Parramatta Heritage Centre
Celebrate, appreciate, activate, engage with and express the cultural heritage of Parramatta with activities, talks, tours, exhibition and events.
Have questions or need to know something specific about Parramatta? The Heritage Centre has got answers, programs and activities to help you appreciate the unique cultural identity of the Parramatta region.
Overlooking Parramatta River and located in the cultural heart of the city, The Centre has an impressive range of exhibitions and displays that help bring Parramatta’s stories to life. The permanent exhibition – Parramatta: Past and Present - provides first-time visitors with an excellent introduction to the area’s history and a good start for a day of exploring. The travelling exhibitions occur all year round and provide visitors with a steady stream of new ideas and interpretations.
The Centre’s public programs not only get you thinking and discussing interesting topics with interesting people, they also get you creating, learning and having fun with cultural heritage. You can pick up a new skill or express a flair for craft in the adult workshops. The kids will love the school holiday programs and school excursions have never been more interesting! Enjoy the history week activities, the heritage festival programs, adult learners week...
For little ones (not yet at school) there’s Gumnuts, a monthly fun and learning program for pre-schoolers and their carers. Meet new friends and make things to take home and proudly put on display.
Family History Local Studies Library
There’s a wealth of records and references at the Local Studies Library to help you unravel your family history or research Parramatta’s cultural, natural or built heritage. Curious about the history of your house? Proposing a development on a heritage site? Writing a school project, thesis or book? You’ll find many helpful resources in the Family History Local Studies Library and the Council Archives – both located inside the Centre.
Venue Hire
The beautiful location makes for a perfect meeting place overlooking convict-built Lennox Bridge. The Centre has two well appointed rooms for hire; small conference or seminar. Call for a quote; 8839 3311.
Visitor Information Centre
The Centre also houses Parramatta’s Visitor Information Centre; a great resource for those planning a trip up the river, a day out, a motoring holiday or a much longer journey? Phone or drop in for travel information; there are brochures and maps covering Parramatta and regional NSW to get you started, plus a range of local interest books, gifts and postcards.
Visit the Heritage Centre at 346A Church Street Parramatta - look for it directly opposite the Riverside Theatres.
Other info
The ferry arrives at the end of Phillip Street which is a 10 minute walk from Parramatta Heritage Centre. See the ferry timetable here.
Parramatta Heritage Centre is serviced by the free 'Loop' bus; the route includes Phillip Street restaurants, Parramatta Station, Westfield, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Parramatta Stadium, the Leagues and RSL clubs, and Eat Street (Church Street).
