Top 10 Museums in Central Business District, New South Wales

A UNESCO World Heritage-listed site in the heart of Sydney, the Hyde Park Barracks is an extraordinary living record of early colonial Australia. Originally built to house convicts, the barracks has also served as an immigration depot, asylum, law courts and government offices. Today, you can discover the stories of the Hyde Park Barracks through a self-guided immersive experience that will feel like stepping back in time. Using our groundbreaking interactive audio technology, you’ll follow in the footsteps of real people whose lives were touched by this place – male convicts, immigrants and women in need, as well as the Aboriginal nations that were impacted by colonial Australia.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales acknowledges the traditional custodians of the country on which it is located, the Gadigal of the Eora nation, and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. From its magnificent site in Sydney, the Art Gallery of NSW is one of Australia’s flagship art museums and the state’s leading visual arts institution. Our mission is to serve the widest possible audience as a centre of excellence for the collection, preservation, documentation, interpretation and display of Australian and international art, and a forum of scholarship, art education and the exchange of ideas.

We share stories of the sea. Visit us in Darling Harbour to explore tall ships and beautiful boats, dive under the sea on a submarine, discover contemporary exhibitions and enjoy creative family activities.

The Anzac Memorial, in Sydney's Hyde Park, is NSW's principal memorial to all Australians who have served in the Defence Force. The Memorial building in both its original and its extended form is a work of art and remarkable piece of architecture. It is a physical expression of the spirit and legend of the Anzacs and a place of comfort for those who have lost loved ones. Exhibition and interpretation spaces allow the Anzac Memorial to illustrate the evolution of Australian military service while focusing on NSW stories. The detailed storytelling within the new Exhibition Gallery complements the quiet spaces and symbols of the original Memorial building. A free virtual tour of the '1945: From Hot War to Cold War' exhibition can be taken by visitors, accessed via the Anzac Memorial's website. The Anzac Memorial has limited opening hours at present, please visit the website for further details. Admission to the Memorial is free.

Banknotes are an important representation of a nation's cultural identity, values and history. Illustrated with a selection of historical objects and digital interactives, the Reserve Bank of Australia Museum tells the story of Australia’s banknotes in the context of Australia's economic and social history from the colonial period to the present day.

CWM Galleries represent artists who conceive and create works of beauty, providing pleasure and insight to their fellow man. In our view there is enough ugliness in this world without artists contributing to it.We totally reject the concept of elitism and the pretensions that so often inhibit people in approaching and enjoying art.A red dot on a white canvas will always be a red dot on a white canvas, an installation of underwear on the floor will always be underwear on the floor. I suspect I could even create these 'works of art' myself.Back in the 1990's we set out to change that and to-day CWM Galleries are regarded by many as Australia's premier commercial sculpture galleries. The sculptures we exhibit are created in classical and lasting materials, a legacy for future generations.You are invited to judge the level of skill required to conceive and create the wonderful and lasting works we exhibit. CWM Galleries constantly exhibit up to 180 sculptures and 200 paintings by Contemporary Australian Artists.The artists creating these works include both award winning artists and highly regarded teachers of their craft.CWM Galleries provides sponsorship and/or manages a number of our artists. Many of the works displayed are exclusive to our galleries.We urge you to acquire works of art that you really love and welcome your next visit to CWM Galleries.