Members get more COPY

Members Hour is an exclusive time dedicated to members at each of our properties. Members can wander around and enjoy each site and have our historic houses, gardens and museum all to themselves. 

Each Members Hour is communicated in the members eNews.

See current and our our past Members Hour events.

Enjoy free entry to all our museums, houses and reading rooms.

Through the support of the NSW Government, we can welcome more people to experience our museums and houses. To date free entry has been extended until 2027.

Members receive exclusive benefits year-round:

• Members Hour at all our properties
• Members-only events and experiences across all our properties and programs
• 20% discount on events including school holiday programs
• Pre-sale and priority access to tickets, including Sydney Open and Sydney Open Series
• Reserved Seating at our events
• Members are first to know with regular eNews 
• Exclusive giveaways and offers
• 10% discount at all our cafes and restaurants
• 10% discount at all our retail shops and online
• Benefits from our partners and friends
• Plus much more special offers and benefits announced throughout the year

For special and popular events, members receive access to tickets before they go on sale to the public. Members will be notified of upcoming events via email. Members wishing to purchase tickets in the pre-release period can do so via the MHNSW website.

Member discounts on retail and cafes and restaurants

Members enjoy a 10% discount in our cafes and restaurants and our retail shops. The discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

The cafes and restaurants discount is available for groups of 6 people or fewer, and include at least one member. The discount will be applied to the total bill and will not apply to split transactions.

When shopping via the MHNSW Online Shop use the membership discount code that was provided in your welcome email (and letter). It is also listed in your members eNews. The MHNSW Online Shop uses a separate system to our membership and ticketing system, so you may need to create a new account when purchasing items online.

When shopping in person, simply show proof of membership.

Members enjoy discounted tickets to MHNSW events. Events are notified online and in regular member eNews. Bookings can be made online.

When booking tickets online you will need to login. If you have a membership your discount will be applied after you have logged in. If you have not previously created an online password, or have forgotten your password, please use the forgotten password function (located under the password field). Do not register a new account as this will not be linked to your membership account.

We are always working on new benefits and members-only experiences including behind-the-scenes access to the latest developments of MHNSW and great access to the State Archives Collection. Check out what’s on here.

Membership begins on the date of purchase and is valid for 12 months.

If you renew your membership before the expiry date, it will carry on from the day your current membership ends. If you renew after your expiry date, your membership will restart when you renew.

You will receive a welcome email within 24 hours of your membership purchase containing your membership details and member benefits.

Gift Memberships will take effect when they are activated.

Member includes one adult and up to four children.

Member + One includes two adults and up to four children.

Children must be accompanied by the members. Your membership type is identified on your membership card, receipt or member emails.

What membership do you recommend?

Member + One is the perfect choice for families or those looking to share their museum experience with others. You can bring your favourite person every time, or a different person with each visit.

The membership allows benefits for the member and one additional adult each visit.

With a  Member + One , you can take a loved-one to the Hyde Park Barracks one day or explore Susannah Place Museum with a friend the next. You choose your + One!

Can I lend my membership card to someone else?

No. If you would like the flexibility of sharing the museum experience with others, the Member + One option will be perfect for you.

No, you can access all your Members benefits using your members emails, enews and letters. You can always find your membership details in these communications. Or simply provide your ID at any of our sites and our museum staff will be able to help you.

How do I request a membership card?

All new or renewing members can choose to receive a membership card when they sign up or renew. Members with auto-renewal can contact the Members Office to request a card.

What happens if I lose my membership card?

In the event of lost cards, members can use any of their member eNews or emails as their membership confirmation.

If you lose your membership card and would like a replacement, please contact the membership office to arrange a replacement card. Email the members team here. Replacement cards may incur a cost.

Yes, you can. We will be phasing out the current physical SLM branded membership card and replacing this with a MHNSW digital card you can show from your mobile device on entry. Alternatively, your membership details are included in your monthly member eNews and emails and can be shown at our museums and historic houses for our friendly museum staff to look you up in our systems. Physical membership cards can be requested, either while purchasing a membership or via contacting our membership team.

