Museums Discovery Centre
Now Open
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.
Electronics Design with littleBits (Ages 8-12)
Use the power of electronics to build, prototype and invent!
Highlight Tours of the Visible Collection
Join a daily highlight tour of the museums' collections.
Permanent Exhibitions
Visit Info
Opening Hours
Open Monday – Friday
10.00am – 5.00pm, last entry at 4.00pm.
Open to school bookings from 9.30am Tuesday – Friday.
Closed weekends and public holidays. Open for special programs and events outside of these hours.
Tickets
General Admission
| Adult: | $10 |
| Children (16 years and under): | FREE |
| NSW Seniors Card holders pension & concessions: | $8 |
| Student card holders: | $8 |
| Members | |
| 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
| School and education groups*: | $10 / learner |
| RAM equity schools | $5 / learner |
Group Tours
Group tours require minimum 8 people. Maximum 15 people for Deep Collection Store tours.
| Visible Collection Store: | $10 / person |
| Deep Collection Store**: | $30 / person |
*Includes home school and vacation care groups.
**Ticket price includes entry to Visible Collection Store.
Getting Here
The Museums Discovery Centre is located at 172 Showground Road, Castle Hill NSW 2154.
Entry via Windsor Road or Green Road. Exit via Showground Road or Green Road.
Bus access via Windsor Road entrance.
For bus timetables and routes either phone the Transport Information Line on 131500 or go to the website.
Parking
Parking onsite is limited, but free. Visitors may park in the adjacent TAFE carpark, entrance via Green Road. The accessible pedestrian route from the TAFE carpark is marked on the map below in pink.
Bus parking in designated bus bay (near the windmill).
Disabled parking is available onsite.
Shop
The Museums Discovery Centre has a small gift shop near the admissions counter.
You can also find a selection of Museum and Applied Arts and Sciences publications at the MAAS online store.
Food and Cafes
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.
Accessibility
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.