Hundreds of people turned out to celebrate 20 years of the Bendigo museum, with free admission and activities drawing families to the Chinese precinct.

Concept designs and business plans include three levels of new space for the museum and touring exhibitions, plus a restaurant, gift shop, function space and internal courtyard gardens.

Depicted in the outside shell of the building is the Chinese wheel of life, wrapping itself around the existing museum, creating the Sun Loong Gallery as the centrepiece.

The expansion also reflects the Yin and Yang philosophy, with the flat front absorbing the positive energy of the Chinese gardens and blocking the negative energy from the old jail.

Golden Dragon Museum general manager Anita Jack said the museum would apply for state and federal government funding for the expansion, which was urgently needed.

“The plan is one that will complete the Chinese precinct,’’ she said.

“Cultural tourism is a big part of the Bendigo economy, and we want to go from strength to strength.’’

Ms Jack said the Golden Dragon Museum’s 1880 textile collection, of international significance, would be exhibited in Hong Kong in 2013.

“We hope to make partnerships with other museums throughout the world to ensure an active calendar of events once we build the extension,’’ she said.

“This new space will ensure we hold world renowned exhibitions.’’

Ms Jack said celebrations were a success, with many Bendigo people attending the 20th birthday celebrations on Saturday.

“There was quite a high number of locals who hadn’t been to the museum for a long time,’’ she said.

Ms Jack said that activities throughout the year would mark the museum’s 20th anniversary.

She said that a tour focusing on Chinese myths and symbolism would be held at 11.30am tomorrow.