Museum of Sydney facts for kids
Museum of Sydney from Bridge St
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| Established | 1995 |
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| Location | Corner of Phillip and Bridge Street, Sydney |
| Owner | Museums of History NSW |
The Museum of Sydney (MOS) is a special place that tells the story of Sydney, Australia. It stands on the very spot where the first Governor of New South Wales, Arthur Phillip, built his home in 1788. You can find it today at the corner of Phillip and Bridge Street, Sydney.
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Discovering Sydney's Past
The Museum of Sydney helps us understand Sydney's amazing journey from its earliest days to now. It's built right over the remains of the first Government House. This important building was constructed in 1788. Over time, it became too old and was taken down between 1845 and 1846.
The First Government House Site
In 1982, people planned to build new things on this historic spot. But first, archaeologists carefully explored the ground. They started digging in 1983. These digs uncovered many clues about the past. Because of these discoveries, the Premier of New South Wales, Neville Wran, announced in October 1983 that the site would be protected. He also launched a worldwide competition to design a building that would honor this important history.
Building a Museum for History
The museum building you see today was designed by the architects Denton Corker Marshall. The Museums of History NSW group now looks after both the museum and its historic site. Inside, the Museum of Sydney uses objects, pictures, and cool digital displays to show what life was like in Sydney long ago and what it's like today.
What You Can Explore Inside
Imagine seeing how Sydney changed from 1788 all the way to the present! Huge screens and walls show panoramic views of the city's transformation. You can also learn about Sydney's early European settlement. A large display case holds many items found during more than 25 archaeological digs. These items give us a peek into the daily lives of the first European settlers.
How the Museum Got Its Name
When the idea for the museum first started, it was called the First Government House Museum. But while the building was being constructed in November 1993, the New South Wales Minister for the Arts announced a new, longer name: the Museum of Sydney on the Site of First Government House. People at the time thought this name was quite a mouthful! So, it quickly became known simply as The Museum of Sydney. Some people weren't happy about the name change, but the shorter name stuck.
Exploring the Outdoor Forecourt
The main entrance to the museum is through First Government House Place, located on Bridge Street. As you walk across the plaza, you'll notice the exact outline of Governor Phillip's original house marked on the ground with special stones. This helps you imagine where the first Government House once stood.
Clues from the Past Underfoot
During the archaeological digs, workers found old covered drains from the late 1790s. They also found brick drains from around 1811 and 1828. You can see the remains of these old drains and even some early outdoor toilets, called privies, right where they were found! They are protected in glass display cases built into the pavement. Along with these, other ancient archeological artifacts are also on display, giving you a direct look into Sydney's past.
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