Presented by Museums of History NSW, Sydney Open opens the doors to some of the most historically and architecturally inspiring building and space across Sydney.
Step inside more than 38 buildings to explore their architecture, history and heritage, and discover their many stories.
What and when is Sydney Open?
Sydney Open on Sunday 5 November 2023 grants you access to some of the most historically and architecturally inspiring buildings and spaces across Sydney.
You’ll have the opportunity to tour buildings and spaces you may otherwise never be able to access, and visit ones that are rarely open to the public. You’ll also be able to go behind the scenes in some properties and listen to experts talk about a building’s significance and what takes place there.
What is a Sydney Open City Pass?
A City Pass is your ticket to Sydney Open. It gives you access to 38 properties, from the CBD to the Eastern Suburbs, allowing you to explore them at your leisure.
Most buildings and spaces are open from 10am (first entry) to 5pm (last entry) on Sunday 5 November. Some properties are only open for part of the day, so check individual building pages for details, paying special attention to last-entry times.
Members enjoy priority access to these buildings from 9am–10am as part of Members Hour, ahead of everyone else. Become a member today.
To be part of Sydney Open, purchase a City Pass ticket and wear your City Pass wristband on the day. It must be displayed to gain entry to all sites. MHNSW members will be issued with a different coloured wristband to general ticket holders. This wristband will provide members-only access to buildings for Members Hour and an exclusive Sydney Open VIP Lounge located at The Mint. See below for more information about City Pass tickets and wristbands.
How much and where can I purchase City Pass tickets?
You can purchase your City Pass tickets online here.
Tickets can also be purchased over the phone by calling the MHNSW bookings team from Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, on 02 8239 2211.
City Pass ticket prices
- Adult $49
- Concession $42*
- Member $39
* Includes concession card holders and children aged 5–16 years old. Children aged 4 and under are free and do not require a ticket.
Booking fee
A booking fee of $4.95 is applied to all tickets within a transactions. This booking fee contributes to ticketing services and administrative costs.
Where can I collect my City Pass wristband?
City Pass wristbands can be collected from all MHNSW properties from 29 September to 5 November.
- Hyde Park Barracks
- Museum of Sydney
- Justice & Police Museum
- Susannah Place Museum
- Vaucluse House
- Elizabeth Farm
- Rouse Hill Estate
- Meroogal
- Elizabeth Bay House
- Rose Seidler House
View pickup locations and opening hours.
On 5 November wristbands can be collected from outside the Museum of Sydney and Hyde Park Barracks on the day, however there may be long queues, so we advise to pick up before the day.
How can I find out more about the Sydney Open program?
Visit the Sydney Open website for tickets, up-to-date event information, and to learn about the buildings and spaces in the program. You can also shortlist your favourite buildings, access an interactive map, download a PDF map of City Pass buildings and find out about special offers and competitions.
Stay up to date by registering for our eNews and follow the @SydneyOpen
As a MHNSW member, what benefits will I get on the day?
A member City Pass provides you with an hour of early entry and member-only access from 9am to10am to almost all buildings. You can also access the VIP Lounge located at The Mint on Sunday 5 November.
Members who purchase a City Pass by 20 October will be automatically entered twice into the Sydney Open Golden Ticket draw. The Golden Ticket winner will receive a guided clock-winding tour at the Hyde Park Barracks, two free tickets to a Sydney Open Series talk or tour of their choosing, and an annual Members + One membership at Museums of History NSW.
Not a member? Find out more here.
Which Sydney Open buildings will have Members Hour 9am–10am?
Members enjoy early prioity access to the Sydney Open buildings below. Not yet a member? Find out more here.
- 9 Castlereagh Street (Capita Centre)
- Argyle Well
- BVN Architecture: Sydney Studio
- Elizabeth Bay House
- Genesian Theatre Company at St Johns church
- Government House Sydney
- Gray Puksand’s Sydney Studio
- Grosvenor Place
- Hyde Park Barracks
- Justice and Police Museum
- King Street Courts
- Mortuary Station
- Museum of Sydney
- National Art School
- Nightingale Wing, Sydney Hospital
- Parbury Ruins
- Royal Australasian College of Physicians
- South Eveleigh
- St Stephen's Uniting Church
- Sub Base Platypus
- Sydney Trades Hall
- The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
- The Garrison Church
- The Grace Hotel
- The Mint
- Tusculum
- Vaucluse House
- Walsh Bay Arts Precinct
- Wharf 7 Maritime Museum
- Yirranma Place
Can I purchase City Passes during the Sydney Open weekend?
