Science House
Winner of the inaugural Sir John Sulman Medal for Public Architecture, awarded in 1932
10am–4pm
About the building
Opened in 1931, Science House was built as the combined headquarters of three major scientific organisations: the Royal Society of NSW, the Linnaean Society of NSW and the Institution of Engineers, Australia. The centre of learning and research reflected Sydney’s scientific, intellectual and cultural development at the time.
Peddle Thorp & Walker (today known as PTW Architects) designed the interwar commercial palazzo-style building, one of the few in Sydney. In 1932, it received the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (NSW) inaugural Sir John Sulman Medal for Public Architecture. Sulman was enthusiastic about town planning and it was intended that the medal be for ‘a building of exceptional merit that contributed to the streetscape’.
The various scientific organisations occupied the building until 1976. It became the offices for the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation from 1978 to 1991 and was known as Sports House. It has since been occupied by various organisations.
The original interiors have been conserved and restored, and Sydney Open visitors will be able to view the ground-floor halls and rooms including the cruciform foyer, lecture hall and reception room.
Built
1930
Architect
Peddle Thorp & Walker
Placemaking NSW
Awards
Royal Australian Institute of Architects (NSW Chapter) – Sir John Sulman Medal for Public Architecture, 1932
Acknowledgements
Science House is owned and managed by Placemaking NSW.
Find out more about this building here
Science House
159–167 Gloucester Street, The Rocks
Entry details
Ground-floor rooms and hall
10am–4pm
3.30pm
Need to know
Accessible featuresAll areas are wheelchair accessible
Toilets availablePhotography allowed
