The Mint

Welcome to The Mint, located at Macquarie Street in Sydney, Australia. Our institution is a unique combination of a cafe, establishment, food store, point of interest, and tourist attraction.

At The Mint, we celebrate five decades of extraordinary performances and unforgettable moments at the Sydney Opera House. Whether you want to dive deep into our diverse and inspiring collections or simply browse through them, we offer a wide range of exhibits that will captivate your interest. You can also witness the Conservation team in action as they work on preserving and restoring valuable artifacts in our lab.

Immerse yourself in the past and imagine the future through our immersive and interactive programs and resources, both onsite and online. We have a dedicated space that showcases the rich history, cultures, and traditions of the First Nations community.

Our supporters play a vital role in our success, and for almost 15 years, a dedicated group of volunteers has been creating historically authentic soft furnishings for our houses through sewing, crocheting, knitting, embroidering, and stuffing.

The stories that our houses, museums, and collections can tell are limitless. Explore the fascinating 3D models from the Justice & Police Museum collection, showcasing seemingly innocent objects modified for nefarious purposes.

From magnificent colonial-style buildings to iconic modern designed spaces, we have a venue ready for your next event or occasion. Our unique and spectacular spaces provide the perfect backdrop for memorable experiences.

In addition to our exhibits and venues, we also provide information and resources for managing, storing, and transferring government records.

We would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which The Mint now stands, the Gadigal people, and their enduring connection to this Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and honor the strength and resilience of First Nations people and cultures.

The Mint itself is steeped in history, having been built for a cost of 45,000 gallons of rum. Originally part of Governor Macquarie's 'Rum' hospital for convicts, it later became the first branch of the Royal Mint outside London. Today, The Mint houses Museums of History NSW's head office, the Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collection, Bullion café, and a series of spectacular venue hire spaces.

As you explore The Mint, you will see the evolving face of the site and streetscape, as documented by photographers over the years. We invite you to join us in preserving the places and collections in our care.

Museums of History NSW is a statutory body primarily funded by the NSW Government. We are dedicated to caring for and providing access to significant historic places, collections, and archives in NSW, while also promoting knowledge and appreciation of history.

Visit The Mint and embark on a journey through time, culture, and heritage. Experience the enriching and captivating world of history in the heart of Sydney.