Rare artefacts on display at NSW Parliament House
29 June 2026
NSW Parliament House, Australia’s oldest Parliament, will transform its Fountain Court into a historic showcase this July, offering the public a rare glimpse into the 210-year history that has shaped the state’s democracy.
From 130-year-old cricket balls used in matches between the NSW and Victorian Parliaments in 1895 and 1896, to menus dating back to 1918—carefully preserved by former members as souvenirs of events at Parliament House—the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to view items not typically on public display.
Free and open to the public from 1–31 July 2026, the exhibition features a carefully curated selection of intriguing artefacts, providing a fresh insight into the people, traditions and everyday moments that have shaped parliamentary life over more than two centuries.
Brittany Allen, Senior Advisor, Collections and Heritage, said the exhibition is centred on three key themes that reflect the history of both the Parliament of NSW and the broader community.
“Our first theme explores friendly rivalries, imagining how the competitive spirit of Members of Parliament once extended beyond the chambers and onto the sporting field,” Allen said.
“And then for our dining at Parliament theme, we're recreating the banquets of yesteryear, putting our historic plates and sliver wear on show, once used by some of the state’s most prominent politicians.
“We’re also exploring our theme of built heritage; we have a lot of artefacts to do with the site here at Parliament. Not many people know that NSW Parliament House is a state- and nationally-listed Heritage site. Not only that we are also an archaeological site.”
The exhibition builds on the successful public launch of Parlimento in October 2024, the Parliament of NSW’s online collections database. Designed to provide digital access to items not typically on display, Parlimento allows audiences to explore significant objects, photographs and archival records. While the online platform opens new pathways for discovery, the physical exhibition brings these stories vividly to life.
The Hon. Ben Franklin MLC, President of the Legislative Council and exhibition host noted: “Parlimento helps us understand not only the history of our Parliament but also the lives of those who came before us. I encourage everyone to explore the digital archives, which will continue to be expanded.”
Exhibition Details
Dates: 1–31 July 2026
Location: Fountain Court, NSW Parliament House, 6 Macquarie Street, Sydney
Explore online: https://images.parliament.nsw.gov.au/