Museum of Sydney

A modern museum built over and around the remains of Australia’s first Government House, the Museum of Sydney celebrates the people and events that have shaped the character and soul of this city.
In 1788 Governor Phillip chose this site for his official residence. It quickly became the centre of the colony’s administrative and social life, and an important focus of first contact between the Gadigal people and the colonisers.
The physical remains of the colony’s first government house and archaeological relics from the colony’s first year of existence can be glimpsed through glass openings in the museum forecourt and foyer. This is the oldest evidence of its kind in Australia.
On the Museum forecourt there is also Edge of the Trees, a site-specific installation created by artists Fiona Foley and Janet Laurence. This award-winning public art installation evokes the cultural and physical history of the site, before and after 1788: a pivotal turning point in our history, when contact and invasion / colonisation took place.
Today, through a diverse and changing program of exhibitions and events, the Museum of Sydney interprets the history of this symbolic place and tells the city’s story.
Entry included with the Sydney Museums Pass.
Nearby events
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Clara Williams-Rolden and Louise Williams: Quitting Plastic
Tuesday 19 February 2019 , City Centre
Discover how to reduce plastic in your everyday life, starting with changes that are small and easy to make, and working up to bigger changes to your daily routine. Where do you start if you want to reduce the plastic in your life?…
19 Feb -
Sydney Showboats: The Best-selling Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise
Wednesday 20 February 2019 to Tuesday 31 December 2019 , City Centre
Book your seats on this Sydney Harbour dinner cruise and be assured of a memorable time! The unique combination of quality restaurant-style dining and a spectacular one-hour live cabaret show ‘Voyage of Love’ makes this dinner cruise on…
20 Feb - 31 Dec -
Breakfast with the Koalas at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Wednesday 20 February 2019 to Thursday 31 December 2020 , City Centre
WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo offers the unique opportunity to meet their iconic Australian koalas, all while enjoying a delicious hot buffet breakfast. Running daily from 7.15am (times subject to change), you will have the chance to escape the…
20 Feb - 31 Dec