Museum of Sydney
Visit the Museum of Sydney to find out what makes it one of Australia's most significant sites
The Museum of Sydney was designed by Richard Johnson, one of Sydney's most famous architects and it today sits on one of the most important sites in Australia. The first ever Government House of Australia was actually built on this very site in 1788, to serve as the office and home of the then Governor, Arthur Phillip.
While at the Museum, be sure to take a look at the amazing Edge of the Trees art installation, set up to commemorate the site at which the British colonisers first made contact with the Gadigal people. Several exhibits you won’t want to miss out on while at the Museum of Sydney include models of the first Fleet ships, getting to meet the very first inhabitants of the city, as well as checking out the fascinating archaeological remains from digs at the site of the first Government house. There is also an area set aside for temporary exhibitions, so there is always something new and interesting to see.
In addition to exploring the Museum with its various displays of 19th century collections and modern exhibitions, you can also enjoy the magnificent gardens and views plus daily films about Sydney in the museum's AGL theatre. If you get hungry during all of this exploring you can grab something tasty to eat from the Museum of Sydney cafe.
Admission to the museum includes the option of joining a free guided tour. These are held twice daily beginning at 11am and at 2:30pm.
Nearby attractions include: Justice and Police Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Opera House and Government House.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesMuseum of Sydney Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: Cnr Bridge St &, Phillip St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Phone: (02) 9251 5988
Official Website: Museum of Sydney
Museum of Sydney Reviews
Rated out of 5
It's not as big as I thought it should be. One hour is enough to walk around the museum. It's good to visit the museum to gain knowledge on Sydney and Australia history. Opposite the museum used to be the old government house. There is a gift shop and a cafe in the building.
fly * - 2 weeks ago
Another exquisite, free museum including a First Nations hub and a First Nations speaker series.
A nice collection of permanent and visiting exhibitions in this small museum, which you could easily tour in a couple of hours. Permanent exhibitions include the first fleet ship replicas and Edge or Trees sculpture.
We were completely enchanted by the joy and vibrancy of the visiting exhibit
Coomaditchie: The Art of Place. (See photos).
A small but worthwhile gift shop as well as a cute café are also on site.
Lockie Hunter - 3 months ago
A small museum detailing the history of how Sydney came to be. Despite its size, it was able to illustrate how what used to be a small colony evolved to be the metropolis we know today. It also helps that the museum itself is on the site of one of the first important buildings in the city.
Oh, and entrance is still free as of writing. The staff were very lovely and assistive, so don’t hesitate to ask anything.
Harold Lubo - 2 months ago
Wonderfully interesting museum about on a historical site! It had a fascinating exhibit while I was visited about Coomaditchie as well as a fantastic video about the botany illustrations by Sydney Parkinson called “Beauty, Rich and Rare.”
Kristine Kropff - a month ago
Even though I’m not an Australian local, I find this museum to be highly informative about Sydney's origins and the early interactions between Indigenous people and immigrants. It’s an excellent place for the younger generation to learn about the history of their predecessors. The museum is clean, comfortable, and pleasant to visit. While it feels small for a museum, it’s still a worthwhile and valuable experience.
Hanry Woo - 2 months ago
Directions
| Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| L2, T2, T3, T8 or Ferry | Circular Quay | 2 minutes |
How to get to Museum of Sydney by
By Train or Ferry: Exit at Circular Quay Train Station, cross the street and walk south along Phillip Street to Bridge Street.
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Photo Gallery
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Museum of Sydney cc licensed photo by Sweet One
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