Museums of History NSW

29/05/2026

On now at Elizabeth Bay House, ‘Treading Feintly’ features select pieces from Nicol & Ford's Australian Fashion Week 2026 runway collection, inspired by the work of artist Adrian Feint (1894–1971).

This recent article in QNews explores the exhibition, Feint’s artistic legacy and how these pieces are redefining the idea of 'camp' . Read it here: qnews.com.au/nicol-ford-treading-feintly-exhibition-interview/

QNews LGBTIQA+ News

28/05/2026

This afternoon, over 9,000 primary school students, teachers and presenters joined our virtual learning event ‘Reconciliation Through First Nations Languages’ for .

Presented in collaboration with Parliament of NSW the session explored the important role Aboriginal Languages play in Culture, identity, storytelling and reconciliation.

Students also discovered how Community-led projects like those led by the First Nations Community Access to Archives team are supporting Language revitalisation across NSW and strengthening connections with First Nations Communities.

From learning all about the Aboriginal Languages Act 2017 to exploring examples of Language and Culture in the NSW State Archives Collection and taking part in a creative message stick activity, students reflected on reconciliation and engaged thoughtfully with this year’s theme, ‘All In’.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for a meaningful afternoon of learning, discussion and reflection!

27/05/2026

Introducing House/Music

This winter, our historic houses and museums become the backdrop for a series of intimate live music performances.

Slow down, listen deeply and immerse yourself in sound with a curated line-up of Australian and international artists performing inside some of Sydney’s most historic spaces.

◌ loscil at Hyde Park Barracks – 19 June
◌ Andrew Tuttle and Darren Cross at The Mint – 3 July
◌ claire rousay at Elizabeth Bay House – 17 July
◌ Believe at Justice & Police Museum – 31 July
◌ Wytchings at Elizabeth Farm – 14 August
◌ Hilary Geddes Quartet at Justice & Police Museum – 28 August

Learn more and grab tickets: mhnsw.au/whats-on/events/house-music/

From June to August, we’re transforming our historic houses and museum spaces through a series of intimate and diverse live music experiences

26/05/2026

Content Warning: this video contains material which may be culturally sensitive, including images of First Nations people who may have passed away and references to historical events which may cause distress.

Today is , an annual day of remembrance for the thousands of First Nations people who, as children, were forcibly removed from their families and communities, and who later became known as the Stolen Generations. 26 May also marks the anniversary of the tabling of the landmark 1997 ‘Bringing Them Home’ report in the Australian Parliament.

A key recommendation of the report was improving access to government records – like the NSW State Archives Collection – which hold vital information and histories.

As the caretakers of the State Archives Collection and other significant objects and heritage sites that document the history of colonisation, Museums of History NSW has a responsibility to support truth-telling by caring for, providing access to, and interpreting this material and these places with sensitivity.

We share a video of artist speaking about his artwork ‘Truism Australia’, created in response to a photograph from the State Archives Collection.

Published in ‘Dawn’ Magazine in 1958, the image depicts three First Nations brothers being removed from their families and communities.

Today, and every day, we reflect on the lasting ​impacts of the Stolen Generations and honour the strength, resilience and stories of survivors, their families and descendants.

25/05/2026

What an incredible two days! 👏

This weekend, we brought Australia’s architecture enthusiasts and industry leaders together for Sydney Open Symposium Home Truths.

On Saturday at Ilumina Sydney, leading voices in architecture, design and the built environment unpacked the big issues facing housing today, from urban density and planning to sustainability, innovative materials and more liveable communities.

On Sunday, you had a chance to peek inside some of Sydney’s most remarkable homes, exploring compact and clever spaces, adaptive reuse, striking material choices and beautifully considered interiors.

A huge thank you to our speakers, partners and everyone who joined us for such an energising program of ideas 🧡

Next up on the Sydney Open calendar is Parramatta Open on 29 August! Get ready to discover exceptional buildings and unique architectural spaces across Parramatta. Tickets available soon.

Sydney Open Symposium Home Truths was made possible thanks to the support of our wonderful partners:
Principal partners: NSW Architects Registration Board and Government Architect NSW
Presenting partner: 1 Elizabeth Sydney and Macquarie Group

📷© Coastal Creatives for Museums of History NSW

23/05/2026

This skull-shaped pipe bowl was manufactured in France around 1845, shipped to Sydney and lost during the demolition of Sydney’s first Government House.

It lay underground for almost 150 years, until archaeologist Denis Gojak excavated it in 1983.

During , we share Denis’ reflections on the moment he unearthed this remarkable object.

You can see this pipe bowl, alongside many other fascinating finds, in ‘Unearthed’ — an archaeology exhibition on now at the Museum of Sydney.

Free entry. Plan your visit 🔗

21/05/2026

What do you think of this dinner party etiquette from 100 years ago? 🍽️
 
These vintage etiquette books from the Caroline Simpson Library collection offer a look into how Australians once dined, entertained and impressed their guests.
 
For more delicious nostalgia, book now for Dream Feast at the Mint, 2–5 June – a multi-course dining experience created in collaboration with for Food 2026 ✨

21/05/2026

What can the items that fell through cracks in the floorboards at Rouse Hill Estate reveal about the people who once lived there? 🔎

During , we take you behind the scenes of a rare archaeological excavation at the overseer's cottage, where finds, like an 1870s coin and a lead toy soldier, may help reveal fascinating stories from the past.

Read the article:

In the lead-up to conservation work on the overseer’s cottage at Rouse Hill Estate, an unexpected discovery prompted the need for an archaeological excavation

20/05/2026

Happy !

This week, and every week, we celebrate our remarkable volunteers and the impact they make 💛

From inspiring visitors with memorable experiences, to creating bespoke soft furnishings that help interpret our domestic interiors, to transcribing archival material to make it publicly accessible, every one of our volunteers plays an essential role in bringing our collections, places and stories to life.

Today we hosted our annual Volunteers’ Morning Tea at The Mint to recognise their contributions across our sites. We celebrated 39 volunteers who reached impressive service milestones, including awards for a remarkable 40 years of service and 5,500 hours of service!

Thank you to all our volunteers for everything you do.

Learn how you can get involved: mhnsw.au/get-involved/volunteer/

📸©Joshua Morris for Museums of History NSW

19/05/2026

‘Treading Feintly’ is on now at Elizabeth Bay House!

Come and see select pieces from ‘Feint’ fresh from the runway at ✨

📍 Elizabeth Bay House
📅 Sundays and Mondays, 10am – 4pm, 17 May – 13 July
🎟️ Free entry

15/05/2026

Entries are currently open for the 2026 Meroogal Women’s Art Prize!

🎨 This year’s prize pool is valued at over $18,000
🎨 Open to women aged 18 years + who are residents of NSW
📅 Apply by Wednesday 15 July 2026

Artists are invited to submit a work in any medium responding to the historic house of Meroogal, its stories, and its meaning within a broader historical and contemporary context.

The prize is presented by Museums of History NSW in partnership with Bundanon and Shoalhaven Regional Gallery Nowra.

Learn more and apply: mhnsw.is/MWAP2026

📷: From the Meroogal Women's Art Prize 2024 exhibition. Photographs by © Joshua Morris for Museums of History NSW. Artworks featured: 1. © Tina Matthews; 2. © Helen Earl; 3.© Mariana del Castillo; 4. © Nicole Ison; 5. © Ann Widdup; 6. © Allyson Dutton; 7. © Jackie Streit; 8. © Sassy Park; 9 © Sarah Michell