TEST A Colonial Eye

About the program

Students investigate the role of artists during the early colonial period and consider how they contributed to the development of the colony. They look at a range of Australian artworks, from early depictions of a strange new land to later works by professional artists showing the progress of the expanding colony.

Students are also guided through two drawing activities focusing on the 19th-century summer house in the garden and a collection of natural history objects in the schoolhouse. They then settle on the hillside beside the house to learn about perspective and the effect that interpretation has on an artist’s work while making their own watercolour.

Corner Phillip and Bridge streets, Sydney NSW 2000

Museum of Sydney

Corner Phillip and Bridge streets, Sydney NSW 2000
  • Wheelchair accessible
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123 Fake St

123 Fake St

123 Fake St
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Onsite

Bailed Up!

Students explore the impact of the gold rush on law and order in the colony of NSW, and of bushrangers on the Australian identity

Looking towards small cottage across paddocks.
Onsite

Expanding the Colony

Students explore the former farm and examine a range of sources to learn about the expansion of NSW in the 19th century and investigate its impacts on the environment, the people of the Boorooberongal clan and the colonisers

Two girls in school uniform making string in exhibition space with other students behind.
Onsite

Garuwanga Gurad (stories that belong to Country)

During this program at Museum of Sydney, on the site of first Government House, students have a unique opportunity to explore links between Indigenous and European histories, cultures and perspectives in the expanding Sydney colony of the 1800

Two girls dressed in costume in large dormitory style room.
Onsite

Home: Convicts, Migrants and First Peoples

What was it like to be a convict living at the Hyde Park Barracks?