What are the new admission pricing across our museums and houses?
Location | Admission fee |
|---|
Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collection | Elizabeth Bay House | Elizabeth Farm | Justice & Police Museum | Meroogal | Museum of Sydney | Rose Seidler House | Rouse Hill Estate | Susannah Place | The Mint | Vaucluse House | State Archives Reading Room | Free |
How long will the new pricing be in effect for?
Through the support of the NSW Government, we can welcome more people to experience our museums and houses. To date, the pricing has been extended until 2027.
Members receive exclusive benefits year-round:
- Members Hour at all our properties
- Members-only events and experiences across all our properties and programs
- 20% discount on events including school holiday programs
- Pre-sale and priority access to tickets, including Sydney Open and Sydney Open Series
- Reserved Seating at our events
- Members are first to know with regular eNews
- Exclusive giveaways and offers
- 10% discount at all our cafes and restaurants
- 10% discount at all our retail shops and online
- Benefits from our partners and friends
- Plus much more special offers and benefits announced throughout the year
What is Members Hour?
Members Hour is an exclusive time dedicated to members at each of our properties. Members can wander around and enjoy each site and have our historic houses, gardens and museum all to themselves.
Each Members Hour is communicated in the members eNews.
Why do you recommend Member + One as the flexible choice?
Member + One is the perfect choice for families or those looking to share their museum experience with others. You can bring your favourite person every time, or a different person with each visit.
The membership allows benefits for the member and one additional adult each visit.
With a Member + One , you can take a loved-one to the Hyde Park Barracks one day or explore Susannah Place Museum with a friend the next. You choose your + One!
When does my membership begin?
Membership begins on the date of purchase and is valid for 12 months.
If you renew your membership before the expiry date, it will carry on from the day your current membership ends. If you renew after your expiry date, your membership will restart when you renew.
You will receive a welcome email within 24 hours of your membership purchase containing your membership details and member benefits.
Gift Memberships will take effect when they are activated.
How many people does my membership include?
Member includes one adult and up to four children.
Member + One includes two adults and up to four children.
Children must be accompanied by the members. Your membership type is identified on your membership card, receipt or member emails.
Do I need a membership card?
No, you can access all your Members benefits using your members emails, enews and letters. You can always find your membership details in these communications. Or simply provide your ID at any of our sites and our museum staff will be able to help you.
How do I request a membership card?
All new or renewing members can choose to receive a membership card when they sign up or renew. Members with auto-renewal can contact the Members Office to request a card.
How does auto renewal work?
Auto renewal is a secure, simple and time-saving way to renew your membership annually using your credit card. Simply choose your preferred membership level with auto renewal, and when your membership is ready for renewal you’ll be notified via email about your upcoming payment, which will be processed automatically. By selecting auto renewal, you are authorising MHNSW to deduct the renewal fee from the provided credit card.
If you wish to cancel your automatic renewal payment or change your membership level, please email the members office, including your membership ID at least ten days in advance of the payment due date.
How do I book tickets?
Members enjoy discounted tickets to MHNSW events. Events are notified online and in regular member eNews. Bookings can be made online.
When booking tickets online you will need to login. If you have a membership your discount will be applied after you have logged in. If you have not previously created an online password, or have forgotten your password, please use the forgotten password function (located under the password field). Do not register a new account as this will not be linked to your membership account.
How do I log in?
To log in login, you’ll need to enter your email and password. If you have not previously created an online password, or have forgotten your password, please use the forgotten password function. Do not register a new account as this will not be linked to your membership.
Under account information, you will be able to update your contact details including postal address, phone and email.
If you have any difficulty logging in, it could be that your membership is registered under a different email. Please contact the membership or bookings office for assistance.
How do I access member pre-sale tickets?
For special and popular events, members receive access to tickets before they go on sale to the public. Members will be notified of upcoming events via email. Members wishing to purchase tickets in the pre-release period can do so via the MHNSW website.
How do I receive the member discounts on retail and cafes and restaurants?
Members enjoy a 10% discount in our cafes and restaurants and our retail shops. The discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
The cafes and restaurants discount is available for groups of 6 people or fewer, and include at least one member. The discount will be applied to the total bill and will not apply to split transactions.
When shopping via the MHNSW Online Shop use the membership discount code that was provided in your welcome email (and letter). It is also listed in your members eNews. The MHNSW Online Shop uses a separate system to our membership and ticketing system, so you may need to create a new account when purchasing items online.
When shopping in person, simply show proof of membership.
What happens if I lose my membership card?
In the event of lost cards, members can use any of their member eNews or emails as their membership confirmation.
If you lose your membership card and would like a replacement, please contact the membership office to arrange a replacement card. Email the members team here. Replacement cards may incur a cost.
How do I renew my membership?
