Caroline Simpson Collection
Home and garden design, history and life
There’s plenty happening every day at our museums, historic houses and gardens, with entry free for all!
Explore our curriculum-linked programs, excursions and resources for stages 1 to 6. Inquire or book now
Your support will help us to preserve and share the stories of NSW through our places, collections, archives and programs
We manage, maintain and interpret buildings and places of historic importance for the education and enjoyment of the public
Home and garden design, history and life
Making history every day
Place-based collections at our historic houses and museums
Museums of History NSW is delighted to announce a dramatic new art installation, 'Hope', by renowned multidisciplinary artist Hiromi Tango, to be displayed at the Hyde Park Barracks from 11 April 2025
Donors joined Dr Aaron De Souza, Research Manager at Museums of History NSW, for a fascinating bespoke talk and behind-the-scenes viewing of a selection of the more than 140,000 archaeological finds from the site of Australia’s first Government House
Estate Vaucluse House has won the Greater Sydney Wedding Venue – Historic Venue category at the 2024 Wedding Industry Awards
A recent acquisition for the Caroline Simpson Library captures a rare view of the long-demolished southern range of the Hyde Park Barracks
A space and place to celebrate and engage with First Nations cultures, knowledge and perspectives
WelcomeIn the lead-up to 26 January, the State Archives Collection provides opportunities to explore and reflect on past examples of advocacy and allyship in the fight for First Nations rights
In December 2022, Phyllis Murphy AM generously donated to the Caroline Simpson Library more than 3,000 wallpaper samples. While the bulk of the donation consists of wallpaper rolls, lengths and sample books, it also includes two printing rollers
Forgotten for decades, the archive of building contractor Alexander Mackintosh was rediscovered in a roof space in the 1990s. It includes more than 270 architectural drawings and reveals information about the work of many of Sydney’s leading architects of the early 20th century
'Vexations in blue' by Jackie Streit has been awarded first prize in the Meroogal Women’s Art Prize 2024