Celebrating 190 years 1833 – 2023
Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts has been welcoming members and visitors for over 190 years, providing an inclusive environment for people to share their love of learning.
Home to Australia’s longest-running lending library and the Tom Keneally Centre, SMSA is an integral part of Sydney’s literature and cultural society.
SMSA offers a robust event program and invites members and visitors to attend.
Our convenient Sydney CBD location also provides a range of meeting rooms and event spaces for hire.
We invite you to explore what SMSA has to offer…
Since its inception, the Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts has always been a meeting place for lifelong learners eager to share their knowledge and skills. A self-funded, not-for-profit organisation wholly owned by its members, SMSA has made a major contribution to Sydney’s culture, industry, society, and politics since 1833.
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Our library collection has over 30,000 books on the shelves covering all genres including fiction, non-fiction, science fiction, biography, and poetry. Many people know us for having the best crime fiction collection in Sydney.
SMSA offers several flexible and affordable meeting rooms and event spaces, which are all conveniently located right in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. From our tiered theatre and multiple meeting rooms, to the unique book lovers venue, the Tom Keneally Centre, SMSA is the place to meet.
Author Rose Ellis joins us in conversation with Mandy Sayers to talk about her latest book, Bee Miles.
Join us to watch Jean Vigo’s classic film L’Atalante (1934) introduced by SMSA Member Peter Rainey.
The Poetry at SMSA members’ group will pay homage to Robert Frost through a special reading of his famous poems.
Did you know Liliana, one of our brilliant SMSA library team repairs our damaged library books?
Members’ Group: Social Bridge – Postponed until Friday 4th August 2023SMSA’s Social Bridge Group is currently paused and will recommence on Friday 4th August 2023.
Links from Bonnie Werner, Guest Speaker at SMSA’s Cancer Council Biggest Morning TeaLearn more about Gynaecological Cancer through these informative resources from Bonnie Werner.
We are home to a unique collection of books, a highlight being our Mystery and Crime section.
We are honoured to be the home of Tom Keneally’s personal collection of books, many of which have been used as research for his own work.
Join a members group, share your passions, learn new skills and get involved.
We provide a variety of member only events, these are relaxed social occasions to have fun and make new friends.