Museum of Sydney

The public entrance to the museum is via First Government House Place in Bridge Street. The outline of Arthur Phillip's residence, the first Government House, is marked out on the plaza with inlaid stone.

Excavation of the site revealed examples of covered drains dated to the late 1790s and brick barrel drains dated to circa 1811 and another to circa 1828. The remains of the drains and privies are shown in their original context, along with other archaeological artifacts, in glass display cases built into the pavement of the forecourt.

The Museum of Sydney explores colonial and contemporary Sydney through objects, pictures, and new digital media techniques. Panoramic views of Sydney— from 1788 until today— stretch across walls and video screens. Sydney's convict era is explored in a giant showcase of goods and chattels recovered from more than 25 archaeological digs.