Qtopia Sydney

Museum · Sydney Darlinghurst

Since 2024, Qtopia has been telling the story of the queer community in the former Darlinghurst police station – of all places, where Mardi Gras protesters arrested in 1978 were held in the cells.

• ★ 4.8 on Google (131)
• original cells
• free entry on Sundays
• The Underground

Address

301 Forbes St
Darlinghurst NSW 2010

Opening hours

Wed–Sun 10.30 am–4.30 pm

Entry

Adults 15 AUD
concession and under 18s 10 AUD, under 10s free
free for everyone on Sundays

Crowd

mixed, from Mardi Gras veterans to tourists and school groups

Topics

Human rights, sexuality and identity, media, First Nations, HIV/AIDS

Getting there

near Taylor Square on Oxford Street

What makes Qtopia Sydney special

Qtopia is a campus of several buildings around the old police station on Forbes Street. Up to 17 exhibitions run at the same time, plus stages such as the Loading Dock Theatre for theatre and performances. Where gay men and protesters were once held, the museum now tells of persecution, protest and new beginnings.

Particularly striking is The Underground: a former public toilet under Taylor Square that was a gay meeting place until it closed in 1988. Today historical objects mix with new art under neon light. The exhibition is adults-only, accessible only by stairs, and won the audience award at the 2024 Time Out Sydney Arts & Culture Awards. The ticket covers the main building, the Substation and the Toilet Block.

Atmosphere and crowd

The crowd is mixed, from Mardi Gras veterans to tourists and school groups. Google reviews praise the exhibitions, the preserved cells and the friendly staff and volunteers.

Contact

Editorially researched, as of October 2026. Sources: Qtopia Sydney website and ticket page, Time Out Sydney, ABC News, Google reviews (4.8 stars, 131 reviews). Opening hours, prices and programme may change, please check before visiting.