Discover the vibrant cultural landscape of Sydney with our comprehensive Sydney museum event calendar for 2025. From world-class exhibitions to interactive workshops and special events, Sydney’s museums offer enriching experiences for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a history buff, art enthusiast, or looking for family-friendly activities, this guide highlights the must-see museum events happening throughout the year in Sydney NSW.
Major Sydney Museums and Their 2025 Event Calendars
Sydney’s cultural landscape is dotted with world-class museums that showcase everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary art. Each museum maintains its own Sydney museum event calendar with unique offerings throughout 2025. Here’s your guide to the major institutions and their upcoming highlights.
Museum of Sydney
Located on the site of the first Government House, the Museum of Sydney offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s colonial past and its relationship with First Nations peoples. The 2025 Sydney museum event calendar features rotating exhibitions exploring Sydney’s diverse history.
Australian Museum
Australia’s oldest museum continues its tradition of excellence with a packed 2025 event schedule. From dinosaur exhibitions to cultural artifacts from across the Pacific, the Australian Museum offers educational experiences for visitors of all ages.
Powerhouse Museum
The Powerhouse Museum specializes in science, technology, and design. Its 2025 Sydney museum event calendar includes interactive exhibitions, workshops for children, and special events celebrating innovation and creativity.
2025 Sydney Museum Event Calendar Highlights by Season
The Sydney museum schedule varies throughout the year, with different seasons bringing unique exhibitions and events. Here’s what to look forward to in each quarter of 2025.
Summer (January-March 2025)
Summer brings vibrant exhibitions to Sydney’s museums, often coinciding with the Sydney Festival. The Museum of Sydney will host “Seeing Sydney, Knowing Country,” an exhibition depicting the development of NSW colony through historical maps, plans, and artifacts. Meanwhile, the Australian Museum will feature special exhibitions on marine biodiversity, perfect for the summer season.
Don’t miss the popular summer night tours at Hyde Park Barracks, offering a unique perspective on Sydney’s convict history.
Autumn (April-June 2025)
Autumn sees a focus on Australian heritage and history across Sydney’s museums. The Museum of Sydney will feature “Let’s party like it’s 1815,” a digital artwork by Joan Ross that colorfully critiques Australia’s colonization. The Powerhouse Museum will host technology retrospectives and workshops on sustainable design.
During this season, many museums participate in the Heritage Festival, offering special tours and behind-the-scenes access to collections not normally on display.
Winter (July-September 2025)
Winter is perfect for indoor museum exploration, and the Sydney museum event calendar doesn’t disappoint. The Justice & Police Museum will present “The Shark Arm Case,” an immersive theater experience diving into Sydney’s criminal underworld. The Australian Museum will host its annual science festival with interactive displays and talks from leading researchers.
Look for special school holiday programs in July, designed to engage children with history and science through hands-on activities.
Spring (October-December 2025)
Spring brings renewal and celebration to Sydney’s museums. The Museum of Sydney will feature “Madjeri,” an exhibition exploring Dharawal watercraft traditions. Elizabeth Farm will host “Sensory Connections,” a workshop exploring culinary herbs and spices with curator Dr. Jacqui Newling.
December features special holiday-themed events and exhibitions, including night tours and seasonal celebrations that connect modern festivities with historical traditions.
Spring is a popular time for museum visits in Sydney. Book your tickets in advance to secure your spot.
Featured Exhibitions on the 2025 Sydney Museum Event Calendar
Several standout exhibitions will define the 2025 Sydney museum schedule. These major shows often require advance booking and may include special events, talks, and workshops.
Seeing Sydney, Knowing Country
This landmark exhibition at the Museum of Sydney depicts the development of the NSW colony through a selection of historical maps, plans, sketches, artworks, and objects. It offers a unique perspective on how European settlers documented the landscape and how this contrasted with First Nations understanding of Country.
Dates: January 17 – June 30, 2025
Location: Museum of Sydney, Corner Phillip and Bridge streets, Sydney NSW 2000
Let’s party like it’s 1815
This eight-minute digital artwork by Joan Ross on display at the Museum of Sydney colorfully critiques the legacy of Australia’s colonization. Through vibrant visuals and thought-provoking imagery, Ross challenges viewers to reconsider historical narratives and their contemporary implications.
Dates: April 12 – September 15, 2025
Location: Museum of Sydney, Corner Phillip and Bridge streets, Sydney NSW 2000
Eora by Michael Riley
Created by the late Wiradjuri/Kamilaroi filmmaker and photographer Michael Riley, Eora is a 20-minute digital film that tells the story of Sydney’s First Nations people before and after colonization. This powerful work provides important perspectives on the impact of European settlement on the traditional owners of the land.
