute to the museum?
Yes, people of all ages are welcome to contribute to the museum. There is no age restriction on who can submit an object to MoPO. Remember, the museum places great importance on what the object means to you personally.
Do you collect and keep the objects being displayed?
No, the museum does not keep or collect the objects on display. MoPO is one of the few museums that does not hold a permanent collection. Each object remains the property of the contributor. MoPO receives the object as a short-term loan, usually for a period of 30 days.
How do I get my object back after the exhibition finishes?
Each contributor is contacted by MoPO to schedule a convenient date and time to collect the object from the museum.
I am interested in curating an exhibition at MoPO. Is this possible?
Yes, this is possible. Feel free to contact the museum, via the contact form below. Remember to detail your exhibition idea and share some information about yourself. Please understand that MoPO shares the diverse stories of the community. Curating an exhibition is not a self-serving opportunity.
Additionally, MoPO is currently developing a Young Curators program. Details of this will be shared across the MoPO social media platforms.
CONTACT US
Feeling inspired to share the story of your own precious object?
Contact us with a message below, or connect with us on socials.
MoPO acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to the land, waters, culture and community. We share our respect for the First Nations Elders; past, present and emerging.