The Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts (SMSA) is a member-based association incorporated under the Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts Incorporation Act 1886 and governed by the By-Laws approved by the members at a General Meeting.  It is the oldest School of Arts in Australia and is proud to have Her Excellency The Governor of NSW Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO as Patron. 

It is supervised by a Board of Directors elected by the members at the Annual General Meeting. 

The SMSA was founded for the intellectual improvement of its members and the cultivation of literature, science and art. It continues to do this in a number of ways.  Having regard to the aims of the Founders, in 2006 the Board adopted the following guiding principle to guide future endeavours.  

Please come and join us. 

"Making a Difference through Learning"

In furthering this guiding principle, the SMSA undertakes and is involved in a wide range of activities:

An Organiser of Events, Seminars and Lectures.

Consistent with the objectives set out in the Charter, the SMSA holds lectures, seminars and workshops on issues of current affairs, literature, science and the arts. Please see our Events page for details.

The Oldest Lending Library in Australia

Established in 1833, our library has over 32,000 books, mostly works of fiction and is one of the largest fiction libraries in central Sydney.

A Central venue for your events 

The SMSA welcomes any group to use the facilities available on Level 1 - see the Venue Hire page.  The SMSA also welcomes the opportunity to further projects in collaboration with other organisations where the purpose of the projects is consistent with the objects of the SMSA. Please feel free to contact the General Manager.

Home to 20 Not For Profit and Educational organisations

Most of the tenants at 280 Pitt Street are Not-For-Profit or Educational organisations. 

On occasion, the Sydney Mechanic's School of Arts may have premises which have become vacant or will be vacant. Please contact the Secretary / General Manager. 

The SMSA welcomes enquiries from Not For Profit or Educational organisations in particular.