Yes. A Gift Membership makes a unique gift that provides year-round benefits.

When you purchase a Gift Membership online you will be asked to provide the recipient’s name and, if desired, a personal message. The Gift Membership confirmation will be emailed only to you (the purchaser), but is designed for you to forward to the gift recipient as an email; it can also be printed out if you prefer. The email will contain information on how the recipient can redeem their membership online or over the phone.

The membership will not commence until it is redeemed by the recipient. This allows you to purchase a Gift Membership today but only send it to them on the day when you want to surprise them.

Please note that you will also receive an emailed receipt. This is not the Gift Membership and should not be forwarded to the gift recipient.

How do I redeem my Gift Membership?

The person who gifted you a membership will provide you with a gift membership email that identifies the level of your membership (Member or Member + One), and a redemption code. We have not collected any of your information at this point, so you will need to provide this to us during the redemption process below.

Redeeming a gift membership is just like buying a membership, but you’ll use your redemption code to ‘pay’ for the membership.

To begin, visit the membership purchase page here.

Select the membership level you’ve been gifted and progress as though you are going to purchase the membership. This will either be Member or Member + One. Do not select the auto renewal membership level. Select proceed and check out.

You’ll now be asked to register your details. This is where you will enter your contact details. Once you have completed this step, you will be returned to your shopping cart. Enter your redemption code in the Gift Membership redemption box and redeem, and process order to finalise.

Auto renewal

Auto renewal is a secure, simple and time-saving way to renew your membership annually using your credit card. Simply choose your preferred membership level with auto renewal, and when your membership is ready for renewal you’ll be notified via email about your upcoming payment, which will be processed automatically. By selecting auto renewal, you are authorising MHNSW to deduct the renewal fee from the provided credit card.

If you wish to cancel your automatic renewal payment or change your membership level, please email the members office, including your membership ID at least ten days in advance of the payment due date.

How else can I renew my membership?

You can also renew in person at any MHNSW museum or over the phone on +61 2 8072 4515.

Can I cancel my membership?

MHNSW memberships are non-refundable.

To log in login, you’ll need to enter your email and password. If you have not previously created an online password, or have forgotten your password, please use the forgotten password function. Do not register a new account as this will not be linked to your membership.

Under account information, you will be able to update your contact details including postal address, phone and email.

If you have any difficulty logging in, it could be that your membership is registered under a different email. Please contact the membership or bookings office for assistance.

A. General

1. Membership commences on the date of purchase or issuance and is valid during the period up to and including the date of expiry, unless otherwise stated.
2. Memberships are non-refundable and cannot be paid on a pro-rata basis for part of a year.
3. Memberships including its cards and benefits are non-transferable.

B. Membership Types

1. Member – One (1) nominated adult and up to four (4) children (under 18 years) can attend as part of this membership.
2. Member Plus One – Up to two (2) adults and up to four (4) children (under 18 years) can attend as part of this membership.
3. MHNSW reserves the right to amend terms and/or change member benefits or privileges at any time, including discounts to its retail shop, onsite cafes / restaurants, events and exhibitions during your membership, including suspending or revoking the membership program in whole or in part at MHNSW’s discretion. If any changes are made, we will give members notice by email and/or by posting a notification on the MHNSW website. MHNSW is under no obligation to refund membership fees in whole or in part.
4. MHNSW reserves the right to exclude select events and activities from member discounting. MHNSW will communicate this in related marketing and at point of sale.
5. The MHNSW Members Team reserves the right to suspend a member's benefit in whole or in part or cancel a paid MHNSW membership without refund for any breach of any of these Terms and Conditions.

