Open today

10am–5pm

Free wifi
Wheelchair Accessible

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Address

Corner Phillip and Bridge Streets, Sydney, NSW 2000

Phone

Museum: 02 9251 5988

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For 57 years first Government House was the centre of the social, ceremonial and political life of the colony of NSW. Today the Museum of Sydney protects the fragile remains of this deeply significant and symbolic site, and tells ongoing stories of Sydney and its people.

Old watercolour showing the harbour, foreshore area and gardens in front of first Government House. Yachts and aborigines in canoes are depicted on the water.

First Government House, Sydney by John Eyre.

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.

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Two people looking at museum display table.

Two people seated on verandah at Vaucluse House.

News

Exterior of cafe with seating and planter boxes.

Museum of Sydney

Thank you to our Governors Kitchen patrons for their supportSaturday 4 August 2018

The Governors Kitchen cafe will be closed for ongoing renovations from Friday 3 August. Throughout August, visitors can enjoy coffee, cold beverages and light refreshments from the coffee cart located on the museum forecourt.

Bronze sculptures of birds installed on the roof of museum.

Museum of Sydney

Tracey Emin’s handmade bronze birds: have you spotted them?Wednesday 1 August 2018

See this dreamy City of Sydney video of Tracey Emin’s 'The Distance of Your Heart' installation of bronze birds around Sydney, including at Museum of Sydney.