St John's Schoolhouse Museum
Please note, while restrictions put in place to respond to COVID-19 are easing, there may be some changes to business-as-usual to keep workers and visitors safe. Please contact the business for the most up to date information, including opening times and social distancing measures.
In 1907 the School was closed, and for many years the building was scheduled for demolition. Fortunately the significance of the building and its history were recognised, and in 1969 the restored Schoolhouse re-opened as a museum of Canberra's early history and education. In 2019 we are proud to celebrate 50 years as one of Canberra's first museums.
The Schoolhouse enables visitors to imagine the different scene of rural Canberra, before it became the Federal Capital. Sit at an old desk, write on a slate, or play old -fashioned games. See the fascinating early photographs of the Limestone Plains.
School and other tours are welcome by arrangement, for a small fee per head.
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Children at play
DETAILS
OPENING HOURS
Wed: 10am-12pm, Weekend: 2pm-4pm
COSTS
Between $1.00 and $2.00
A gold coin donation on entry is requested. For school and other tours- which must be booked- a small amount is charged per head.
Our Museum is staffed by volunteers, and entry money received assists in the maintenance and upkeep of this historic building.
ACCESSIBILITY
Disabled access available, contact operator for details
Location
St John's Schoolhouse Museum
45 Constitution Avenue, Reid, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Features
Carpark
Family Friendly
Non Smoking Establishment
Reviews
TripAdvisor traveller rating
Ranked #155 of 223 things to do in Canberra on TripAdvisor
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© TripAdvisor 2018
“historic gem”
St. john’s is worth a visit for the church alone. add in a great historic schoolhouse and it should be on your to do list.
TIP: time visit with opening times of museum by checking website
ET3121
“Did not go into the museum but into the church. Amazing insight into Canberra history.”
St. John's Church is amazing. Spiritual and historic. Easily overlooked but a visit provides an insight into many phases of Canberra's history. A most rewarding and stimulating visit. recommended.
Headframe
“Canberra's First School”
What is now known as St John's Schoolhouse Museum, was Canberra's first school, long before Canberra itself existed.
It was built by the landed-pastoralist, Robert Campbell of Duntroon in 1845 as a...
David B
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