C. Membership Benefits

Membership grants the listed member the following benefits:

• Exclusive member experiences including curator and expert-led access, behind the scenes tours and more
• Members Hour at all our properties
• 20% discount on events* including school holiday programs
• Member-only previews to all exhibitions
• Pre-sale and priority access to tickets, including Sydney Open
• Reserved seating at events
• Members are first to know with regular eNews.
• Exclusive giveaways and offers
• 10% discount at all our cafes and restaurants
• 10% discount at all our retail shops and online
• Discounts and offers from our partners as listed in clause H

1. The Member + One membership extends membership benefits to an additional adult for each visit or booking, when accompanied by the named member.
2. A Membership is solely for the personal enjoyment of MHNSW museums and historic houses and cannot be used for entry to any MHNSW commercial activity.
3. Membership benefits and discounts only apply to MHNSW programs, events or other activities where expressly stated.
4. Any past, current or future MHNSW member discounts, offers or promotions cannot be used in conjunction with any other MHNSW discounts, offers or promotions.
5. A member must at all times abide by any applicable MHNSW Ticket terms and conditions or Terms of Entry. These may change from time to time.
6. Members are responsible for ensuring that their contact details associated with their membership are correct at all times.
7. To gain entry to an MHNSW property, a member must present MHNSW admission staff with a valid membership card or other proof of membership issued by MHNSW. MHNSW Staff may ask for proof of identity.
8. Free entry to exhibitions does not include exhibition launches or some ticketed exhibitions.
9. Reproduction of a membership card in any form is strictly prohibited.

D. Children

1. Each MHNSW membership includes up to four children aged 15 years and under when accompanied by the adult member. This also includes access to member discounts for MHNSW events and programs.
2. MHNSW reserves the right to request members children to be registered and named in memberships.

E. Upgrading

1. Visitors to MHNSW museums, historic houses and exhibitions choosing to upgrade to a membership from a ticket are bound by the following terms:
   1. A valid MHNSW ticket receipt must be presented at the time of purchase. This includes a museum admission ticket or a Sydney Museums Pass.
   2. Only one MHNSW ticket can be used towards upgrading to a MHNSW membership in a transaction.
   3. MHNSW tickets must be of an equivalent or a lesser value than the membership they are to be discounted from. For example, the maximum discount available for a member membership is an adult ticket fee.
   4. If the total of the ticket value exceeds the total membership value, the Museum will not refund the difference.
   5. Upgrades must be made within 14 days of the date of admission as printed on the entry receipt.
   6. MHNSW tickets cannot be upgraded online and/or upgraded against the discounted online membership prices. Prospective members must present their entry receipts in person to our admission staff or via email to the Membership Office.

G. Membership Auto Renewal

1. By selecting and signing up to Auto Renewal you give permission for your credit card details to be stored securely and will be charged annually as a recurring payment. The first payment will be taken on the day of purchase, and then annually for the next year of membership at the then-current rate. You will be notified via email prior to any credit card transaction.
2. You may opt out of Auto Renewal at any time. You can do so by emailing the Membership Office at a minimum of ten (10) days prior to your expiry date.
3. Subject to any rights to cancel, membership fees are non-refundable once payment has been received, and membership benefits are not transferable.
4. Museums of History NSW is not responsible for any loss or damage you may suffer from incorrect or incomplete account details that you have provided to us. Auto Renewal is not available as a payment method when purchasing a gift membership.

H. Affiliated Organisations Reciprocal Benefits

Subject to change at any time. Promotional codes are found in member eMail communications.

1. Art Monthly: For a 10% discount on one-year print subscriptions from Australasia’s flagship visual arts publication, enter provided promo code when subscribing online
2. Opera Australia: For 8% off tickets to Oto Opera Australia’s 2025 opera performances in the Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House and Melbourne. *Valid until 1 October 2025. Limit of 4 tickets per production per customer. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Valid only for selected opera performances. Excludes musical performances and events on New Year’s Eve. Booking fee may apply
3. Sydney Symphony Orchestra: For 10% off the price of tickets with Sydney Symphony Orchestra, when booking online or call 8215 4600 to redeem your offer. *A, B, C reserve tickets only. Terms and conditions apply. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Special events, concessions, subscription packages, Sydney Symphony Presents performances excluded. Booking fee may apply. Valid at Sydney Symphony box office only.
4. Transport Heritage NSW: For 20% off NSW Rail Museum’s “Museum + Heritage Train Ride” ticket, use provided promo code at check out. Or show your MHNSW membership card at the admission desk. Upon presentation of valid Museums of History NSW membership card for in person purchases or a valid coupon code for pre booked online purchases. Use provided promo code to access the museum and heritage ride discounted tickets online or MHNSW members can call the customer service team on 1300 11 55 99 to book. This offer is available online and can be redeemed in person at Transport Heritage NSW on presentation of a valid MHNSW membership.

