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Mary MacKillop Place Museum

Our location

Museum opening hours

7 days a week
9:00 am – 4:00 pm

THE MUSEUM IS CLOSED ON:
New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Admission

We welcome group bookings for schools, students and adults. Bookings are essential.

ADULT GROUPS

LEARN ABOUT
EDUCATIONAL GROUP VISITS
LEARN ABOUT
ADULT GROUP VISITS

About the Museum

The Mary MacKillop Place Museum is a ministry of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart. Since opening its doors in 1995, it has captivated visitors with the inspiring stories of Australia’s first canonised saint Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop (1842–1909), and Fr Julian Tenison Woods (1832–1889) who together founded the Sisters.

Housed in the previous ’Practice School’ for novices, built in the early 1900s, the museum offers a unique glimpse into Australia’s journey from the mid-colonial era to the pre-Federation period. Visitors can explore the rich history of this time, including the growth of the Catholic Church in Australia, and the challenges faced by the under priviledged. The story unfolds across three galleries in addition to Alma Cottage, Mary’s final home.

Museum collections

The Mary MacKillop Place Museum boasts an impressive collection of objects and artifacts that preserve the remarkable historical legacy of Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods. Alongside these items are personal belongings of the Sisters of Saint Joseph that tell the broader story of Catholicism in Australia. We also have a collection of items dating back to pre-colonial Australia, and European items from as early as the 17th century. 

Visitors can explore much of the collection, which is displayed across three galleries in addition to Alma Cottage.

Digital displays in each gallery also enhance your time in the museum giving unique insight into the life and the work of Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods.

LEARN WHAT’S ON DISPLAY

Bookings and enquiries

For adult groups and educational group bookings and general enquiries:

Call us on
+61 2 8912 4814

Send us
an email

SUBMIT A BOOKING:
EDUCATIONAL GROUPS

SUBMIT A BOOKNG:
ADULT GROUP

MUSEUM TESTIMONIALS

KerryMuseum | Chapel | Gift Shop & Café
Peaceful, warm and welcoming atmosphere. Staff and volunteers are genuinely helpful. Beautiful church building and museum in memory of an extraordinary woman who did so much for so many around Australia and New Zealand. A lovely, relaxed little cafe next door compliments this refreshing little pocket in busy North Sydney.
WineyMuseum | Chapel | Gift Shop & Café
One of the best undiscovered places in Sydney - the Museum is excellently designed - you really do feel like you are walking the emotional roller coaster with this great Australia Woman. Most of her story of suffering is largely unknown and this Museum does a great job. Starts from her childhood, ending in the actual room which she spent her last days and her place of burial (in the chapel). This place always makes me proud to be Australian. Oh the cakes are great!
KerryMuseum | Chapel | Gift Shop & Café
Peaceful, warm and welcoming atmosphere. Staff and volunteers are genuinely helpful. Beautiful church building and museum in memory of an extraordinary woman who did so much for so many around Australia and New Zealand. A lovely, relaxed little cafe next door compliments this refreshing little pocket in busy North Sydney.
WineyMuseum | Chapel | Gift Shop & Café
One of the best undiscovered places in Sydney - the Museum is excellently designed - you really do feel like you are walking the emotional roller coaster with this great Australia Woman. Most of her story of suffering is largely unknown and this Museum does a great job. Starts from her childhood, ending in the actual room which she spent her last days and her place of burial (in the chapel). This place always makes me proud to be Australian. Oh the cakes are great!

Browse our archives

Our archives are also available to browse on our e-learning hub.

VISIT OUR LEARNING HUB AT E-HIVE
GIFT SHOP & CAFE
STAY WITH US
HIRE A VENUE

An integral part of the museum experience is a visit to the Mary MacKillop Memorial Chapel a place of peace, serenity and prayer, where the tomb of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop is located.

DISCOVER THE MEMORIAL CHAPEL

Your support of the Sisters of Saint Joseph helps us carry forward a legacy of compassion, education, and service at Mary MacKillop Place.

SUPPORT OUR WORK

“No words can tell how my heart bounds at the thought of getting home.”

MARY MACKILLOP  |  1874