Online
Yes, you can purchase your City Pass ticket online until 3pm on Sunday 5 November (noting that properties close at 5pm at the latest). Wristbands will need to be collected from one of our collection points outside the following sites:
- Museum of Sydney, from 9am until 3pm
- Hyde Park Barracks, from 9am until 3pm
In-person
City Passes can be purchased on Sunday 5 November in person from the following sites:
- Museum of Sydney, from 9am until 3pm
- Hyde Park Barracks, from 9am until 3pm
I’m a MHNSW Member, how do I purchase a member City Pass?
When you purchase online, enter your membership number (located on your membership card) at checkout. Your 20% member discount will automatically be applied to your tickets. Members pay $39 instead of $49.
What will my City Pass wristband look like?
Museums of History NSW members will receive a grey City Pass wristband. General adult and concession City Pass holders will receive an orange wristband.
Your wristband must be worn on the day to gain entry into sites, and so our volunteers and guides can recognise you.
Is there a cut off for postage delivery of City Pass wristbands?
Yes. Due to postage delivery times, the option to have wristbands posted will end on 15 October. After this date, City Pass wristbands must be collected in person from a Museums of History NSW venue.
Is there a map?
Printed maps will be available at all buildings on the day.
You can also download a PDF map. We recommend printing in A3 if possible.
An interactive map can be viewed on the Sydney Open website on the Program and Plan your day pages.
Will there be tours or guides?
Many buildings offer drop-in tours and talks throughout the day. Check the building pages on the Sydney Open website for details and updates closer to the event. These talks and tours cannot be pre-booked and may have limited capacity, so arrive early to avoid missing out.
What level of fitness is required to take part?
Sydney Open is a self-guided experience. You are advised to plan your day according to your interests and level of fitness. Each building and space is unique, with a different form of access and points of interest. For more information about specific sites, we recommend you check the building pages on the Sydney Open website.
Am I allowed to take photos inside the buildings?
Most of the buildings and spaces allow photography; however, we recommend you check individual building pages for any restrictions on photography. If you’re not sure when you’re at a property, ask the guides and volunteers first.
Share your photos on Instagram for the chance to win great prizes. Tag us @sydneyisopen #SydneyIsOpen
Is there access for people with a disability?
Accessibility icons are displayed on relevant building pages on the Sydney Open website and on our downloadable PDF and printed maps. These icons indicate whether a site has an accessible entrance and accessible facilities. Additional information can be found on individual building pages.
Holders of a Companion Card are eligible for a free ticket for one companion. Acceptance of a Companion Card does not indicate that an event or venue is accessible. Companion Card holders must refer to the details on the building pages and contact the Museums of History NSW bookings team on 02 8239 2211 before purchasing a ticket in order to check accessibility and arrange an additional ticket.
Will I need to queue to access buildings?
There will be queues to enter some of the most popular buildings. Look for the ‘Lines expected’ icon on the building pages to help you plan your day. Follow @sydneyisopen on Instagram to stay up to date on queues and waiting times.
What are the best travel options during the event?
Check our Plan your day page for public transport and other great tips to help you get to and around Sydney Open.
Many sites in the CBD are within walking distance of each other and there are several in the Eastern Suburbs.
What should I bring with me?
Wear your City Pass wristband and bring water, sunscreen and hat, wet-weather gear (just in case), snacks, camera and a fully charged mobile phone to take lots of photos. Don’t forget to wear comfortable walking shoes.
I haven’t received my wristband in the post or I have lost my wristband. What do I do?
If you have not received or have lost your wristband, contact the Museums of History NSW bookings team prior to the event on 02 8239 2211, from Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.
On Saturday 4 November and Sunday 5 November our friendly staff at the Museum of Sydney and the Hyde Park Barracks will be available in-person to assist with your inquiries.
I didn’t receive my wristbands in the post – am I eligible for a refund on postage?
If you paid a postage fee but have not received your wristbands by Friday 3 November, please contact the Museums of History NSW bookings team to discuss a refund of the postage fee – call 02 8239 2211 (Monday–Friday, 10am–4pm), or email bookings@mhnsw.au
I can no longer attend Sydney Open. Can I get a refund for my City Pass ticket?
Unfortunately, there are no refunds on City Pass tickets, but they are transferable. If you’ve bought a ticket and can’t attend, gift it to friends or family!
Where are the Saturday Focus Tours?
Focus tours have been moved into the Sydney Open Series which will run throughout the calendar year. The Sydney Open Series will include talks, workshops and our focus tours on history, architecture, design innovation, sustainability and heritage. Learn about upcoming tours.