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Museums Discovery Centre
The Powerhouse Museum, Sydney Observatory and Museums Discovery Centre are temporarily closed to the public. Read more
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 Behind the Scenes tours.
A visit to the MDC also provides you with a rare opportunity to learn about museum collecting, conservation and research practices.
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Permanent Exhibitions
Visit Info
Opening Hours
Tickets
General Admission
| Admission | Cost |
|---|---|
| Adult: | FREE |
| Children (16 years and under): | FREE |
| Concession*: | FREE |
| Student card holders: | FREE |
Group Tours
Group bookings of 10 or more people are available Wednesday – Friday only. Pre-bookings essential.
| Admission | Cost |
|---|---|
| Weekday Collection Galleries (groups 10+) | $22.50 |
| Weekday/Weekend Behind the Scenes tour (groups 10+)** | $31.50 |
| Weekend Behind the Scenes tour** | $35 / adult |
**Please note, for safety reasons children aged 12 years and under are not admitted to Behind the Scenes tours as these take place in a working collections storage area.
Getting Here
Entry to the Museums Discovery Centre is via the gates on Showground Road or Windsor Road. Please note that there is no right turn access into the Showground Road gate.
There is limited free parking onsite at the Museums Discovery Centre.
Access only for pre-booked groups Wednesday – Friday. Call +61 (02) 9217 0236 on arrival.
Bus and truck entry is via the entrance on Windsor Road. Call +61 (02) 9217 0236 on arrival.
The closest metro station is Hills Showground. The 601, 626, 633 and 651 bus routes run at various times throughout the day from Hills Showground to the TAFE, Green Road bus stop. Travel time, including walking from Green Road bus stop to the main entrance, is approximately 20 minutes. If walking directly from the Hills Showground Metro station it is approximately 30 minutes.
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. Access is available via the Windsor Road and Showground Road gates. Please note that there is no right turn access into the Showground Road gate.
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).
Accessible parking is available onsite.
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. Some snacks and drinks can be purchased from the retail shop.
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.
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 cardholders may receive free entry for their companion. Visit the Companion Card website for more information.
Access
Please let us know about your access requirements. The Museums Discovery Centre has accessible toilet facilities. The Collections Galleries and seminar facilities are accessible via a lift.
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