Museum of Sydney

The Museum of Sydney is a public museum on the site of Australia’s first Government House, located on the city’s main waterfront. It interprets the colonial founding of Sydney and the longer histories of the place.

Galleries cover the period from first European settlement in 1788 through the 19th century, alongside exhibits on local Aboriginal histories and the evolving cityscape. The museum incorporates archaeological displays showing the foundations and remains of the original Government House.

The museum was established in the 1990s to interpret the site of the first Government House and broader Sydney history; it opened on the historic site where the colony’s first administration was based from 1788. Archaeological investigations at the site have supplied objects and structural remains that form a core part of the museum’s displays.

The museum sits on George Street near Circular Quay in Sydney’s central business district, within walking distance of The Rocks, the Opera House and ferry terminals.

• Archaeological site: Built on the archaeological site of the first Government House (established 1788), with remains visible to visitors in the museum basement.
• Location tip: Located a short walk from Circular Quay and the historic Rocks precinct, making it easy to combine with other central Sydney attractions.

What to See #

• First Government House remains: Excavated remains and visible foundations of the first Government House are displayed beneath and adjacent to the museum galleries, forming a key archaeological feature.
• Galleries: Exhibition galleries present rotating displays on colonial Sydney, Indigenous histories, and the site's archaeology together with temporary shows.