iMuseum of Sydney
The Museum of Sydney stands on the archaeological remains of the First Government House, home to NSW's colonial governors from 1788 until its demolition in 1846. Opened in 1995 in a building by Denton Corker Marshall, it traces the city's history from Aboriginal Gadigal land through convict-era Sydney to the present, drawing on artefacts from more than 25 digs across the city. Its forecourt holds "Edge of the Trees", a landmark sculptural installation by Fiona Foley and Janet Laurence marking first contact between British settlers and the Gadigal people.
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What's On
Unearthed: Digging Up the Past
Archaeology exhibition on the 1980s-90s digs beneath the museum, showing artefacts from the First Government House site and First Nations perspectives on them.
Dig It!
Free hands-on family installation exploring archaeology, running alongside Unearthed, with a gamified dig and artefact activities.
Permanent Collections
Yura Nura: People & Country
Contemporary Aboriginal reflections on the site's history, including artworks by Gordon Syron on the First Fleet's arrival and its legacy.
Eora by Michael Riley
A 20-minute three-screen digital film by Wiradjuri/Kamilaroi artist Michael Riley (1960-2004), telling the story of Sydney's First Nations people before and after colonisation.
Edge of the Trees
Landmark 1995 forecourt sculpture by Fiona Foley and Janet Laurence: 29 sandstone, timber and steel pillars naming Sydney's Aboriginal clans, with an ambient soundscape.
Plan Your Visit
Getting there
Corner of Phillip and Bridge Streets, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Nearest station: Circular Quay Station, Circular Quay Light Rail and Wynyard Station
Show on mapHours
| Mon | 10:00–17:00 |
| Tue | 10:00–17:00 |
| Wed | 10:00–17:00 |
| Thu | 10:00–17:00 |
| Fri | 10:00–17:00 |
| Sat | 10:00–17:00 |
| SunToday | 10:00–17:00 |
Admission
Free
Last verified
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Visitor Information
- Is Museum of Sydney free to visit?
- Yes, general admission to Museum of Sydney is free. Some special exhibitions may charge a separate ticket, so check the museum's website before visiting.
- What are the opening hours of Museum of Sydney?
- Museum of Sydney is open Open daily 10am-5pm. Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day. General admission is free.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
- Where is Museum of Sydney?
- Museum of Sydney is located at Corner of Phillip and Bridge Streets, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia, in the Sydney CBD area of Sydney. The nearest stations are Circular Quay Station, Circular Quay Light Rail and Wynyard Station.
- What can I see at Museum of Sydney?
- History museum built over the ruins of Australia's first Government House, in the heart of the CBD. Current highlights include Unearthed: Digging Up the Past, Dig It! and Yura Nura: People & Country.
- Do I need to book Museum of Sydney in advance?
- Museum of Sydney is free to enter and most days you can walk in. For special exhibitions, weekends, and school holidays, booking a timed slot can help you skip queues. Check the museum's website for current requirements.
- When is the best time to visit Museum of Sydney?
- Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.
Image credits
6
- Museum of SydneyElekhh, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Edge of the TreesPingpengpong / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Justice & Police Museumsv1ambo, CC BY 2.0
- State Library of New South WalesBidgee, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Museum of Contemporary Art AustraliaTony Hisgett / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
- Hyde Park BarracksJ Bar / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0