I. Gift Memberships

1. Gift memberships are valid from the date of activation either by giver or by the recipient, for the duration of the membership purchased. For example, if 1-year membership was purchased, it is valid for 12 months from the date it is activated by either the giver or recipient.
2. MHNSW reserves the right to cancel, without refund, any Gift membership that has not been activated within 6 months of the purchase date.

J. Death of a member

1. A MHNSW membership terminates automatically on the death of a member. MHNSW will terminate the member's account on receipt of notification of the death of the member.
2. Should the member be part of a Member plus One, the Members Team can re-allocate the membership/s at our discretion.

K. Members Lounges

These apply to all designated members spaces or pop up existing and future:

1. If you, or any one in your party, are feeling unwell we ask that you do not enter the members Lounge but visit us another day
2. The Members Lounge is cleaned regularly, and hand sanitiser is available for use by members on entry and throughout your visit.
3. Any refreshments provided are a courtesy for members. Please only touch and take what you intend to consume and place crockery and cutlery in the areas set aside for sanitising on leaving the Lounge.
4. The Members Team, in their absolute discretion, may restrict your access or require you to wait to access the Members Lounge in order to manage Lounge capacity. You will need to have your membership card and/or photographic proof of your identity with you to enter the Lounge. The Members Team or museum staff reserves the right to deny you access if they are unable to confirm your identity and/or current membership details.
   MHNSW reserves the right to close the Lounge, re-locate it or cease to operate the Members Lounge at any time.
5. The Members Lounge can become busy. It is a condition of entry into the Lounge that members enter at their own risk. MHNSW is not responsible for any injury, loss or damage suffered by members while in the members lounge.
6. Smart, casual dress standards apply as a minimum at all times while in the Lounge and entry may be refused if customers do not meet that standard. Bare feet or clothing with offensive images or slogans are not acceptable. Members Team or museum staff have absolute discretion to administer these standards.
7. If you are asked to leave the Member Lounge or premises for any reason, you must comply with that direction.

L. Communication

1. By becoming a MHNSW member, you provide MHNSW with your express consent to receive communications from Museums of History NSW (to the contact details you have nominated) regarding:
   1. your membership; and
   2. news, programs, competitions, events and offers at MHNSW and at any of our business partners.
2. You may opt-out of receiving the communications set out in clause 37 (ii) by using the unsubscribe function on any electronic communications you receive from MHNSW or by contacting the Membership Team to change your preferences. Opting out of these communications will impact MHNSW's ability to provide you with the membership benefits that would otherwise be available to you as part of membership.
3. If you opt-out, MHNSW may still contact you regarding any news or notifications that impact your membership. These could include but not limited to; changes in terms, pricing and organisational news.
4. Each member acknowledges that MHNSW collects, uses and discloses personal information about the member so that MHNSW can provide members with membership benefits and administer the MHNSW membership program. More information about how your personal information is used and kept is set out in MHNSW’s Privacy Statement.
5. Only the member named on the account will be entitled to access their membership information.

