Why the Hyde Park Barracks sets a new benchmark in museum practice

A new benchmark for storytelling finds a fresh balance between multiple voices, where both analogue and tech-driven viewing experiences aim for the authentic, rather than an authoritative tone.

After years in the planning – and following a 12 month closure – the first reinterpretation of the Hyde Park Barracks since it opened as a museum in 1991 was unveiled this week. Quickly touted as a landmark project, the museum’s refresh aims to set new standards for visitor experience.

The upgrades have been largely delivered through revenue raised by a heritage conservation scheme managed by the City of Sydney.

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Gina Fairley is ArtsHub's National Visual Arts Editor. For a decade she worked as a freelance writer and curator across Southeast Asia and was previously the Regional Contributing Editor for Hong Kong based magazines Asian Art News and World Sculpture News. Prior to writing she worked as an arts manager in America and Australia for 14 years, including the regional gallery, biennale and commercial sectors. She is based in Mittagong, regional NSW. Twitter: @ginafairley Instagram: fairleygina