A UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of contemporary Sydney, the Hyde Park Barracks is an extraordinary record of the living legacy of colonial Australia. Originally built to house convicts, the Barracks also served as a women’s immigration depot and asylum, and later law courts and government offices. Today this immersive museum tells the stories of the thousands of men, women and children held or housed there, and the Aboriginal communities profoundly impacted by the relentless push of colonial expansion.

What's on

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Now showing
Featured display

Hope by Hiromi Tango

Museums of History NSW is delighted to announce a dramatic new art installation by renowned multidisciplinary artist Hiromi Tango, on display at the Hyde Park Barracks until 15 June 2025

Saturday 12 April
Welcome Choir for the Hope Programs at Hyde Park Barracks
Workshop

The Welcome Choir

The Welcome Choir is a friendly, all-ages, all-abilities choir focused on the uplifting experience of singing together

Sunday 15 June 10.30am–12pm
Queens Square, Macquarie Street Sydney NSW 2000

Hyde Park Barracks

Gadigal Country

Queens Square, Macquarie Street Sydney NSW 2000
  • Wheelchair accessible
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Learning programs

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Education programme at Hyde Park Barracks.
Onsite

Archaeology Underfoot

As they experience historical archaeology first hand, students learn to differentiate between the roles of historian and archaeologist

Students examining convict tools to learn about Convict Life at the Barracks on Level 3 of the museum
Onsite

Convict Life at the Barracks

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

Two girls dressed in costume in large dormitory style room.
Onsite

Home: Convicts, Migrants and First Peoples

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

Student and carer looking at convict bricks on wheelchair tray.  Cayn assisting.
Onsite

Making Connections accessible program

Onsite program at the Hyde Park Barracks for primary and secondary school students with access requirements

Museum stories

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Room with floor removed, revealing footings.

Discoveries at the Barracks

Renewal and restoration works on the Hyde Park Barracks compound have exposed building techniques from the early 19th century

Paiting showing boats and Aboriginal people in canoes
First Nations

The convict impact on Aboriginal people

Impacts of the convict system on Aboriginal Country and communities

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Museum stories

A short history of the Hyde Park Barracks

In the early 19th century, the Hyde Park Barracks was the central convict institution and crossroads for tens of thousands of convicts shuffled back and forth throughout the colony. It's now on the World Heritage list, recognised among the world’s most important cultural heritage places linked to forced migration, colony building and convict culture.

Series of brass cogs and wheels.
Museum stories

Conserving Australia’s oldest public clock

On its 200th anniversary, Australia’s oldest surviving public clock received some much-needed conservation and care

Person in red shirt kneeling in front of lifted floorboards removing debris.
Museum stories

Hyde Park Barracks: a keeper of lost things

Uncover and explore some of the items found inside the barracks

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