Sydney Masonic Centre and Museum of Freemasonry
An icon of brutalist architecture in Sydney
10am–4.30pm
About the building
Building information
Like many icons of brutalist architecture, the Sydney Masonic Centre was a building that people loved to hate, but which now enjoys cult-like status.
It was designed in the early 1970s by Joseland & Gilling architects for the Freemasons United Grand Lodge. Only the podium was complete when the Masonic Centre opened in 1979. Decades later, the air space above was sold to a developer; when they saw Joseland & Gilling’s original tower designs they commissioned PTW Architects to realise their vision.
The 31-storey Civic Tower was completed in 2004 and was Australia’s first tower to be fully supported on a central lift core. With no structural columns touching the ground, it created an illusion of the tower balancing above the podium. The podium was also refurbished and a glass atrium added with a street-level cafe.
Visitors can view the event spaces as well as rooms associated with the Freemasons, including the Museum of Freemasonry, which contains an extensive collection of objects. An audiovisual presentation will play throughout the day, starting on the hour and half hour, commencing at 9.30am with the last show at 3.30pm.
1978
ArchitectJoseland & Gilling
AlterationsPTW Architects, 2004
Find out more about this building here
Sydney Masonic Centre and Museum of Freemasonry
279 Castlereagh Street, Sydney
Entry details
Grand Lodge room, marble foyer, banquet hall, lodge rooms, Museum of Freemasonry, Grand Masters suite, archives and library
10am–4.30pm
4pm
Need to Know
Wheelchair access at main entrance through different doors. There is lift access to all levels
Baby changing facilities
No flash photography where shown by signage
