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Exhibitions
Four permanent exhibitions have been developed in close consultation with the Metropolitan Aboriginal Land Council to tell the story of the area and the impact of European settlement.
Warrane (Pre-1788)
Colony (1788-1820)
Port (1820-1900)
Transformations (1900-present)
Warrane (Pre-1788)
Warrane is the name the traditional landowners, the Cadigal people, gave to the area known as Sydney Cove today. This exhibition examines the relationship of the Cadigal people with their environment, identity, community and spirituality before the arrival of Europeans.
The changing natural environment of the area is illustrated in a specially designed audio visual presentation which shows how the Sydney basin was transformed over the last 50,000 years from a small river to the harbour we see today.
Colony (1788-1820)
Drawing on archaeological evidence found in The Rocks, this exhibition provides an insight into what life was like for the Cadigal people, convicts, soldiers and medical staff and their families during the early days of settlement following the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788.
One of the highlights of this exhibition is the touch-screen installation that allows you to get 'hands-on' with artefacts thought to belong to a colourful local identity of the time, local butcher and former convict George Cribb. Found in a well on the Cumberland Street archaeological dig site, the items, including an illegal alcohol stil, provide a fascinating picture into life in The Rocks in the early days of the colony.
Port (1820-1900)
During the 19th century, The Rocks developed from a convict town into a thriving port town where a post office, warehouses, newspapers and banks were established. It was home not only to merchants and clerks but also to whalers, sea captains, crews and their families.
You can trace the history of one such family in the interactive Byrne family tree. The Byrne family history goes back to the beginning of settlement right through to the present with descendants still residing in The Rocks today.
Transformations (1900-present)
By the beginning of the 20th century, The Rocks and inner city areas were regarded as crowded, dirty and unhealthy. The NSW Government took advantage of a bubonic plague scare to take control of The Rocks and announced its intention to redevelop the area.
Wharves and buildings were torn down and rebuilt. The two World Wars somewhat stalled the process, however the building of Sydney Harbour Bridge during the Depression brought about the demolition of hundreds of homes in The Rocks.
The local community's resistance to this program of redevelopment culminated in 1973, when the local residents joined with the Builders Labourers Federation in official protests that brought about a ban (known as Green Bans) on further demolition of this historic quarter.
This exhibition features unique archival footage from the early 1900s to the building of Sydney Harbour Bridge right up to video footage of the ‘Battle for The Rocks' in the 1970s. There is also a video documenting the history and experiences of Aboriginal people in The Rocks in the 20th century.
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