Museum of Sydney, Sydney

Museum of Sydney, Sydney

The Museum of Sydney showcases the fascinating history of the city and how it developed from a small village near a harbour to a vibrant metropolis. History comes alive to visitors through displays, pictures and digital media techniques.

The Museum of Sydney is on the site of the first Government House built for the first Governor of New South Wales, Arthur Philip. It was constructed in 1788 and was unearthed by archaeologists in 1983. The early drains are left exposed in front of the modern structure housing the Museum of Sydney. It was designed by the architect firm, Denton Corker Marshall. The museum opened its doors for public viewing in 1995. It has an award-winning sculpture called the Edge of the Trees depicting the first contact between Aborigines and British settlers.

Notable displays at the museum are panoramic views of the city, goods and chattels belonging to convicts uncovered by archaeological digs, objects dedicated to the indigenous people who lived in the location before the arrival of the Europeans and models and descriptions of the first fleet that brought British troops and convicts to Australia to set up a penal colony. The museum tells the tale of the people who lived and worked in the city and visionaries who shaped modern-day Sydney.

Why You Should Visit:
One place to quickly upgrade your knowledge about Sydney by way of varied and interesting exhibits including unique artworks, archaeology, models, and more.
Although not large, the museum is well laid out and there are several videos, archive films, and interactive exhibits.

Tip:
Taking the guided tour is a good idea, as it unravels so much more information. There is a lot of subtlety to the museum which is probably lost on the people who criticize it for not being BIG.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Sydney. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Museum of Sydney on Map

Sight Name: Museum of Sydney
Sight Location: Sydney, Australia (See walking tours in Sydney)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery

Walking Tours in Sydney, Australia

Create Your Own Walk in Sydney

Create Your Own Walk in Sydney

Creating your own self-guided walk in Sydney is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
The Rocks Walking Tour

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Sydney's Historical Churches

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The impressive Early English-style of architecture seen in Saint Mary's Cathedral is said to have inspired the American...  view more

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Newtown Street Murals Walking Tour

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Ever since the early 1990s, with the appearance of the famous “I Have a Dream” Mural on King Street, a powerful depiction of Martin Luther King Junior's iconic speech, this...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Historic Buildings Walking Tour

Historic Buildings Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Food Tour in Sydney

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Sydney is a melting pot, and the local food culture is a sure testament to that. The inflow of immigrants from Europe and Asia over the years has turned the city into a much coveted foodie destination. This tour offers an introduction to the multifaceted and diverse food & brewery experience to be had here.

Start with Gateway Sydney, an upscale food court with WiFi and just about any kind...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Sydney Introduction Walking Tour

Sydney Introduction Walking Tour

Sydney was found in 1788 when a fleet of eleven British ships arrived at where Sydney Cove is today. Onboard those pioneer vessels were 759 convicts plus sailors and marines to guard them. The city was named after Lord Sydney, the British Secretary of State who recommended the British government to establish a penal colony in Australia.

Human activity in the area that would later become Sydney...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


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