M. Privacy and Personal Information

1. When you purchase a membership, book a ticket or donate to MHNSW through any MHNSW channel, or give information to MHNSW for any other purpose, the personal information you provide will be entered into a database. The database is a customer relationship management system which is shared by MHNSW and other Australian arts organisations (the current organisations are Sydney Opera House, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Bell Shakespeare Company, Opera Australia and Pinchgut Opera) who use a common customer relationship system known as Tessitura for the purposes of ticketing, marketing, fundraising and customer relationship management. The Organisations are able to view your name and contact details (e.g. address, email and phone numbers) when those details are given to MHNSW and entered on the database (“Contact Information”). This is so that MHNSW can process your current and future transactions as effectively as possible without asking you to provide the same information repeatedly, and also helps to ensure the speed and efficiency of any of your dealings with the Organisations.

Funds raised from MHNSW membership go towards supporting the important work of MHNSW in preserving 12 of the state’s most significant heritage properties. This includes the physical restoration and preservation of the sites, the maintenance and acquisition of our collections, and the public-programs and activities that make the sites accessible.

Can I make an additional donation as a member?

Yes. You can donate online or in person at any of our museums. Your donation will help us to preserve and conserve our 12 historic sites, ensuring our significant history will be shared for generations to come. If you would like to discuss making a donation please contact donate@mhsnw.au

As with all brand-naming exploration, a set of criteria was put in place for the new institution. Our new name needed to:

• be unique
• position us within the cultural institution
• highlight our core mandate of history
• communicate the state-wide focus of institution
• be clearly understood by a diverse range of audiences
• position the new entity alongside other NSW cultural institutions
• allow enough flexibility to embrace everything that we do.

From here, a range of names were put forward as part of some preliminary brand positioning undertaken with Sydney-based agency, The Royals following consultation with staff and key external stakeholders.

While a number of names were proposed, ultimately, Museums of History NSW was selected as the preferred name. It most closely fits the naming criteria, and has been endorsed by the Hon Ben Franklin, Minister for the Arts. It also highlights our role in promoting the state’s history, with the ‘flex’ to make it discoverable, compelling, and relevant for our diverse audiences.

Why did SLM and SARA join to become Museums of History NSW (MHNSW)?

MHNSW is making the future of history more accessible and exciting than ever. By SLM and SARA coming together, we have more opportunity for sharing the stories and histories of the state, and for the production of content such as exhibitions, education and events, which will build MHNSW a prominent place in the state’s cultural programming.

As one of Australia’s pre-eminent archives and records authorities, SARA’s vast collection of government records and archives pre-dates European settlement in 1788. And as the custodian of 12 of the most important NSW historic houses, gardens and their collections, SLM opened the doors to the past in engaging, creative ways – virtually and in person.

By unifying our vast expertise, knowledge, assets and collections, we’ve created a new cultural institution that provides our audiences with greater access to a broader range of stories about our social, historical and cultural identity.

Alongside MHNSW, the State Archives and Records Authority of NSW has changed with the creation of a dedicated public office, State Records NSW (SRNSW). This entity is separate to MHNSW and focuses on record keeping standards, regulation, advice, education and policy.

• Exclusive pre-sale and $5 off all public programs year-round
• Priority entry
• 5% discount at the retail store*
• 20% discount on Symphony Hills wines*
• Access to members-only experiences, including exhibition previews, curator tours and last looks
• Free entry to special events throughout the year
• Plus more

*Promo code available in members eNews.

• Art Monthly: Members receive a 10% discount on one-year print subscriptions of Art Monthly. Promo code available in members eNews.
• Deadhouse Productions: Members receive a 20% discount on walking tours and performances. Promo code available in members eNews.
• Opera Australia: Members receive an 8% discount on tickets to Opera Australia opera performances in the State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne and the Joan Sutherland Theatre at the Sydney Opera House. Promo code available in members eNews
• Sydney Symphony Orchestra: Members receive an 10% discount with Sydney Symphony Orchestra purchases of A, B, C reserve tickets. Promo code available in members eNews.
• Transport Heritage: Members receive 20% off NSW Rail Museum’s ‘Museum + Heritage Train Ride’ ticket. Present your valid MHNSW membership card at the ticket office or enter the promo code when booking online. Promo code available in members eNews.

Terms may apply. Please refer to full terms here.