Museums Discovery Centre
Museums Discovery Centre
The Museums Discovery Centre (MDC) is a collaboration between the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS), Australian Museum (AM) and Sydney Living Museums.
Inside the Museums Discovery Centre you will find millions of treasures, with hundreds on display for you to explore, and thousands more waiting to be discovered through booked tours of the deep collection stores.
A visit to the MDC also provides you with a rare opportunity to learn about museum collecting, conservation and research practices.
Permanent Exhibitions
Visit Info
Opening Hours
Open Monday – Friday
10.00am – 5.00pm, last entry at 4.00pm.
Open for special programs and events outside of these hours.
Closed public holidays and during the Christmas break from 22 December 2018 – 13 January 2019.
Back to top of pageTickets
General Admission
| Admission | Cost |
|---|---|
| Adult: | $10 |
| Children (16 years and under): | FREE |
| Concession*: | $8 |
| Student card holders: | $8 |
Enjoy a free Highlights Tour from one of our passionate MDC Volunteers, Monday – Friday, 11.30am.
Please Note: General Admission is not available during special events or Extravaganza/Family Days taking place on site. Please see individual event pages for pricing during these special events and for more information.
*Concession cards must be shown upon admission to receive this reduced charge. Valid cards include:
- Seniors Card-holders (all states)
- Australian Student Card-holders
- Centrelink Healthcare Card-holders
- Australian Government Pension Card-holders
- Australian Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card-holders
Members
| Admission | Cost |
|---|---|
| MAAS Members | FREE |
| Sydney Living Museums Members | FREE |
| Australian Museum Members | FREE |
| Members of Museums Australia Inc | FREE |
Pre-book your tickets online for priority entry to the Museums Discovery Centre.
Group Bookings
| Admission | Cost |
|---|---|
| Educator-led learning programs (45min)*: | $10 per learner, minimum cost $180 |
| Educator-led learning programs (90min)*: | $15 per learner, minimum cost $240 |
| RAM equity schools | $5 / learner |
Group Tours
Group tours require minimum 8 people. Maximum 15 people for Deep Collection Store tours.
| Admission | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visible Collection Store: | $10 / person |
| Deep Collection Store**: | $20 / person |
*Includes home school and vacation care groups.
**Please Note, for safety reasons children 12 and under can not be admitted for Deep Stores Group Tours as this takes place in a working storage area.
To book please call +61 (02) 9217 0111
Getting Here
Entry to the Museums Discovery Centre is via the TAFE gate on Green Road, just off Showground Road.
There is limited free parking onsite at the Museums Discovery Centre. Drive through the TAFE and enter the Discovery Centre grounds, following the arrows to the Main Entrance and park near the Windmill.
Free overflow parking is also available in the TAFE carpark.
Bus and Truck entry is limited to the entrance on Windsor Road.
The closest metro station is Hills Showground. The 626 or 619 bus routes run from Hills Showground to the TAFE, Green Rd bus stop. This is an 11 minute walk to the Museums Discovery Centre.
For bus timetables and routes either phone the Transport Information Line on 131500 or go to the website.
Back to top of pageParking
Parking onsite is limited, but free. Parking is also available in the adjacent TAFE carpark accessible via the Green Road gate.
Green Road is the best entry to the Museums Discovery Centre, although access is available via the Windsor Road and Showground Road gates.
There is additional parking available on Victoria Road. Pedestrian entry is through Showground Road.
Bus and truck entry is only available through the Windsor Road gate. Bus parking in designated bus bay (near the windmill).
Disabled parking is available onsite (not during Open Weekends)
Back to top of pageShop Hours
The Museums Discovery Centre has a small gift shop near the admissions counter.
Back to top of pageFood and Cafés
There is no onsite café, however catering is available for pre-booked groups and events.
No food or drink are permitted in the collection stores – there are designated areas for consuming food and drinks.
Back to top of pageAccessibility
We aim to provide venues, exhibitions, programs and services which can be enjoyed by all visitors, including those with disabilities.
Companion Card
MAAS, AM and SLM are affiliates of the NSW Government’s Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care’s Companion Card program. This means that carers who accompany a person with a disability will be eligible for free entry on presentation of their Companion Card. Visit the Companion Card website for more information.
Access
Visitors using wheelchairs are able to access the Museums Discovery Centre exhibition and seminar facilities via a lift. Toilets are located inside the building. There is a toilet which can accommodate a wheelchair.
Prams
We welcome visitors of all ages to the Museums Discovery Centre. If you are visiting with small children, note that prams are not permitted in the galleries. Please cloak your pram in designated pram cloaking area near the main entrance. For babies in arms, you may consider bringing a baby carrier with you to use within the building.
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