Next to Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music combines a heritage sandstone building with a modern structure built underground. The former stables now house a University of Sydney music school, concert halls and a library. Stop to see displays about Gadigal people and early settlement, or check the schedule for a free student performance in Verbrugghen Hall. The building is also a good indoor pause from a Botanic Garden walk, with a library layout that includes spaces for knitting and games.
From stables to music school
The Conservatorium began as stables for the First Government House. Designed by convict architect Francis Greenway, the sandstone building was constructed between 1817 and 1820 in a Gothic style. It was intended for the horses of Governor Lachlan Macquarie, and its high cost became a point of controversy during his time in New South Wales.
In 1915, the building became a music school. Today the Conservatorium is part of the University of Sydney and includes the Conservatorium High School, where students specialise in music, as well as the community-based Open Academy. Its heritage-listed Greenway Building preserves the original structure, while later construction added a modern section below ground.
History beneath the building
The newer part of the Conservatorium connects the visit to Sydney’s earlier history. Displays include objects and information relating to Gadigal people and the first settlement around Circular Quay. Excavated remains of early infrastructure are also presented inside, including a cistern, a drain and pottery fragments.
These displays sit within the building rather than in a separate museum, so they can be explored as part of a walk through the Conservatorium. They bring together the site’s former use, the city’s early settlement and the place of First Nations people. Take time to read the exhibits as you move through the public areas.
Concert halls and library
The Conservatorium has several performance spaces, including Verbrugghen Hall and smaller rooms used for student recitals. Its halls are noted for their acoustics, and student concerts provide a chance to hear performances in the building. The lunchtime programme includes free concerts on Wednesdays and Thursdays during the semester; check the current schedule before setting out, since performances depend on the programme.
The library has study tables arranged in smaller, quieter areas, as well as book shelves and seating downstairs. Its less usual corners include supplies and a place for knitting, alongside a games section. The building’s layout can be a little unexpected: the library is on the second floor, although the main entrance level is the third. The Conservatorium is open to visitors during the day, but access to particular spaces and events may depend on what is scheduled.
FAQ
Are the Conservatorium’s lunchtime concerts free?
The Wednesday and Thursday Lunchbreak concerts are free. A gold-coin donation is recommended.
Where is the Sydney Conservatorium of Music?
It is at 1 Conservatorium Road, beside the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney.
What can you see inside the Conservatorium?
Displays cover Gadigal people and early settlement history, including excavated infrastructure and pottery. The building also has concert halls and a library.
When are the lunchtime concerts?
Lunchbreak concerts are held on Wednesdays and Thursdays during the semester. Check the schedule before visiting.
