Museums of History NSW

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Museums of History NSW Welcome to Museums of History NSW (MHNSW)
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Welcome to Museums of History NSW (MHNSW), formed by the coming together of Sydney Living Museums and the State Archives and Records Authority of New South Wales. Built on a foundation of First Nations first, we are dedicated to engaging people in our past to encourage a more informed perspective tomorrow. From historic gardens, early gastronomy and rural lives to immigration, crime, architecture and home interiors, we have the best places, exhibitions and events to experience another way of life. Come visit our historic houses, museums and gardens, enjoy our events and exhibitions and take a look at our collections. Our places include: Elizabeth Bay House, Elizabeth Farm, Hyde Park Barracks, Justice & Police Museum, Meroogal Museum of Sydney - on the site of first Government House, Rose Seidler House, Rouse Hill Estate, Susannah Place, The Mint, Caroline Simpson Library, Vaucluse House and the Western Sydney Records Centre.

05/11/2026

It’s World Digital Preservation Day! 💻📚

Today, Tara from our collection digitisation team shares why digital preservation is so important for safeguarding the records, objects and stories that connect us with our past.

You can explore our digital collections now via the link in our bio đź”—

04/11/2026

Consider this your sign to go jacaranda spotting at our sites đź’śđź‘€

Visit Vaucluse House, Elizabeth Farm and Meroogal now to see stunning blooms!

Plan your visit đź”— Entry is free

Ready to immerse yourself in 150 years of Sydney's working class history? Book a tour of Susannah Place now: https://mhn...
03/11/2026

Ready to immerse yourself in 150 years of Sydney's working class history? Book a tour of Susannah Place now: https://mhnsw.au/visit-us/susannah-place/

History buffs, maybe it's time you skip the big museums and visit the real past of the harbour city. Tucked away in The Rocks, the four terraces of Susannah Place have overlooked the working life of the city for 180+ years. Now you can get to know them (and the people who lived there) via four guided tours offered by Museums of History NSW

No glass cabinets, no cheap recreations – these experiences get you as close as you can get to meeting the late residents of The Rocks face-to-face. Find out more via the link in the comments 👇

Paid partnership with Museums of History NSW

Some moments from Sydney Open 2026 👏🗝️Yesterday, thousands of people came out to explore more than 40 incredible buildin...
02/11/2026

Some moments from Sydney Open 2026 👏🗝️

Yesterday, thousands of people came out to explore more than 40 incredible buildings and spaces across Sydney. It was a huge day of architecture, adventure and discovery with loads of exclusive tours, fascinating talks and unique experiences around every corner!

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated volunteers and staff, the buildings that opened their doors and everyone who joined us 🧡

Sydney Open 2026 wouldn't have been possible without our wonderful partners. Thank you to our principal partner NSW Architects Registration Board, major partner Government Architect NSW, media partner ArchitectureAu and presenting partners Macquarie Group and The Lands by Capella.

If yesterday left you curious for more, you’re in luck! There’s plenty more Sydney Open to come in 2027, with tours, talks and exciting programs throughout the year, including a special out-of-town Open event to be revealed soon 👀

📷© Coastal Creatives for Museums of History NSW

30/10/2026

Good mourn-ing and happy ! 🕯️🖤

Today, Mel takes you into the macabre world of Victorian mourning traditions (1837–1901), with a look at some curious items from the Caroline Simpson Library.

Happy   🍎 These photographs from the State Archives Collection show teachers at work during the 20th century.  From clas...
29/10/2026

Happy 🍎 These photographs from the State Archives Collection show teachers at work during the 20th century.

From classrooms then to classrooms today, here’s to all the teachers who share their knowledge and inspire curiosity every day!

đź“· From the NSW State Archives Collection: 1. NRS-21689-1-GPO4_38533; 2. NRS-21689-1-GPO4_38623; 3: State Archives Collection, NRS-4481-3-[7-15982]-St8621; 4: NRS-21689-1-GPO4_38603; 5. NRS-21689-1-GPO4_38505; 6.NRS-21689-1-GPO4_38231; 7. NRS-21689-1-GPO4_38168

Last week, we marked   by sharing how the State Archives Collection can offer fascinating glimpses into the lives of Aus...
28/10/2026

Last week, we marked by sharing how the State Archives Collection can offer fascinating glimpses into the lives of Australian literary figures 📚

Lead Archivist Bonnie Wildie uncovered the traces of famous novelists, poets and storytellers that can be found in NSW Government records, revealing what these records can tell us about their lives. Guests then had the chance to step inside the archives on behind-the-scenes tour of the Western Sydney Records Centre.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a wonderful morning exploring writers, records and the stories they hold!

📷 Penny Stannard © Museums of History NSW

27/10/2026

Inside Wardle with Jasmin Williamson, architect of 477 on Pitt 🏙️
 
Bringing together a commercial tower and heritage buildings spanning almost 180 years of Sydney's history, 477 on Pitt reimagines an entire city block as a contemporary workplace and technology hub.‌
 
This Sunday, a ticket to Sydney Open gives you exclusive access to spaces not usually open to the public, including the Collider and Wardle's Sydney studio.

Don’t miss your chance to explore 477 on Pitt Street 🎟️ Secure your tickets now!

Save the date! A Festive Makers Market is coming to Hyde Park Barracks on Thursday 3 December and entry is FREE 🛍️🎨Wande...
27/10/2026

Save the date! A Festive Makers Market is coming to Hyde Park Barracks on Thursday 3 December and entry is FREE 🛍️🎨

Wander stall after stall of handcrafted treasures, meet talented local makers and discover unique gifts for everyone on your list.

With great food, live music and pop-up w**e, b**r and cocktail bars, there’s every reason to bring your friends and family along and make an evening of it.

📅 Thursday 3 December, 4–9pm
📍 Hyde Park Barracks
🎟️ FREE entry, limited tickets available. Register now: mhnsw.au/whats-on/events/festive-makers-market/

đź“· James Horan for MHNSW

Celebrate the season at the Festive Makers Market, a lively one-night event bringing festive shopping, food, music and summer-evening atmosphere at the Hyde Park Barracks

Address

The Mint, 10 Macquarie Street
Sydney, NSW
2000

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5pm
Friday 9:30am - 5pm

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