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
Absolutely a great place to visit and learning the history and culture of it all ! Built over and around the remains of Sydney’s First Government House, the Museum of Sydney is a special place.
Experience science, culture and nature in the heart of Sydney at the Australian Museum. Open from 10am to 5pm daily, discover the extraordinary permanent exhibitions on display with free entry to the museum.
Firoz Alam - a month ago
My take away from my visit to this museum (that stands on the site of the first governor’s house that was built by Governor Phillip - the first governor of Sydney and the man that led the first 11 ships to bring convicts over from England) is this: if every other Governor and leader had behaved like Governor Phillip to the indigenous people then we would have avoided much of the pains that followed in the colonisation of this island.
A beautiful museum and a great place to go to get a good introduction to the history of Sydney and indeed the birth of Australia. And it is free and has a good coffee shop/cafe.
Chim Onyebilanma - 4 months ago
Small museum, but a lot of details shown inside, with various changing exhibitions. Was free entry when I was there, so definitely worth a visit.
Gareth Ng - 3 weeks ago
Free entrance. It is located heart of Sydney among skyscappers. There are couple of films inside the building about stages of conqured the island. Not much interesting.
mustafa - 4 months ago
Free to the public, you probably need around 30min to walk around; longer if you want to go deep into the exhibits. There is a Sydney Opera House as a part of pop culture culture exhibit. You won’t be able to miss this landmark when in Sunday, and the curators did an amazing job with such collection. I appreciated three pieces by a contemporary aboriginal artist located on the first floor, their vision of the first Fleet coming to Sydney. There are some interactive rooms as well.
Katie Koche - 7 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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