Justice & Police Museum

Image of a man moving past a wall covered in early 20th century mugshots. Underneath is a showcase containing weapons.

Crime display at the Justice and Police museum. Image Copyright Holly Shulte.

Home to a vast photography archive documenting police investigation, the Justice & Police Museum examines the history of law, policing and crime in New South Wales. The museum’s displays explore the history of crime and punishment, bushranging, forensic science and the development of the NSW Police Force.

Situated on the edge of Circular Quay, the imposing sandstone complex of police station and two court buildings (1856 –1886) once housed the people responsible for maintaining law and order on Sydney’s unruly waterfront. Stepping inside, you experience the building’s evocative interiors including the 1890s police Charge Room and corridor of cells and the imposing Water Police Court. Many infamous criminals appeared before this court including bushranger Captain Moonlite and sly grog queen Kate Leigh.