State Library of New South Wales

There are many good reasons to allow a few hours to explore the State Library of New South Wales (aka. Mitchell Library). It's a magnificent old library space - great for a chilled read. It happens to also be home to a superb gallery of art from the colonial period and later, a small but fascinating Map Room (newly opened), a curious collection of random colonial memorabilia and interesting special exhibitions.

Photo: Mark Bowyer Map Rooms - State Library of New South Wales, Sydney

Photo: Mark Bowyer Portraits of big name colonials - State Library of New South Wales, Sydney 

You’ll find wonderful examples of colonial landscapes and records of the development of the British colony. Some of the most well-known portraits of colonial bigwigs such as Captain Arthur Phillip, Governor Lachlan Macquarie, and “rum rebel” and generally unpleasant chap, John Macarthur, are also on display. Macarthur's impressive wife Elizabeth’s portrait is also in the collection.

The main building opened in 1910 and was designed by colonial architect Walter Liberty Vernon. He also designed the Art Gallery of New South Wales and other notable structures around the city.

The State Library is free and located in the heart of the city opposite the Botanical Gardens.

For our other gallery tips, check out our listing here.
Check out our museum recommendations here.

Disclosure
Rusty Compass listings are always independent. We list the places we think you should know about. That's it. We'll always disclose any commercial arrangements when these exist.