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 next eight governors also lived here, and as banquets and balls, the business of government and family home merged, the public and private lives of the colony’s leading citizens played out. Today, through a diverse and changing program of exhibitions and events, the Museum of Sydney explores the stories of this city from its origins to today, while the remains of the original building can be glimpsed through glass openings in the museum forecourt and foyer.
You’re invited to discover Sydney’s living past with us. From early gastronomy and home interiors, to historic gardens, rural lives, architecture, crime and punishment, we have the best 12 places, exhibitions and events to experience a whole other life.
Check out our events and exhibitions, visit our unique buildings and gardens, or take a look at our collections.
Come and see what's happening at our places.
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
We are located one block back from Circular Quay, which is serviced by trains, buses and ferries.
For up-to-date timetables or to find the quickest public transport routes visit the Transport Infoline or call 131500.
The Governors Table Bar & Dining is open Monday 10am to 5pm; Tuesday to Friday, 10am till late. For bookings, contact (02) 9241 1788
Don’t miss the extraordinary scale models of the First Fleet, or the dog skeleton under the floor. Discover all kinds of secrets about this city and the families who have lived here. For children under 12 years, ask at the information desk for the MoS Kids guide for the museum.
Please feel free to call before your visit or ask at the reception desk for any assistance you may need.
There is level entry into the museum from the street and forecourt, and lift access to all floors.
We are always happy to try and accommodate individual visitors with specific needs into our regular guided tours, but we are best able to do that if you call ahead to let us know about any particular requirements you have. For groups with specific needs, we can develop customised tours to support those needs. Please call ahead to arrange on + 61 22 8313 5640.
All videos in temporary exhibitions are captioned, however historic films are not captioned at this stage.
The Museum of Sydney is a key location for exploring the early years of settlement and the history of contact between the Aboriginal people and the colonists. We have a range of curriculum-linked programs for primary and secondary students. Tours for tertiary and adult education groups can be booked by appointment.
Education bookings and inquiries: Call +61 2 8313 5640
The Governors Table is led by head chef Nghia Dinh and manager Zelka Pierce, as well as consultant sommelier Samantha Payne. The talented team pay homage to the past through their original menu – fusing modern Australian cuisine and colonial-era cookery techniques.
Kids Eat Free* with each adult main meal ordered during Sydney Icons with LEGO Bricks. Visit The Governors Table website for further details.
Open Monday 10am to 5pm; Tuesday to Friday, 10am till late. For bookings, contact (02) 9241 1788 or email reservations
Built on the site of Australia’s first Government House, a stone’s throw from Circular Quay in Sydney’s CBD, the Museum of Sydney is a beautifully designed, purpose-built museum and event space complete with the latest AV and other facilities to host business and special events for 20–250 people.