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University Museums and Collections

By appointment.

In 1890 , the Challis Bequest of 200,000 pounds was used to establish a Chair of Zoology at The University of Sydney. William Aitcheson Haswell, a demonstrator in zoology since 1882 was appointed, and so became the first Challis Professor of Zoology. He had been described by his Professor at the University of Edinburgh as "an excellent naturalist..... and a thoroughly reliable gentleman".

When the original Zoology Building was completed in 1903 Haswell was delighted to move his collection of teaching specimens from all round the world into a specially designated museum. Most zoological phyla are represented, vertebrate and invertebrate animals, Australian and foreign species. Haswell’s collection formed the nucleus of today's museum which has been continuously used and added to ever since. Some of the original specimens are now over 100 years old.

Haswell's collection formed the nucleus of today's museum which has been continuously used and added to by academics, researchers and staff members. The Haswell Museum today is a valuable and historic collection of approximately 7,000 specimens and has been used to support undergraduate teaching for more than 100 years. Course-related specimens are displayed in the front foyer of the Macleay building (A12). The collection is available for research and outreach.

Teaching and research collection; public by appointment; historic and important specimens (7,000 specimens; established 1890s).

Location: ground floor of the Macleay Building.