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The oldest three-storey structure in Australia, the Female Orphan School was built in 1813 to shelter the colony's young girls from the depravity of Sydney Town. The site went on to become the Rydalmere Psychiatric Hospital before being left abandoned. Derelict and covered in graffiti, the building's future was in question before work began in 2000 to restore it to its former grandeur and to create a home for the Whitlam Institute. 

Admission is free for individual visitors. Please enquire about our modest fees for guided group tours.

The Female Orphan School is open to the public every Wednesday and Thursday, 10am – 4pm, excluding public holidays.  More information on getting here →

Discover the story behind Female Orphan School with former Director of the Whitlam Institute, Leanne Smith.

What's On

Explore current and upcoming exhibitions at the Female Orphan School and Margaret Whitlam Galleries.
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HISTORY

The Female Orphan School building has witnessed some of the most significant social changes in Australian history, shaping thousands of lives over the two centuries it has stood on the Parramatta River. 
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Tours

Get the inside story on some of this building's remarkable secrets with our talented tour guides.
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Explore the Female Orphan School digitally More →