About
As an island nation, we have always been fascinated by the waters that surround us. The ocean, and its ever-shifting tides, have been central to our stories throughout time, shaping the Australian identity. By sharing these stories, we want to spark curiosity and conversations about how the sea shaped our world and continues to transform us today. Our purpose is to excite people about their connection to the sea, so they value it more.
Australia’s maritime history abounds with people who lived, worked, and explored our waters. The maritime museum brings a modern perspective to these narratives, exploring topics of migration, commerce, archaeology, ocean science and culture and lifestyle. We are proud to honour the stories from autonomous Indigenous voices and represent the innumerable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander living cultural connections to ancestral waters.
As the national centre for maritime collections, exhibitions, experiences and knowledge, we are custodians of historic vessels and a cultural hub for Australian maritime heritage and contemporary stories of the sea. These stories come to life for visitors at our Sydney Harbour site and connect with national and global audiences in immersive and innovative ways, including online experiences to explore from anywhere.
Our History
The museum resides in Darling Harbour, on land traditionally owned by the Gadigal who found a rich source of fish and shellfish in the sheltered waters of Darling Harbour and Cockle Bay.
Our building, reminiscent of billowing sails, opened in 1991 and has welcomed millions of visitors from around Australia and the World.
Service charter
The museum’s service charter sets out the standards which you can expect from us and gives you an opportunity to suggest improvements or to resolve any problems.
