John Chen

5/5

a year ago

Power House Museum is my prefer museum because it full of science and spaces knowledge.

The Wiggles park let kids fell happy. And spaceship and old train attract people too much.

This is a interesting & happy place you will not get disappointment.

A T Bekri

5/5

3 months ago

My little daughter loved this place. It is full of interesting and informative items, including full size trains, cars, planes etc. Definitely a must see with family. Their cafe is not bad either.

Pascal Raabe

5/5

3 months ago

I was positively surprised about the breadth and variety of exhibitions on show now. You can easily spend a whole afternoon here. Easily one of the most interesting and engaging museums in Sydney.

Chris Wall

1/5

4 weeks ago

As far as museums go I would rate this 1/10.
There are 2 small floors of exhibits.
One includes a tv show about native culture and some model boats. The second is an artist’s outfits on models.
Genuinely no artifacts or physical historical items here.
Would not waste $15

Mark Emery

4/5

2 weeks ago

Is a small but well presented museum on the site of Sydneys first Governor’s House. A good model and photos in one area to understand what was first built here. At the moment a display for kids entitled ‘How to Move a Zoo’, also of interest to adults. Some great info on Sydney’s growth and development, the First Fleet, and impact of settlement on aboriginal population. No cafe on site but plenty nearby.

benji scheihing

4/5

4 weeks ago

The museum is pretty small, but has lots of interesting things. The staff is unbelievably knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. It will probably take 1 hour to see everything.

Also, I bought a book and, unlike other museums, it was not overpriced

Felicia Chiew

5/5

3 months ago

Friendly and welcoming staff! Free museum that’s worth a visit if you’re around, especially love the interactive map that shows what the nearby places looked like in the olden days.

Tanya Vanderkooi

3/5

a month ago

Found this little museum while walking around The Rocks was amazed that it also had an aboriginal photographers pictures displayed as well.

Jia Wen Lim

5/5

2 years ago

Excellent museum – small but filled with information. You can learn about The Rocks and also the Aboriginals. Best of all, its free!

Osama Sydney

1/5

9 months ago

Disappointing museum, bordering on a ripoff.
Don’t waste your time or money.
Go to the Australian Museum near Hyde Park instead because it is absolutely free, has Dinosaurs and excellent.

Site will not mention that about half of the museum is closed. Only the left side is open.

To be fair, after I complained about the state of the museum, staff showed me smallprint, non-bolded single statement on the site saying that half price entry will be applied because of the renovations.

Frankly, my time should not be wasted at this place, even if it was free.

C Cerracchio

5/5

7 months ago

i will come this weekend

Alexandra Portobello

5/5

a year ago

Lovely buildings! Very kind staff

Shez H

5/5

a month ago

I have been here twice when it was open. It’s very tight inside so this presents a huge problem with Covid because it’s impossible to social distance. But I have to tell everyone when it is open again it’s a must do! This building is totally untouched from the 1800s. The Rocks was the first suburb in Australia and this place is fine example of what life was like living here. The guide was great and answered many of my questions. In summer it can get very stuffy in here so cooler days would be better. Sadly you are not allowed to take any photos.

Jack T

5/5

2 years ago

A great way to get an understanding of the last 150 years in Sydney from a working class perspective. These 4 terrace houses built in 1844 have a long and varied history which the Living Museums group have researched and uncovered in amazing detail.

Travelling between the four houses as part of a guided tour (you cannot view the properties outwith a tour, so book ahead) you are given insight into each of the major time periods the properties were occupied (late 1800s, early 1900s, mid-late 1900s). This insight comes primarily from accounts of those who lived there which are pieced together from various sources including their descendants and neighbours.

The interiors are not restored (a choice made by the museum) to preserve the real history of the buildings. They are cared for and made safe but left, as much as possible, since being left vacant in 1989.

Our tour was given by Russell who was fantastic, charismatic and cheekily funny. Perfectly pitched for the group and the material he was delivering. He and the museum brought to life the story of working class Sydney over the last 150 years.

Brilliant!

Brian Champion

5/5

2 years ago

A classic look at how life used to be.

Debra Greene

5/5

2 years ago

Very nice, friendly group of people working here! Interesting video background show. The showcase has wonderful selections with no pressure to buy, but why would you not! 🙂 We purchased cute earrings and necklace. Add $20 for the necklace that sports the opal piece, but no problem; it’s sterling silver with a claw clasp. Don’t want to lose it, right?! Have a good time at the Opal Museum and showroom! 🙂

Brad Shaw

4/5

a year ago

A great free slice of education about opals with a large range available for purchase!

Alvin Wong

2/5

2 years ago

Fairly generous to call it a museum, as its main purpose is to sell rather then educate. The showroom is larger then the educational side…and only a couple static dinosaur models are presented I. The museum section. (In pictures)

That said it’s a decent place to come in lounge, look at Opal and perhaps purchase one. Sales staff are good at explaining and finding something that matches the budget, or perhaps get you to move past the budget

Rating it as a museum, not as a shop… Two stars cus it’s free and you can always leave….

