Sydney Archives - Page 5 of 42 - Destination's Journey

28 December 202313 December 2023

Nightingale Wing Sydney Hospital

Located in the Sydney CBD, the Nightingale Wing, Sydney Hospital, is a historical building of both medical and architectural significance. Completed in 1869, this sandstone and polychrome-brick Gothic Revival structure is the site of the first nursing school in Australia.

History

The Nightingale Wing owes its name to the iconic pioneer of nursing, Florence Nightingale. In 1868, under the request of colonial politician Henry Parkes, Nightingale sent six nurses, led by Lucy Osburn, to New South Wales to establish a nursing school. This marked a turning point in Australian healthcare, ushering in a new era of professional nursing education.

Designed by architect Thomas Rowe with input from Nightingale, the building embodied her vision for a modern and hygienic hospital environment. Featuring large windows for ample natural light, high ceilings for ventilation, and separate wards for different types of patients, the Nightingale Wing was a revolutionary design for its time.

Current Use

The Nightingale Wing is not just a historical landmark; it’s a living testament to the dedication and compassion of generations of nurses. Today, the wing houses the Lucy Osburn-Nightingale Museum, consisting of medical equipment, records, and artifacts that tell the story of nursing in Australia.

The museum’s collection includes everything from vintage uniforms and surgical instruments to patient records and photographs, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of healthcare practices. Visitors can also explore the historic wards and classrooms where generations of nurses learned their skills.

While no longer serving as an active hospital wing, the Nightingale Wing remains an integral part of Sydney Hospital. The collection of medical specimens is significant and are an important teaching tool. The museum itself is a popular tourist attraction, celebrating the history of nursing in Australia.

Getting There

Only a three-minute walk from Martin Place Railway Station, it’s easy to get to. Bus stops on Macquarie Street are even closer although car parks are further away and being Sydney, very expensive.

View over the courtyard — Nightingale Wing Sydney Hospital

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To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

19 December 20239 December 2023

NSW Masonic Club

Located in the heart of Sydney, the NSW Masonic Club was built in 1927 incorporating Gothic Revival and Art Deco styles. Meticulously restored, the building is heritage listed ensuring its preservation for future generations to enjoy.

As a functioning hotel, access to the many rooms is not always possible. However, during the Sydney Open Museums Weekend, access was permitted along with staff available who explained the use and features of each room.

The Rooms

Featuring marble floors and a magnificent staircase, the interior is as impressive as the exterior. Containing several function rooms, each with their own unique character, exploring the building is fascinating. The largest room, Cellos Grand Dining Room can seat up to 600 guests and like the other rooms is available for hire.

Although an elevator (lift) is available, the grand staircase is a more fun way to explore. Alternately, take the elevator up and walk back down the stairs.

Probably the most interesting room was the boardroom, with it’s huge mahogany table and chairs. This is where the Board of Directors meet and is the same as when it was first built.

It was wonderful that Sydney Open Museums could arrange for this amazing building to be open to the public.

Wall decorations in Cellos Grand Dining Room — Cellos Grand Dining Room

Our photos are available for purchase on

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

14 December 202313 December 2023

Ramses the Great at the Australian Museum

Running until May 19, 2024, The Australian Museum is currently hosting an exhibition centred on the Egyptian Pharoah Ramses II. This was a great opportunity to see some of the most important artifacts from ancient Egypt, without having to leave Australia.

Featuring over 180 artifacts, this is a large exhibition that we found fascinating from beginning to end. Starting with a short video presentation covering Ramses II’s life, it then proceeds through a series of display rooms containing the exhibits. Each section also has videos playing describing the artefacts in more detail.

Additional displays covered other aspects of Ancient Egypt, with one of the most striking being Sennedjem’s outer coffin. An artist, he worked on the tombs of Ramses and his father Seti while working on his own coffin on his days off.

Amazing jewelry, mummies of cats and crocodiles, masks and weapons gave diversity to what was displayed. As usual, the last room was a gift shop, where books and souvenirs could be purchased.