When your membership is due for renewal you will be notified via email with instructions on how to renew online. You can also renew in person at any MHNSW museum or over the phone on +61 2 8072 4515.
Can I cancel my membership?
MHNSW memberships are non-refundable.
Can I lend my membership card to someone else?
No.
If you would like the flexibility of sharing the museum experience with others, the Member + One option will be perfect for you.
Do you offer Gift Memberships?
Yes. A Gift Membership makes a unique gift that provides year-round benefits.
When you purchase a Gift Membership online you will be asked to provide the recipient’s name and, if desired, a personal message. The Gift Membership confirmation will be emailed only to you (the purchaser), but is designed for you to forward to the gift recipient as an email; it can also be printed out if you prefer. The email will contain information on how the recipient can redeem their membership online or over the phone.
The membership will not commence until it is redeemed by the recipient. This allows you to purchase a Gift Membership today but only send it to them on the day when you want to surprise them.
Please note that you will also receive an emailed receipt. This is not the Gift Membership and should not be forwarded to the gift recipient.
How do I redeem my Gift Membership?
The person who gifted you a membership will provide you with a gift membership email that identifies the level of your membership (Member or Member + One), and a redemption code. We have not collected any of your information at this point, so you will need to provide this to us during the redemption process below.
Redeeming a gift membership is just like buying a membership, but you’ll use your redemption code to ‘pay’ for the membership.
To begin, visit the membership purchase page here.
Select the membership level you’ve been gifted and progress as though you are going to purchase the membership. This will either be Member or Member + One. Do not select the auto renewal membership level. Select proceed and check out.
You’ll now be asked to register your details. This is where you will enter your contact details. Once you have completed this step, you will be returned to your shopping cart. Enter your redemption code in the Gift Membership redemption box and redeem, and process order to finalise.
How does membership support MHNSW?
Funds raised from MHNSW membership go towards supporting the important work of MHNSW in preserving 12 of the state’s most significant heritage properties. This includes the physical restoration and preservation of the sites, the maintenance and acquisition of our collections, and the public-programs and activities that make the sites accessible.
Can I make an additional donation as a member?
Yes. You can donate online or in person at any of our museums. Your donation will help us to preserve and conserve our 12 historic sites, ensuring our significant history will be shared for generations to come. If you would like to discuss making a donation please contact donate@mhsnw.au
Why did SLM and SARA join to become Museums of History NSW (MHNSW)?
MHNSW is making the future of history more accessible and exciting than ever. By SLM and SARA coming together, we have more opportunity for sharing the stories and histories of the state, and for the production of content such as exhibitions, education and events, which will build MHNSW a prominent place in the state’s cultural programming.
As one of Australia’s pre-eminent archives and records authorities, SARA’s vast collection of government records and archives pre-dates European settlement in 1788. And as the custodian of 12 of the most important NSW historic houses, gardens and their collections, SLM opened the doors to the past in engaging, creative ways – virtually and in person.
By unifying our vast expertise, knowledge, assets and collections, we’ve created a new cultural institution that provides our audiences with greater access to a broader range of stories about our social, historical and cultural identity.
Alongside MHNSW, the State Archives and Records Authority of NSW has changed with the creation of a dedicated public office, State Records NSW (SRNSW). This entity is separate to MHNSW and focuses on record keeping standards, regulation, advice, education and policy.
How did the name of Museums of History NSW come about?
As with all brand-naming exploration, a set of criteria was put in place for the new institution. Our new name needed to:
- be unique
- position us within the cultural institution
- highlight our core mandate of history
- communicate the state-wide focus of institution
- be clearly understood by a diverse range of audiences
- position the new entity alongside other NSW cultural institutions
- allow enough flexibility to embrace everything that we do.
From here, a range of names were put forward as part of some preliminary brand positioning undertaken with Sydney-based agency, The Royals following consultation with staff and key external stakeholders.
While a number of names were proposed, ultimately, Museums of History NSW was selected as the preferred name. It most closely fits the naming criteria, and has been endorsed by the Hon Ben Franklin, Minister for the Arts. It also highlights our role in promoting the state’s history, with the ‘flex’ to make it discoverable, compelling, and relevant for our diverse audiences.
I still have a SLM membership card, can I use it?
Yes, you can. We will be phasing out the current physical SLM branded membership card and replacing this with a MHNSW digital card you can show from your mobile device on entry. Alternatively, your membership details are included in your monthly member eNews and emails and can be shown at our museums and historic houses for our friendly museum staff to look you up in our systems. Physical membership cards can be requested, either while purchasing a membership or via contacting our membership team.
Is there anything new for MHNSW memberships?
Yes! We are always working on new benefits and members-only experiences including behind-the-scenes access to the latest developments of MHNSW and great access to the State Archives Collection. Check out what’s on here.
