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Things to do in Tenterfield
Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts Museum

Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts Museum, Tenterfield: Hours, Address, Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts Museum Reviews: 4.5/5

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Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts Museum

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See all things to do
Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts Museum
4.5
71
#4 of 18 things to do in Tenterfield
History Museums
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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About
The Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts is a must see for visitors to Tenterfield, and offers a fresh and exciting approach to Australian history, culture and environment, with a focus on Federation. Stories of Australia's history are told through exciting and innovative displays and the museum features the Banquet Hall, where Sir Henry Parkes delivered his famous Federation speech in 1889. A display of memorabilia from Parkes' personal life, including a compelling portrait by Julian Ashton, ivory carvings and journals is situated in the gallery. The School of Arts is owned by the National Trust, and in 1957 was the first building in NSW to be gifted to the trust by an act of parliament. The complex also features the Tenterfield Cinema & Theatre. This charming cinema features state of the art digital projection and screenings of all the latest movies, as well as live performances of music and theatre. Museum Entry Fees: - FREE for National Trust Members - FREE for Tenterfield Shire Ratepayers - $6.00 Adults - $5.00 Concession - $3.00 Child - $13.00 Family - $7.00 per head for tour groups of 10 or more people (includes guided tour)
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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4.5
71 reviews
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755revs
New South Wales, Australia130 contributions
Allow at least an hour and a half.
Apr. 2021 • Couples
The entry fee was reasonable. Friendly staff greeted us and explained the layout before giving us a handheld device that gave us recorded back stories for all the interesting exhibits at our own pace. Fascinating part of our National history. Allow at least 90 minutes. Highly recommended.
Written 3 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
amanda f
Brisbane, Australia70 contributions
Our history
Mar. 2021
Fabulous displays, beautiful building. I learned a lot about our federation and just prior that i'd not known before. Thank you!
Written 9 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Linda H
Bellingen, Australia20 contributions
Fantastic
Nov. 2020 • Couples
We visited the beautifully restored museum yesterday
Having been to so many museums but we thought this was one of the best we have seen We were given a tour by a very informed man who could answer any question asked so thankyou
The building is a credit to Tenterfield with the thought that has gone into the restoration of the areas of display and the theatre and also has some amazing donated items
We were also able to listen to Sir Henry Parkes famous speech
So worth a visit
Written 28 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John M
Tweed Heads, Australia44 contributions
History buffs, this is for you!
Nov. 2020
Probably required for every Australian. It was interesting to know that Sir Henry Parkes married three times, had a lot of children and died a pauper in spite of being NSW Premier a few times. Run by volunteers, this place is a must-see in Tenterfield.
Written 11 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lyn McNee
Tumbulgum, Australia26 contributions
Surprise surprise
Oct. 2020 • Friends
Well done 👍🏼 made a boring topic for some pretty interesting. The renovation, display, theatre and voluntary staff are pretty special. And smart operators; there’s a cafe on site at the back courtyard after you’ve worked your way through. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Written 2 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wayne N
Sydney, Australia1,878 contributions
Great History and Hidden Gem of a Cafe
Oct. 2020 • Couples
This heritage listed building is the place Henry Parkes mad one of his earliest speeches towards driving Australians to federation.

You see pictures within the room where it all happened. I found the history of this fascinating and when investigating what went on back then, you have images of the past that reflect very closely to what is happening today with State Border Closures with Covid19.

Within this building is the Courtyard Cafe. An absolute hidden gem that should be listed in TA as a Cafe in its own right.

They have the most delicious pumpkin scones!!

Great bathrooms and open on Sundays.
Written 25 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peter S
Sydney, Australia146 contributions
A must see
Oct. 2020
We were fascinated with this museum. So much important Australian history, very well laid out and explained on boards. There were also people connected to the place telling us interesting bits of information. Everybody should go if in Tenterfield.
Written 24 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bbsydney96
Sydney, Australia545 contributions
What a man, what a great museum
Oct. 2020 • Couples
We’ve all heard of Sir Henry Parkes but I’m not sure we properly understand the influence of the man on our wonderful country.
Such an interesting museum with so much to learn.
We’ve got reading to do to fill in our knowledge and understanding.
Some wonderful artifacts and very interesting art / cartoons.
A great place to visit and we were made to feel very welcome by our host (whose name I cannot recall, but she was excellent. Fri 16/10).
Written 17 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Geoff M
Forster, Australia15 contributions
History.
Aug. 2020 • Couples
We found this museum very interesting and informative. It's well set-up.
The lady who attended to us was fantastic. Very friendly and gave us lots of information about the building and the events that they hold there.
Written 28 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TenterfieldVIC
Thank you so much for the review Geoffrey. We're so glad to hear you enjoyed your time at the museum, and that we were able to help you out lots of additional information.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
gamain
Inverell, Australia1,113 contributions
Worthy of a stop, to look, listen & learn
Jul. 2020
If spending some time passing through Tenterfield, then the National Trusts Sir Henry Parkes School of Art Museum is a must visit. Just across the road from the Post Office in Rouse St., is a plain looking brick building. Enter and listen to the volunteer, read the information, check out the timbered interior, listen to the narration. Its importance to our nation should not be overlooked, from a bygone past.
Written 28 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TenterfieldVIC
Thank you very much for the review. We're glad you stopped in & enjoyed your visit. It's really quite amazing the stories that Tenterfield has to share.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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