when: 01 June 2025 - 29 April 2026 | venue: Customs House | cost: Free | address: 31 Alfred Street, Sydney NSW 2000 | website: https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
published: 03 Jun 2025, 5 min read
Discover the fascinating world behind one of Sydney's most important urban planning tools at The Model Makers, a new exhibition at Customs House.
The City of Sydney is the only local government in Australia that maintains and exhibits a working scale model of its local government area. Unlike the static model of Sydney in the floor of Customs House, this dynamic model-located on Level 2 of Town Hall House-has been an essential urban planning tool since the mid-1980s.
Learn about the team of skilled model makers who meticulously maintain and update the City Model at Town Hall House. Using a colour-coded system to differentiate existing, proposed, and under-construction buildings, their work keeps the model an essential resource for the public, architects, planners, and others making decisions about development decisions.
Originally commissioned to assist with assessing development applications, the City Model has grown alongside the city. The first section, completed in 2000, covered the city centre, Pyrmont, and areas south to Cleveland Street. Following boundary expansions in 2004, the City Model was extended to include Redfern, Alexandria, Waterloo, Beaconsfield, and Rosebery, with the final section completed in 2016.
More than just a planning tool, the city model offers a unique interpretation of Sydney's past, present, and future.
The Model Makers exhibition is on level 1 of Customs House, but you can visit the dynamic City Model on level 2 of Town Hall House (entrance via Druitt Street).
Content from UpNext.com.au. Please don't scrape website.
Discover the fascinating world behind one of Sydney's most important urban planning tools at The Model Makers, a new exhibition at Customs House.
The City of Sydney is the only local government in Australia that maintains and exhibits a working scale model of its local government area. Unlike the static model of Sydney in the floor of Customs House, this dynamic model-located on Level 2 of Town Hall House-has been an essential urban planning tool since the mid-1980s.
Learn about the team of skilled model makers who meticulously maintain and update the City Model at Town Hall House. Using a colour-coded system to differentiate existing, proposed, and under-construction buildings, their work keeps the model an essential resource for the public, architects, planners, and others making decisions about development decisions.
Originally commissioned to assist with assessing development applications, the City Model has grown alongside the city. The first section, completed in 2000, covered the city centre, Pyrmont, and areas south to Cleveland Street. Following boundary expansions in 2004, the City Model was extended to include Redfern, Alexandria, Waterloo, Beaconsfield, and Rosebery, with the final section completed in 2016.
More than just a planning tool, the city model offers a unique interpretation of Sydney's past, present, and future.
The Model Makers exhibition is on level 1 of Customs House, but you can visit the dynamic City Model on level 2 of Town Hall House (entrance via Druitt Street).
Go see The Model Makers 2025.
The Model Makers 2025 is on 01 June 2025 - 29 April 2026. See start and end times below. Conveniently located in Sydney. Call 02 9265 9333 for details. Visit their website at https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.
Are we missing something? Help us improve this article. Reach out to us.
Event Details
Are you looking for 'Things To Do' ideas?
Sydney Upnext Team
Hey Sydney siders! I'm your dedicated UpNext scout, on a mission to navigate the bustling streets and scenic byways of our harbour city to deliver the best deals and lifestyle tips. From the iconic Opera House to the surfers' paradise at Bondi Beach, I'm out and about uncovering the crème de la crème of shopping, dining, and entertainment in Sydney. Need to know the hippest pop-up shops or the latest arts festival? I've got you covered. Catch my daily dose of Sydney life and insider tips on Instagram @UpnextSydney. I share real-time finds, from sample sales to Sydney's secret dining spots, and everything in between. For locals and tourists wanting to get the most out of this vibrant city, follow me for a curated guide to living large and spending smart in Sydney. Join the journey, and let's make every day in Sydney an adventure to remember!
See recent events discovered by Sydney Upnext Team
Vivid Ideas: Remix Summit Sydney 2025
WIN THE ULTIMATE DARLING HARBOUR EXPERIENCE...
Vivid Sydney At The Maritime Museum 2025
Vivid Sydney At The Maritime Museum 2025
The Dream Herd 2025
Stand beneath a glowing cloud of fluffy white sheep, illuminated against the night sky....
Collaborative Art Making Workshop and Yarn 2025
Create art from a water memory using shape, colour, and writing. Join a group and talk with the artists on water, Countr...