Dates: December 7, 2025 – March 15, 2026
Location: Museum of Sydney, Corner Phillip and Bridge streets, Sydney NSW 2000
Workshops and Interactive Events on the Sydney Museum Schedule
Beyond exhibitions, the 2025 Sydney museum event calendar features numerous workshops, tours, and interactive experiences that allow visitors to engage more deeply with history, art, and science.
Historical Tours and Experiences
- Convict Sydney Walking Tour – Explore the sites associated with Sydney’s convict past with knowledgeable guides from the Museum of Sydney.
- Sin City: Sydney Crime Stories – Visit real crime scenes from the past and hear the stories behind the crimes in this popular walking tour from the Justice & Police Museum.
- Elizabeth Bay House from dusk to darkness – Experience this elegant colonial property at night for a unique perspective on 19th-century Sydney life.
- Digging Up the Neighbourhood – Starting at Susannah Place, this walking tour explores fascinating archaeological sites in The Rocks and Millers Point.
Hands-On Workshops
- Visible Mending with Leah Giblin – Learn sustainable fashion techniques at Susannah Place Museum, connecting modern sustainability with historical necessity.
- Sensory Connections – Join curator Dr. Jacqui Newling and culinary expert Bhavna Kalra Shivalkar for a workshop exploring herbs and spices at Elizabeth Farm.
- From Mail Order to Online Shopping – Curator Michael Lech provides an insightful look into the evolution of retail through department store and mail order catalogues.
- Scientific Splendour Workshop – Learn the art of botanical illustration in this hands-on workshop inspired by the exhibition at Caroline Simpson Library.
Special Event Series
Throughout 2025, Sydney museums will host several ongoing event series worth following:
- Sydney Open Series – Talks, workshops, and tours focusing on history, architecture, design innovation, sustainability, and heritage.
- HomeGrown Series – Exploring Australian homes, gardens, and domestic life through workshops, tours, and talks held in historic houses and gardens.
- Collections Series – Join expert curators, archivists, researchers, and conservators for talks, tours, and discussions highlighting fascinating collection materials.
Family-Friendly Events on the Sydney Museum Event Calendar
Sydney’s museums offer numerous events designed specifically for families and children throughout 2025. These engaging activities make history, art, and science accessible and exciting for young visitors.
School Holiday Programs
During school holidays, Sydney museums offer special programs to engage children with history and science. The Australian Museum runs dinosaur discovery sessions, while the Powerhouse Museum hosts technology workshops for young inventors. The Museum of Sydney offers “Garuwanga Gurad” (stories that belong to Country), where students explore links between Indigenous and European histories.
Weekend Family Events
Throughout the year, weekend programs provide opportunities for family learning. The “Whose Place?” program at the Museum of Sydney helps children understand the site as an important place of contact between British and Aboriginal people. The Powerhouse Museum’s “How Cities Work” exhibition creates an immersive cityscape full of tactile experiences for children to discover urban environments.
School holiday programs often book out quickly. Secure your family’s spot by booking in advance.
Planning Your Visit to Sydney Museum Events
Make the most of the Sydney museum event calendar with these practical tips for planning your visit.
Ticket Information
Many regular exhibitions at Sydney museums offer free entry, while special exhibitions and events typically require tickets. Most museums offer online booking options, which are recommended to secure your spot, especially for popular events. Consider membership options if you plan to visit multiple times throughout the year.
For the best value, look for combined tickets that include multiple exhibitions or consider the Sydney Museum Pass, which provides access to several institutions.
Transportation and Accessibility
Most major Sydney museums are centrally located and easily accessible by public transport. The Museum of Sydney, Australian Museum, and Art Gallery of NSW are all within walking distance of train stations. For those driving, parking is available but can be expensive in the city center.
All major museums offer wheelchair accessibility, and many provide additional services for visitors with specific needs. Check individual museum websites for detailed accessibility information.
Stay Updated on the Sydney Museum Event Calendar
Museum exhibitions and events can change throughout the year. Stay informed about the latest additions to the Sydney museum event calendar with these resources.
Official Resources
- Museums of History NSW Events Calendar – Comprehensive listings for the Museum of Sydney and other historical sites.
- Australian Museum What’s On – Updates on natural history exhibitions and events.
- Powerhouse Museum Events – Science and technology exhibitions and workshops.
- Sydney.com Events Guide – Comprehensive listings of events throughout Sydney, including museums.
Explore Sydney’s Rich Cultural Landscape
The 2025 Sydney museum event calendar offers a wealth of opportunities to engage with history, art, science, and culture. From major exhibitions to intimate workshops, there’s something for every interest and age group. By planning ahead and staying informed about upcoming events, you can make the most of Sydney’s vibrant museum scene throughout the year.
Whether you’re a local looking for weekend activities or a visitor planning your Sydney itinerary, the city’s museums provide enriching experiences that connect the past with the present and inspire visions of the future. Start exploring the Sydney museum event calendar today to discover your next cultural adventure.
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Discover the full range of exhibitions, workshops, and events happening across Sydney’s museums in 2025.
