Museums of History New South Wales

West elevation (front) of Hyde Park Barracks, from across Queens Square

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There’s plenty happening every day at our museums, historic houses and gardens, with entry free for all!

Student carrying convict bricks in the courtyard at Hyde Park Barracks

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Explore our curriculum-linked programs, excursions and resources for stages 1 to 6. Inquire or book now

Education programme at Hyde Park Barracks.

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The view of the gardens from the roof of Vaucluse House

Heritage

We manage, maintain and interpret buildings and places of historic importance for the education and enjoyment of the public

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Hiromi Tango
Latest News

Call for participants: Hope Garden by Hiromi Tango

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

Dr Aaron De Souza (standing, right), Research Manager at Museums of History NSW, presenting archaeological artefacts from the site of Australia’s first Government House
Latest News

Exploring the archaeology of the first Government House

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 at Vaucluse House wedding reception
Latest News

2024 Wedding Industry Awards win for Estate Vaucluse House

Estate Vaucluse House has won the Greater Sydney Wedding Venue – Historic Venue category at the 2024 Wedding Industry Awards

Scottish Rifles outside Hyde Park Barracks / photographer Charles Bayliss
Latest News

New insights from an old photograph

A recent acquisition for the Caroline Simpson Library captures a rare view of the long-demolished southern range of the Hyde Park Barracks

First Nations Hub

A space and place to celebrate and engage with First Nations cultures, knowledge and perspectives

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Stories

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NRS 12061 [12/8749.1] 62/1515pt1, p334

Advocacy, allyship and the rise and fall of the Aborigines Protection Board

In 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

Wallpaper roller undergoing 3D capture using photogrammetry
Wallpaper

Wallpaper printing rollers: from machine printing to 3D capture

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

Alexander Mackintosh Archive : 
architectural plans and specifications, 1901-ca.1921: Waterhouse & Lake : architectural plans and specifications, 1909-1924 / B.J. Waterhouse & J.W. Lake [architectural drawing]

The Alexander Mackintosh Archive: revealing records of a master builder

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 with artist Jackie Streit

Meet the artist – Meroogal Women’s Art Prize 2024 winner Jackie Streit

'Vexations in blue' by Jackie Streit has been awarded first prize in the Meroogal Women’s Art Prize 2024

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