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
Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts Museum
Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts Museum
4.5
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
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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Popular mentions
4.5
75 reviews
Excellent
54
Very good
17
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Gerard S
Brisbane, Australia138 contributions
May 2022
We stumbled on this gem by accident. With its historical panels of Federation and Australia’s Prime Ministers it was a revelation. There was so much to learn. There was also a beautifully restored theatre/cinema which we were shown through by a delightful trainee guide called Paris. They need to hang on to her! To top it off the cafe had milkshakes in the genuine metal containers that were filled to the top.
Written 10 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Austravel25
Lake Macquarie349 contributions
Jun. 2021
The museum provides an excellent history to Tenterfield and Sir Henry Parkes. Great interactive tablet gives top information about the processed leading up to Federation. Recommend a visit if you’re in the area.
Written 1 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Trevor B
Redland City, Australia60 contributions
May 2021 • Friends
The museum is well set out in the old School of Arts building with hand held tables with descriptions of the exhibits as you go. Staff were friendly also.
Written 17 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
pahSydney
Sydney, Australia232 contributions
May 2021
I confess that I know more about Alexander Hamilton than I did about Sir Henry Parkes but thankfully that was remedied by a visit to this museum. Highly recommended
Written 14 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
755revs
New South Wales, Australia130 contributions
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
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, Australia22 contributions
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
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, Australia47 contributions
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, Australia28 contributions
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, Australia1,894 contributions
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.
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.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Frequently Asked Questions about Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts Museum
- Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts Museum is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Hotels near Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts Museum:
- (0.06 km) Telegraph Hotel
- (0.09 km) Peter Allen Motor Inn
- (0.23 km) Jumbuck Motor Inn
- (0.26 km) The Commercial Boutique Hotel
- (0.24 km) Best Western The Henry Parkes Tenterfield
- Restaurants near Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts Museum:
- (0.01 km) The Courtyard Cafe
- (0.07 km) Telegraph Hotel
- (0.13 km) Tenterfield Viet-Thai Lic.Restaurant
- (0.12 km) Tenterfield Gourmet Pizza
- (0.09 km) Tenterfield Bakery