Whose Place?

About the program

During this thought-provoking and engaging program, students discover that the Museum of Sydney is built over the site of first Government House, from where Captain Arthur Phillip governed the young colony of NSW. This place was also an important site of contact between British and Aboriginal people.

Students are guided through the museum and participate in a variety of structured learning activities that help them to identify different points of view and explain why people in the past may have behaved as they did. They will analyse artworks and displays of artefacts, handle objects, and work in small groups to learn about Aboriginal people’s experiences before and after the arrival of the First Fleet. They will also develop the skill of empathetic understanding as they play a game that demonstrates the challenges of communicating without a shared language.

Corner Phillip and Bridge streets, Sydney NSW 2000. Phone +61 2 9251 5988

Museum of Sydney

Corner Phillip and Bridge streets, Sydney NSW 2000. Phone +61 2 9251 5988
  • Cafe
  • Wheelchair accessible
Cost (GST free)
From $200 for up to 20 students

See page for cost scale details

Duration
90 minutes
Session offered
Monday to Friday
Maximum students
60 per session
Supervision ratios

The supervision ratio is 1:10 for primary groups and 1:15 for secondary groups. Teachers and parents attend free of charge at these ratios. One carer per student with special needs will be admitted free of charge

Additional visitor costs

Each additional visitor will be charged at the concession rate of $12

Browse all
Some kitchen items on the table in front of the fireplace
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Colonial Life at Elizabeth Farm

As they explore the Macarthur family home, which dates from 1793, students learn about the lives of the family and their convict servants and the impact of colonisation on the traditional owners of the Parramatta area

Children recreating a solitary confinement cell with foam bricks
Onsite

Convict Life at the Barracks

What was it like to be a convict living at the Hyde Park Barracks?