All gaol tours at the National Art School have been suspended. Please check back later in the year for new dates or email marketing@nas.edu.au to be notified when new tours are announced.
The old Darlinghurst gaol is one of Australia’s oldest and best preserved examples of colonial sandstone architecture, which over the last two centuries has transformed from a place of abject misery to one of Australia’s premier arts institutes. According to legend, the building is haunted by the restless ghosts of some of the 76 people who were executed at the gaol’s gallows.
Join us for a lively historical tour, shedding light on the fascinating history of the site and exposing the dark, hidden corners which aren’t usually open for public access. Scroll down to choose a date and book tickets.
Led by an expert historical guide, the tour takes approximately one hour and includes the historic Cell Block Theatre, the Chapel, the old Governor’s residence, the morgue, the flogging wall, the tunnel which was used to process and delouse prisoners and the site of the former gallows.
Concession price is available to holders of a current Centrelink concession card, a NSW travel concession as defined by Transport for NSW, or are Alumni of NAS as defined:
Graduates of the NAS holding a degree, diploma or certificate of the NAS, including graduates of the art department of East Sydney Technical College, Sydney Technical College and Alexander Mackie College of Advanced Education (between 1975-1977); and former students who have successfully completed at least one year of full-time study on any of the award courses included above.
Eligible concession card holders must bring their proof of eligibility to their first class. Alumni eligibility will be checked by the Alumni Coordinator prior to the first class.