Civic collection

The civic collection comprises items of movable cultural heritage that document the City of Sydney’s identity through historical, contemporary and emerging traditions and creative practices.

In the collection, you’ll find:

• historical and contemporary civic portraits, historical and contemporary works of art in traditional and diverse media including pieces by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• furnishings that reflect the working requirements of a functioning council and interpret key phases of the historical development of our buildings, particularly Sydney Town Hall
• historical items and memorabilia associated with the civic history and our responsibilities, such as official gifts, plaques, memorials and insignia.

Management of the collection is directed towards acquiring, preserving and interpreting the following:

• artworks and digital media that reflect the cultural diversity of our communities
• furnishings that have significance to our properties, including Sydney Town Hall
• historical items relating specifically to us in its civic administrative and ceremonial role.

View our civic collection curatorial policy and guidelines for more information.

How to view and access the civic collection

To view objects for research purposes, please contact us.