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.
Join us to watch Preston Sturges’ classic film Sullivan’s Travels (1941) introduced by SMSA Member Peter Rainey.
The Poetry at SMSA members’ group will present a reading of well-known poem, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner in person at SMSA.
Join us for a public reading of Charles Dickens holiday classic A Christmas Carol by Geoffrey Usher.
Last month the SMSA had the pleasure of hosting an eye-opening author talk by writer Ryan Butta. The talk explored Ryan’s latest book The Ballad of Abdul Wade, sharing his inspirational journey unearthing the hidden history of the first Afghan men in NSW. Following such an insightful talk, we couldn’t resist asking Ryan about his […]
Meet Jessica Murtagh, a glass artist innovating craft and design.There is a new contemporary design award in town showcasing the innovators of the makers scene. This year’s inaugural MAKE Awards: Biennial Prize for Innovation in Australian Craft and Design, focuses on the makers redefining technique and materials. One of those pioneering makers and MAKE Award Second Place recipient is Adelaide based glassblowing genius Jessica […]
A Message from the PresidentDear Members, I would like to thank and congratulate our CEO, Lisa Harris, and the team on completing our recent refurbishment to levels 1, 2 and 3 of the SMSA. The new carpets, painting and furniture have transformed tired member spaces into welcoming, inviting, and vibrant environments to support the SMSA to continue to deliver […]
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.