Museums and art galleries provide an insight into a people and their culture, art, history and development. They are a treasure trove of cultural riches and Sydney is fortunate to have its museums and galleries in or close to the city centre.
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Art Gallery of New South Wales © Tourism New South Wales
The Art Gallery of New South Wales has a collection of some 29,000 pieces of artworks, divided into various "curatorial areas" according to the curators who look after them.
Australian Museum
Australian Museum © Larry Rivera, licensed to About.com, Inc
Established in 1827, the Australian Museum in Sydney is Australia's first museum. It has extensive collections of natural science and cultural artefacts.
Australian National Maritime Museum
Australian National Maritime Museum © Tourism New South Wales
The Australian National Maritime Museum at Sydney's Darling Harbour is a repository of Australian maritime history comprising documents, relics and maritime craft from various periods.
Hyde Park Barracks
Hyde Park Barracks © Tourism New South Wales
Originally built as convict quarters, Hyde Park Barracks became an immigration depot and a women's asylum and now houses a museum on the building's history and Sydney's colonial life.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Museum of Contemporary Art © Larry Rivera, licensed to About.com, Inc
The Museum of Contemporary Art is Australia's only museum dedicated to exhibiting, interpreting and collecting contemporary art from across Australia and around the world.
Museum of Sydney
The Museum of Sydney was built on the historic site of Australia's first Government House and tells the story of Sydney from pre-colonial times to the present.Powerhouse Museum
Powerhouse Museum © Tourism New South Wales
Australia's largest museum, the Powerhouse Museum, is at the southwestern edge of Darling Harbour. It is within walking distance of the Sydney city centre, and with nearby bus, tram and monorail stops.