Acey Li

1/5

10 months ago

piano music for sleep

5/5

2 months ago

is so pretty?

Oliver Lig

1/5

10 months ago

DO NOT VISIT. I would leave a 0 if I could. Paid and booked tickets two months ago. I arrived on the day to the museum being closed – no notice at all. I called the owner, he said ‘I didn’t feel like coming in today’. I mentioned that I booked tickets via Tripadvisor, so he said ‘well you have to deal with tripadvisor’.

Most unprofessional museum i’ve ever visited.

J. Crasto

2/5

a year ago

I had booked & paid for 7 tickets for a show on 30th December 2020 and due to the Covid restrictions and hotspot announcements in the surrounds of Darlinghurst we choose to cancel the booking. However I was told that as refunds are not the norm in this industry a credit vouchers a credit voucher would be emailed to me. To date several calls and messages later I am still awaiting an email with a credit voucher. It is disappointing that each time I have had to make contact but have not received so much as even an update on the reasons for the delay. It is a pity to have to post this review which is contrary to the high rating enjoyed by the Museum of Magical Arts. It would be appreciated if action is necessary action is taken.

Stephen Williams

5/5

a year ago

The MCA is somewhere to visit 2-3 times a year to see what is new.

Travel Bug

5/5

a year ago

Lots of things to see at this and they also got cool events here! Great place to kill some time!

Michal Moczynski

5/5

4 months ago

Definitely should be on todo list if you’re visiting Sydney. It has great exhibitions and is located in such an easy place to get to.
If you’re there, check out the cafe at the top floor! It has some epic views to the Opera House and the harbour?

Suzanne De Bellis

5/5

11 months ago

Had a great morning with my 9 year and his friend. The museum is catered for all age groups and I was so pleased that they were so engaged. They were presented with a booklet that required them to seek the information themselves. And at the end there is an interactive screen which they loved. Great for adults too as I discovered the hidden images on the polymer notes. I would highly recommend this as an excursion into the city, an ideal place to visit during school holidays 10/10 from us.

Wesley Yeung

4/5

8 months ago

Want to go in to have a look after the lockdown finished

Shahid Ali

5/5

3 months ago

History
Amazing Experience

Inna

5/5

in the last week

Excellent venue on a rainy day! Wonderful exhibits of Alick Tipoti’s art and stories of immigrants. Quite an amazing experience to explore the ships outside. Don’t be shy to ask volunteers about history of each ship, they’re happy to share their knowledge and fun facts.. Museum has a lot to offer, and I can’t wait to visit again soon.

Steven Farrell

5/5

2 months ago

Visited with my eight year old daughter who got to choose what to see and I what order. First we saw the small wooden replica ship, followed by the navy destroyer and submarine. They were all interesting, varied and enjoyable. Next we stopped for morning tea at the cafe before heading inside to the play area and to see some of the exhibitions. The small ocean lab outside also taught us new things in an engaging way. A great visit for all.

Harso Forever

5/5

2 weeks ago

Views Outside Are Great For Taking Pictures. Since We Came In Group Well. Price Could Have Been More Cheaper For Groups. Staffs Were Great And Friendly. We Could Take Pics Of Many Ships & Boats. It’s Cool. We Love It Around Here

Kim Williams

5/5

a month ago

Was the best day to be able to see history and we went for the National Geographic Nature Photography Awards. Was the best experience for the day. Take some time, and have a lot of time, if you are to go to the museum. Was awesome. It is an amazing experience to see Australia’s history, via, explorers, and pioneers of the different areas in the eras that they are from. However, please do not confuse my experience with history, with the history of Australia. Go and see for yourself.

Tanya Vanderkooi

5/5

in the last week

Had a good morning taking my grandson to see the dinosaurs exhibition then he played in the dinosaur play area.

HISTORY

The Australian Museum was founded in 1827 it is the nation’s first museum. It’s aim was to procure”many rare and curious specimens of Natural History”.

The first custodian was appointed in1829 his name William Holmes the museum was located in the old post office building in Macquarie Place it was initially know as the Sydney Museum or Colonial Museum, the institution was formally named that Australian Museum in 1836.

The museum finally moved to its current location after the construction of the new building started in 1846 and the museum opened to the public in 1857at the time it had only one exhibition gallery. The building was designed by architect Mortimer Lewis since then the museum has been modified many times to accommodate the growing needs of exhibitions, collections and staff.

Dr George Bennett was appointed as Curator in 1835 a distinguished naturalist and medical practitioner, Bennett later published the first catalogue of the Museum’s collections. The first Australian to lead the museum was Edward Ramsay he was appointed in 1874.

The museum has grown to an internationally recognised collection of over 21 million cultural and scientific objects. The museum is committed to presenting scientific evidence and cultural truths derived through their research and collections and First Nations people’s traditional knowledge.
Their mission is to ignite wonder, inspire, debate and drive change.
Their vision is to be a leading voice for the richness of life, the earth and culture in Australia and the Pacific.

