Qtopia Sydney

Situated in the old Darlinghurst police station which is quite important for local LGBTQIA+ history. The old cells have been transformed into exhibition spaces showing LGBTQIA+ history along and art. There is also 2 intimate theatre spaces, so go online and checkout what is playing and support local theatre. This really is a must go to place if visiting Sydney.

Qtopia opened in February 2024 at the original Darlinghurst Police Station. The site itself is significant in the history of the LGBTQIA+ community as it is where people were arrested and imprisoned during the original protests on 24th June 1978. To now be a place where history can be displayed and to celebrate the freedoms achieved speaks volumes as to how far we have come.... while still being aware of what still needs to be done. Currently, there are four main venues at Qtopia; the Main Building (Darlinghurst Police Station) where most of the exhibits are, The Substation for Queer music and storytelling, The Loading Dock which is a performance space and The Toilet Block...an adults only space exploring facets of gay culture. The second floor of the main building will be open in the future to house more exhibits once an elevator is installed to make the second floor fully accessible for all visitors. The museum has several permanent displays/exhibitions ranging from the HIV/AIDS crisis, human rights, sexuality and identity as well as an exhibition of some of the costumes worn during the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. Exhibitions are changed regularly so check their website for further information. The museum is assisted by some lovely volunteers who give their time to ensure that all who visit are aware of the significance of the site and how best to experience your time wandering through the exhibits. There is a lot to take in with short videos, explanatory notes of the exhibits and a shop to purchase some goodies to take home. I’d allow a good hour or so to fully experience the museum. Entry is currently $15 ($10 concession) and free on Sundays. Thoroughly recommend a visit to find out more about Queer history in NSW and Australia.

Fantastic museum, ironic that it's in the old Police Station! Great media, lots of videos telling our stories, fabulous displays of queer, lesbian, Drag Queens and Kings. Highly recommend to all especially LGBTQ+ community and overseas visitors.

A really impressive curated collection. I sat and watched the entire HIV video, the interviews and real life stories were incredibly impactful. Well worth attending to learn more about this and other aspects of gay history.

Very interesting exhibition,and so appreciate the entry free on Sunday for poor traveler like me. Go at noon also can see exclusive toilet block see where people were cruising back in that time(you can smell urine when you walk down)

Small and conveniently located museum with a lot of good historical content. Very friendly staff as well.

Went on a Sunday so it was free! Small exhibitions but there's a lot of them. Lots of cool little things to see. I loved the Mardi Gras costumes room and the wall with the periodic table but LGBT+ terms. Went for the Kylie Minogue exhibition and although I wish it was a bit more on Kylie's life and all that (but small) still a joy to see.

It's early days yet for this new location but did find our visit absorbing. So fitting that it's set up in the old police station, including the old cells, where police bigotry against LGBTI+ of the past was based. There's an entry fee though certain Sundays are free Update... The substation and Toilet Block out front are only open at selected times. The Toilet Block in particular def worth the visit. Very much capture the times of what it was like in the seedy times of furtive hookups when being gay was illegal