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: YesOpen Now
Hours This Week:- 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: Bridge St &, Phillip St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Phone: (02) 9251 5988
Official Website: Museum of Sydney
Directions
| Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| T2, T3 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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Reviews
Rated out of 5
As one of the most famous cities in Australia, I was expecting a more robust display at the Museum of Sydney. The two levels (excluding ground floor) whilst providing a somewhat interesting record of Sydney's early history left me wanting more. The admission price ($12 for adults) was too generous for a museum with such little to offer.
David Wilkinson - 2 days ago
As one of the most famous cities in Australia, I was expecting a more robust display at the Museum of Sydney. The two levels (excluding ground floor) whilst providing a somewhat interesting record of Sydney's early history left me wanting more. The admission price ($12 for adults) was too generous for a museum with such little to offer.
For a small museum it has a great amount of historical stories and artifacts. The demolished Sydney exhibition showed me an insight I never knew about Sydney. I wish they would make that a permanent feature and expand the stories to include the old outer suburbs too. Highly recommend a visit.
Darien Petermann - 22 days ago
For a small museum it has a great amount of historical stories and artifacts. The demolished Sydney exhibition showed me an insight I never knew about Sydney. I wish they would make that a permanent feature and expand the stories to include the old outer suburbs too. Highly recommend a visit.
Quirky museum focusing on Sydney history, architecture, culture. Current exhibition looks at artist community gathered around Brett and Wendy Whitely in Lavender Bay, with several paintings by Whitely from private collections.
Nancy Olsson - 23 days ago
Quirky museum focusing on Sydney history, architecture, culture. Current exhibition looks at artist community gathered around Brett and Wendy Whitely in Lavender Bay, with several paintings by Whitely from private collections.
Cheng Guo - 1 month ago
Located one block from Circular Quay, it is a combo of history and art gallery for local artist, Brett Whiteley. To fully appreciate the art exhibit, first visit Wendy's Secret Garden. Wendy, Brett's wife, created an expansive garden in front of their home on Lavender Bay on the north side of the bridge, beyond Luna Park. The city history is in a small number of displays, plus an auditorium with historical, period movies on Sydney. The museum is well done, but not large. The art portion consumes a big chunk of space, so the history portion feels cramped.
Rick Grimm - 1 month ago
Located one block from Circular Quay, it is a combo of history and art gallery for local artist, Brett Whiteley. To fully appreciate the art exhibit, first visit Wendy's Secret Garden. Wendy, Brett's wife, created an expansive garden in front of their home on Lavender Bay on the north side of the bridge, beyond Luna Park. The city history is in a small number of displays, plus an auditorium with historical, period movies on Sydney. The museum is well done, but not large. The art portion consumes a big chunk of space, so the history portion feels cramped. 
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Museum of Sydney cc licensed photo by Sweet One -
Museum of Sydney cc licensed photo by GOC53
