Functions and venues
Unique spaces ideal for events and functions such as dinners, cocktail parties, receptions, conferences and product launches.
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Australia’s first museum is housed in a magnificent sandstone building highlighting the best of 19th century architecture and offers a unique and exciting venue for your celebration.
Situated opposite Hyde Park and enjoying stunning views of the city skyline, and beyond to the Harbour, the Australian Museum has a space to suit every function.
Contact the Venue Hire team
T +61 (0)2 9320 6182
E functions@austmus.gov.au
Catering
Our catering partner Create Consultants will provide options for catering packages that are entirely flexible and can be customised to suit your event – and your budget.
T 02 9320 6182
E amevents@createconsultants.com.au
Our venues
The view from No. 1 William St at night
Image: James Morgan© Australian Museum
No. 1 William
Enjoy food with a view in this versatile venue. No. 1 William offers stunning views of St Mary’s Cathedral, Hyde Park and the city skyline. A large balcony runs the full length of the venue, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing panoramic views of the city skyline. This venue is sure to impress your guests.
Capacity
Cocktail: 200
Sit-down: 150
Harbour View Room terrace
Image: Daniel Boud© Australian Museum
Harbour View Room & Terrace
With views north to St Mary’s Cathedral and east to Kings Cross, the Harbour View Room & Terrace is a striking venue for your daytime or evening function. A large balcony with floor to ceiling windows wraps around two sides of the venue filling the room with natural light and presents a unique view of Sydney.
Capacity
Cocktail: 100
Sit-down: 80
Theatre: 80
Awards ceremony in the Westpac Long gallery
Image: James Alcock© Australian Museum
Westpac Long Gallery
Australia’s first museum gallery, dates back to 1857. This high-vaulted space features mezzanine balconies and a beautiful heritage staircase. Specimen cases that surround your guests display 200 Treasures of the Australian Museum showcasing objects from the Museum’s vast collection.
Capacity
Cocktail: 170
Sit-down: 90
Dinner event in Wild Planet
Image: unknown© Australian Museum
Wild Planet
The first permanent gallery to be opened at the Museum in over 50 years, Wild Planet is sure to wow your guests with over 400 animal specimens on display highlighting global biodiversity.
Capacity
Cocktail: 200
Sit-down: 80
Dinosaurs gallery
Image: Mark Connolly© photo by rasha photography Rasha
Dinosaurs
Dramatic lighting, projected scenery and astounding specimens bring this captivating space to life. Showcasing more than 10 life-sized dinosaur skeletons, the Dinosaurs gallery provides a unique setting for your cocktail reception or themed event.
Capacity
Cocktail: 230
Sit-down: 30
The Dinosaurs gallery and Surviving Australia gallery can be combined to provide extra capacity.
Surviving Australia gallery
Image: Stuart Humphreys© Australian Museum
Surviving Australia
Featuring Australia’s extinct and living animals, the Surviving Australia gallery provides a distinctive space for a cocktail reception or themed event with an Aussie Outback flavour.
Capacity
Cocktail: 200
Sit-down: 20
The Dinosaurs gallery and Surviving Australia gallery can be combined to provide extra capacity.
© Australian Museum
First Australians Galleries
The galleries house two contemporary exhibitions, Garrigarrang: Sea Country and Bayala Nura: Yarning Country. Planning conditions apply for the use of the First Australians Galleries.
Capacity
Cocktail: 150
Sit-down: 70
Pacific Spirit gallery
Image: Daniel Boud© Australian Museum
Pacific Spirit
Experience the colour, culture and artistry of one of the world's most diverse regions. Planning conditions apply for the use of Pacific Spirit.
Capacity
Cocktail: 60
Sit-down: 20