Sydney Conservatorium of Music

Sydney Conservatorium of Music is a music conservatory at the University of Sydney in New South Wales, housing performance venues, practice studios, and specialized equipment in a Gothic building near the Royal Botanic Gardens. The facility spans several floors and connects historic architecture with modern teaching and recording spaces.

Conductor Henri Verbrugghen founded the institution in 1916 as the New South Wales State Conservatorium of Music to bring European standards in music education to Australia. The building itself was designed by Francis Greenway between 1817 and 1821 as stables for Government House and later converted for teaching purposes.

The name reflects early public music education traditions in Australia, following 19th-century European models. The building combines Gothic facade elements with modern teaching spaces, giving the campus a distinctive profile.

The facility lies within walking distance of Circular Quay and is easily reached by public transport. The grounds border directly onto the botanic gardens, so visitors can combine both locations.

The facade shows irregular openings and archways originally designed for horses entering and leaving. Only after decades of vacancy was the building adapted for music education in the early 20th century.

Location: New South Wales

Inception: 1916

Part of: University of Sydney

Website: http://sydney.edu.au/music

GPS coordinates: -33.86346,151.21435

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:30