Traditions & festivals

A Sepik River mei mask

An eye-catching object in the People’s House: Sydney Opera House at 50 exhibition reveals an unexpected story of the opening ceremonies, of performance, and of international diplomacy

A domed exhibition building with two large towers on either side. A group of people and a horse and cart stand in front

Intercolonial Exhibition, 1870

The Intercolonial Exhibition of General Industries and Arts opened in Sydney on 30 August 1870. It was held at the Exhibition Building at Prince Alfred Park in Surry Hills and was a preparatory display for the 1871 International Exhibition in London

Opening ceremony. NRS15933-11-A5357

A look back at the Sydney 2000 Olympics

Do you remember when Olympic Fever hit Sydney in 2000? The Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Sydney welcomed and hosted over 11,000 athletes from 199 countries. Together with 50,000 volunteers and millions of spectators Sydney captured the attention of the world - a city of sport, festivals, arts, community, friendship and fun

Empire Day / Commonwealth Day

A chance find while searching the Premier's Department, Unregistered Papers and Pamphlets revealed a bundle of records containing Empire Day programs 1905-1915