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Government House. Photograph Patrick Bingham Hall
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What do Buckingham Palace and Government House have in common? The answer is Edward Blore, a British architect who was involved in the architectural design of both buildings. Governor Bourke chose to commission an architect from England as he did not believe a local would be up to the job. Government House has been home to 27 Governors from 1846 to 1996 and has come a long way from the canvas tent Governor Phillip pitched in 1788.

From the first occupant onwards, each  Governor (and usually his wife) has made alterations and improvements to the house depending on their tastes and needs. However, the most dramatic change had nothing to do with preferences; when the attempted assassination of Prince Alfred forced Lady Belmore to transform the drawing room into a makeshift operating theatre so that surgeons could remove the bullet lodged in the Prince's abdomen.

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COLLECTION

Contemporary design within a vice-regal interior.
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HOUSE MUSIC 2010

House Music 09

Nine exceptional ensembles will perform in this year's diverse House Music series

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CLOSURES

OPENING HOURS

Planning a visit? Government House is occasionally closed for Vice Regal functions.

Check for closures online.

Location: Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW 2000

Contact: 02 9931 5222

Admission:

  •  Free
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Hours: Check for special December & January opening hours

Transport:

Language guide:

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