The mission of the Roxy Museum is to evidence, explain and illustrate the story of Greek immigration and settlement in the country areas of NSW and Queensland in the first half of the 20th Century. This was a period when most Greeks owned or were employed in cafes and a considerable number conducted picture theatres.

The collection of artifacts and images provides tangible evidence and reminders of the era of Greek cafes and cinemas. It also marks significant points in the Greek immigrants’ journey from Greece and in their subsequent ‘journey’ towards becoming Australian.

The Museum’s most important artifacts are the Roxy Theatre and Cafe, built by Greek immigrants in the 1930s and now beautifully restored and serving their original functions. It is hoped the Roxy Museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between people and place.

The History of the Roxy Greek Museum
In April 2011, Councilor John Coulton, Mayor of Gwydir Shire, committed the Council to developing a Greek Museum within the Roxy buildings, and in November that year the NSW Government announced a $94,500 grant under the Arts Funding Program for the development of the Roxy Museum. Grants to the Council for the museum were also  received from private donors, notably the Nicholas Aroney Trust which has given a total of $50,000, the Kytherian Association of Australia has given $10,000, and businessman Mr Nick Politis has donated $5,000. The Museum has also received support and assistance from the Australian Hellenic and Progressive Association of Australia (AHEPA).

In  2012 Mr Peter Prineas OAM the grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three original co-founders of the Roxy was appointed as the curator of the museum. Mr Prineas played a pivotal role in the establishment of the museum, dedicating many hours of research and curatorial work.

In 2013 the Gwydir Shire Council engaged the services of museum design consultants Convegence Associates based in Melbourne to assist in realising the museum. In  April 2014 the museum was opened to the public with a Greek style celebration. Images of the celebration can be seen below

In 2015 The museum was recognized and awarded first place in the level 2 category of the MAGNA (Museum and National Gallery Award) at an award ceremony in Sydney. Other museums and galleries recognized at these awards were The Australian Botanic Gardens, Royal Australian Mint and the Australian War museum putting The Roxy Greek Museum amongst some of the most prestigious museums and galleries in Australia.

Visiting The Roxy Greek Museum

The Roxy Greek Museum is housed in the Roxy theatre and can be accessed via the Bingara Visitor Information Centre. The museum can be seen on its own part of a Roxy tour.

The museum is operational during Visitor Information Centre Hours
9am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday
9am to 12pm Saturday and Sundays

Entry to the museum is $5 or $10 as part of the complete Roxy tour.
For more information contact the Bingara Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or bingaratourism@gwydir.nsw.gov.au for further information.

Bingara Roxy Museum Grand Opening Celebrations