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    Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts Museum

    41 Reviews
    #6 of 15 things to do in Tenterfield
    History Museums, Museums
    | Corner Rouse & Manners Street, Tenterfield, New South Wales 2372, Australia
    +61 2 6736 6100
    Website
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    Review Highlights
    “Not worth paying for....”

    Take a tip and don't pay to go through the "secret door" into the old hall. It's not worth the... read more

    Reviewed 8 August 2017
    14BUN
    ,
    Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
    “Beautifully Restored Building”

    Gorgeous piece of history - worth a visit. Ensure you check out opening hours in the quieter... read more

    Reviewed 13 July 2017
    Stella D
    ,
    Brisbane, Australia
    Read all 41 reviews
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    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)

    About Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts Museum

    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)
    4.5
    41 reviews
    • Excellent67%
    • Very good29%
    • Average4%
    • Poor0%
    • Terrible0%
    Travellers talk about
    “australian history” (4 reviews)
    “on display” (4 reviews)
    “courtyard cafe” (2 reviews)
    Closed Now
    All hours
    Hours Today: 10:00 - 16:00
    Suggested Duration: 1-2 hours
    LOCATION
    | Corner Rouse & Manners Street, Tenterfield, New South Wales 2372, Australia
    CONTACT
    Website
    +61 2 6736 6100
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    Reviews (41)
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    1 - 10 of 41 reviews

    Reviewed 8 August 2017
    Not worth paying for....

    Take a tip and don't pay to go through the "secret door" into the old hall. It's not worth the money. It's old, dull and everything on display is a bit higgledy-piggledy; if they paid a professional museum curator to set this up then they...More

    Thank 14BUN
    TenterfieldVIC, Public Relations Manager at Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts Museum, responded to this reviewResponded 11 August 2017

    Sorry you did not feel the museum was worth the fee. We are working on updating the displays at the moment, however this is dependent on funding. I believe the room you are talking about is actually part of the musuem and that falls under...More

    Reviewed 13 July 2017
    Beautifully Restored Building

    Gorgeous piece of history - worth a visit. Ensure you check out opening hours in the quieter months.

    Thank Stella D
    TenterfieldVIC, Public Relations Manager at Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts Museum, responded to this reviewResponded 17 July 2017

    Thanks for the review, glad you enjoyed your visit. The museum is open from 10.00am to 4.00pm every day, during winter and summer. It is also open for various special functions. Thanks!

    Reviewed 13 May 2017
    A great way to spend a couple of hours, and learn a bit about Australia's system of government.

    The School of Arts building houses a theatre/cinema, cafe, free displays about Australian government, and a museum with an entry fee ($6) on Henry Parkes and Federation. If you're interested in government you could spend up to an hour on the free displays (including a...More

    Thank caryc820
    TenterfieldVIC, Public Relations Manager at Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts Museum, responded to this reviewResponded 25 June 2017

    Thanks for the review, glad you enjoyed your time here.

    Reviewed 14 April 2017
    Australian History revisited

    This is a very interesting Museum which incorporates a cafe and theatre. We were shown though the Museum with Harry a very passionate guide. The story of Henry Parkes is very interesting and one wonders where Australia would be without this passionate advocate for Federation....More

    Thank Fitzylady
    TenterfieldVIC, Public Relations Manager at Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts Museum, responded to this reviewResponded 25 June 2017

    Thanks for the review - great to hear you enjoyed your visit. We're very lucky to have such a passionate person as Harry leading the tours.

    Reviewed 17 March 2017 via mobile
    Museum library cinema & Courtyard Cafe

    Many times I have driven the NewEngland Highway without stopping - at last I have spent the morning exploring the first building in NSW acquired by the National Trust. Henry Parkes inspired the nation with his Federation speech in 1889- we need inspiring leaders for...More

    Thank Sally F
    TenterfieldVIC, Public Relations Manager at Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts Museum, responded to this reviewResponded 25 June 2017

    Thanks for the review Sally! Great to hear you stopped after driving through, and that you enjoyed your visit.

    Reviewed 7 February 2017 via mobile
    Well curated and informative

    Our second visit - well curated with passionate and friendly volunteer guides. We had the larger than life Wayne Lusty on the day. Good overview of how Federation came to be, spearheaded by Henry Parkes.

    Thank SandgroperGirlPerth
    TenterfieldVIC, Public Relations Manager at Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts Museum, responded to this reviewResponded 25 June 2017

    Thanks for the review! Glad you enjoyed your second visit.

    Reviewed 17 January 2017
    Tenterfield The School of Arts offers a Museum, Cinema, Function Centre & Library

    Inside is the original hall where Sir Henry Parkes delivered his famous speech. Best remembered for his fiery and impassioned support for the Federation of Australian Colonies, Sir Henry Parkes took his Federation call to the people at the Tenterfield School of Arts on 24...More

    Thank Joanne E
    TenterfieldVIC, Public Relations Manager at Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts Museum, responded to this reviewResponded 25 June 2017

    Thanks for the review Joanne. Glad you enjoyed your visit.

    Reviewed 18 September 2016 via mobile
    Amazing federation history of Henry Parkes

    Excellent museum to learn about the history of the Federation of Australia and great and influential man Sir Henry Parkes. Very well laid out exhibits and even interesting to the kids!

    Thank Andrew B
    Reviewed 20 August 2016 via mobile
    Excellent snapshot of the history of Federation

    Located in the main street, this a well presented and worthwhile summary of Australian Federation and political issues surrounding it. Plenty of information regarding Sir Henry Parkes, his early life and his role as The Father of Federation! Also apart from the memorabilia, also a...More

    Thank pamp851
    Reviewed 24 July 2016
    More history than you can shake a stick at

    Who knew how many things happened in Australian history that were centred in Tenterfield? The biggest of course was Henry Parkes' Federation oration, and this is well covered in the School of Arts, which is where the oration took place.

    Thank Ray W
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