They commit to transform the conversation around climate change, the environment and wildlife conservation; be a strong advocate for First Nations culture and continue to develop world leading science, collections, exhibitions and education programs.
Through the exhibitions and other public programs the Australian Museum continues to inform and amaze generations of visitors about the unique flora, fauna and cultures of Australia and the Pacific.

E

1/5

a year ago

Can you please provide a date for when the museum will be open??

John Kavanagh

1/5

3 months ago

Museum claims Covid still keeping them closed after NSW government have lifted all restrictions. Double vaxed and happy to mask up but this museum still not accepting visitors. Big ?

Richard “Ricardo” Old

4/5

2 years ago

A hidden secret that is open to the public. Each Thursday the Victoria Barracks tour guides will show you around the historic barracks, regale you with tales of war and peace stretching back to the beginning of Sydney town and let you explore a fabulous and well resourced museum. The tour is a must for military buffs and of interest to all. Victoria Barracks, Paddington remains the headquarters of Forces Commander Australia and a living reminder of our colonial past. Do not miss it.

David Bowron

5/5

2 years ago

great location. magnificent historical yellow sandstone buildings with grey slate roofing. Visitor Barracks Corps of Guides give a terrific commentary on VB. Tours each Thursday at 10am. Visitors need to show photographic ID & be at the Pass Office on Moore Park Road at 9.30am – ‘to be processed’

Siavash

5/5

9 months ago

It really was a lot more interesting than you may think.
I recommend visiting this place if you like crime related content and it was only 1 minute away from the Circular Quay train station by foot.
Definitely worth a visit.

Linda Katherine Singh Scott

5/5

3 weeks ago

The one and only museum of its kind in the world. A heritage police station. Sandstone Colonial architecture. An Australian history of the past and future.
Visit with your children and friends and visitors.

Michael Drew

5/5

2 weeks ago

Some excellent exhibits, mainly photographic. Updated and improved since I was last there many years ago.

ViTA “Australian Edition” LivingAbroad

5/5

a year ago

Super interesting place and great people, definitely worth the tour!

Gordon McCrone

5/5

2 years ago

2 hours to read everything.
Wish there was a lot more available to learn.

Mark Higgins

5/5

3 years ago

Very fascinating well laid out exhibition. Extremely friendly people. Well worth a look.

Eimear

5/5

3 weeks ago

Amazing place to visit! Great audio tour and helpful staff. Very clean and well maintained. Extremely interesting. It was free when we went but it would be well worth the $24 entry fee. Highly recommend! ??

Michael Drew

5/5

a month ago

A number of years since I’ve been to the Hyde Park Barracks. It won’t be so long next time. The Hyde Park experience, with voice commentaries on your headphones as you walk around 4 levels of archaeological finds and well-researched history, should be a ‘must’ for every Australian. Reasonably priced too – free if you’re a member of Sydney Living Museums. Bring the kids or leave them home – there is something for everyone.

Cindy

3/5

2 months ago

It was very interesting, unfortunately the sound was not working properly. This is something they could improve, because you miss interesting information. Also, it’s not always clear were you have to go during the tour. But, definitely worth to go.

Gail

4/5

3 months ago

Excellent experience. Met two very lovely gentlemen 82/3 and 93 who told us all about their experiences during the war. Thank you Peter and Jack xx They made the day for us.

Nikita Sadjiva

5/5

2 months ago

Very good museum with lots of stories and real life artifacts. Definitely worth a visit and a truly eye opening glimpse at history.

Gary Gibbs

5/5

a year ago

One of the best museums I’ve seen in Sydney. It shows the history, events and culture of the Jewish people,in Australia and worldwide, and the horror of the holocaust. We allocated about 3 hours but only got through about half of the museum. There was just so much to see and listen to we would need to come back again to see it all. This is a world class museum that you should not miss if in Sydney.

Jeremy

5/5

3 weeks ago

Great amount of items on display covering history of the Royal Australian Navy in enough space that a visit can be done in under an hour

Ryan Palazzi

5/5

a year ago

Love the spot and the presentation here. The spot is available to open on Sunday and ppl need to arrive at any rate before 3pm since that is the point at which the Center will close. Tbh the terrace has more astonishments. In any case, the elderly person there was, I’m not going to state oppressive however biased, the world isn’t what it resembled thus does each country inside it, I do trust that they can actually invest more energy with ppl from the same number of countries as they can, as opposed to tuning in to some news or articles that spread the bogus/deceiving data. For my situation, the elderly person here was decent at the first and he got somewhat preferential when he knew I’m from China. At that point he began to whine about Hangzhou’s security like you can get looted, sank hard and wake up center of no place (which seems like a joke to me since I won’t clarify progressively about wellbeing in China, it’s overall the Internet), something else he referenced is about Hong Kong, which is an entangled issue to discuss however his words are somewhat wrong/extremist tbh. Anyway, the perspectives here are incredible and good karma with the ppl you’ll meet there.

Jason M

5/5

a year ago

Lest we forget