Museum of Sydney

The Museum of Sydney is a modern history museum in central Sydney, New South Wales, built on the site of Australia's first Government House (1788). Operated by Museums of History NSW, it explores the history of Sydney from Aboriginal custodianship through colonial settlement to the present. The museum incorporates archaeological remains of the original Government House and is notable for its contemporary architecture, forecourt installation Edge of the Trees, and exhibitions on Sydney's people, places and development.

Visitors can expect a contemporary museum building on the corner of Phillip and Bridge Streets overlooking Circular Quay. Inside are permanent and temporary exhibitions with objects, images, multimedia and archaeological displays relating to Sydney's history, including remains of First Government House visible through glass cases and in the forecourt. The Edge of the Trees sculptural installation marks the forecourt. Visitors can explore gallery spaces, a museum shop and views toward Sydney Harbour.

The museum stands on the site of First Government House, built in 1788 as the residence of Governor Arthur Phillip and the centre of colonial administration until 1845. Archaeological excavations in the 1980s revealed foundations and artefacts. The Museum of Sydney opened in 1995 to interpret the site and the history of Sydney from pre-colonial times onward.

The museum interprets the cultural history of Sydney, including Gadigal land and Aboriginal heritage, early colonial settlement, and urban development. The forecourt installation Edge of the Trees acknowledges Aboriginal presence and the impact of colonisation, and the museum serves as a key institution for understanding Sydney's social and urban identity.