For a rainy day, an injection of culture, a learning experience, or simply to appreciate and admire, we love going to museums. Whether it's to soak up art, history, culture, science or all of the above, the greater Sydney area is full of exceptional museums, and there's one for you.
In the heart of the city or worthy of a short day trip, here are 11 of the best museums in and around Sydney that you can visit right now. And if you're not from the area but planning to visit these amazing museums, check out hotels around the city center at http://www.newsouthwaleshotels.net/en/sydney-hotels-30285/near-city-center-76682/, providing you convenience in proximity to these cultural hubs.
Australian National Maritime Museum
Darling Harbour
Chances are you visited the Australian National Maritime Museum for school if you grew up in or around the Sydney area. But we recommend revisiting the Darling Harbour museum as an adult to experience it for more than a day outside the classroom. Built in 1991, you can visit today to climb aboard and explore historic floating ships, as well as art, cultural, scientific and historical exhibitions that explore our relationship with the sea.
Jewish Museum of Sydney
Darlinghurst
One of Australia's most important cultural and historical institutions stands in the backstreets of Darlinghurst. If you haven't yet taken the time to visit the Jewish Museum of Sydney as a place of learning, make sure you do. The museum is a memorial to those who tragically lost their lives in the Second World War, a celebration of Jewish culture and a place of historical reflection - housing over 12,000 artefacts and 1,000 oral histories and testimonies. Most importantly, visiting the museum allows you to hear first-hand the incredible stories of Holocaust survivors as important eyewitnesses to the history of our world.
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Museum of Contemporary Art
Circular quay
Free admission museums don't come much better than Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art. The aim here is simple: to showcase and celebrate the work of today's artists, and in doing so, help make art accessible to all. The MCA has a strong focus on local Australian work and that of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, from individual showcases and community-led projects to unique interactive exhibitions. Once you've finished, head to the rooftop café and enjoy lunch or a coffee overlooking the stunning views of Sydney Harbour.
Science Space
North Wollongong
You really don't need to be a museum buff to enjoy exploring Science Space. Just under 90 minutes from the coast from Sydney's CBD, the North Wollongong Museum is a dedicated and immersive space to learn and explore all things science and cosmos. First opened in 1989, Science Space offers over 90 interactive exhibitions, science shows and workshops, with a must-see planetarium to top it all off. It's definitely for all ages as you can never be too young or too old to be interested in science.
Australian Museum
Darlinghurst
Established in 1827 as the country's first public museum before being moved, rebuilt and expanded to become what it is today, Darlinghurst's Australian Museum carries a rich history of storytelling, education and research. The dynamic information and resource centre explores Australia's nature and culture, containing more than 21 million objects and specimens that tell the story of the Australian and Pacific regions. You'll find exhibits and displays dedicated to the cultural and natural history of First Nations Australians, as well as fossils, minerals and meteorites of inestimable geological value. Finally, the adjacent Hyde Park Museum showcases our country's indigenous flora and fauna and the devastating impact of climate change.
Art Gallery of NSW
CDB
Founded in 1872, the Art Gallery of NSW is Sydney's cultural institution, home to the country's largest touring exhibitions and some of the world's oldest and most prestigious artworks. It is also home to Australia's annual Archibald Prize exhibition. Walk around and admire the works of someone like Henri Matisse, visit the gallery after hours with a drink, book a lecture series or catch live performances in one of Sydney's most iconic buildings.
Bundanon Art Museum and Creative Learning Bridge
Illaroo
About 2.5 hours south of Sydney, on the banks of the Shoalhaven River, lies Bundanon, a newly redesigned art gallery, creative learning space, hotel and paddock-to-plate restaurant. The gallery, which sits on 1,000 hectares of South Coast bushland and parkland, was first given to the Australian public in 1993 by painter Arthur Boyd. Bundanon houses 1,448 of Boyd's works, as well as those of his contemporaries, the work of modern artists and rotating exhibitions. Spend an afternoon or overnight in the 160-metre long, sustainably built 'Bridge' structure, high above the green hills.
Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame
Bowral
There are many reasons to make the 90-minute drive south-west to the charming Southern Highlands town of Bowral. The area is packed with cafes, restaurants, shops, vineyards and scenic walking trails. But if you're a cricket fan, the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame is an absolute must. Built alongside the Bradman cricket oval, the interactive museum celebrates the history of the sport through the ages. And for the real die-hard fans, cross the road to 52 Shepherd Street to visit Donald Bradman's childhood home and see the water tank against which the young cricketer trained.
Chau Chak Wing Museum
Camperdown
Set in the beautiful grounds of the University of Sydney campus, the Chau Chak Wing Museum covers many bases including art, science, history and ancient cultures - something for everyone. One of the newest buildings to join the campus, the four-level museum has been built to share the university's rich historical collections with the general public - a collection spanning millennia that has developed behind the scenes over the past 150 years. It includes objects from Ancient Rome, Greece and Egypt, First Nations art and contemporary works.
Ngununggula
Bowral
Opening at the end of 2021, Ngununggula is another must-see for anyone travelling through the Southern Highlands. The name of the regional art gallery means 'belonging' in the traditional language of the region's Gundungurra First Nations. Sustainably re-purposing the space of a former dairy in East Bowral's Retford Park, just a short drive from the city centre, Ngununggula showcases Australian artists and cultural voices, as well as commissioned work. It also offers a programme of exhibitions dedicated to Aboriginal art. Drop by the beautiful venue on Friday nights between 6pm and 9pm for Ngununggula Nights to see the gallery after dark and enjoy cocktails, food and live music.
Power Station Museum
Ultimo
Opened in 1988, the Powerhouse Museum is a key Sydney institution and a major player in the city's museum game. The Ultimo site is home to all things science, technology, design and engineering, celebrating Australian innovation through engaging exhibitions and events. With the forthcoming opening of a secondary site in Parramatta, the focus of the museum will change after the NSW Government announced it would spend $500 million to transform the site into a centre for fashion and design. Stay tuned.