Norfolk Island Museum

Where History Lives On

Norfolk Island Museum reveals the layers of stories woven into this remarkable island. From Polynesian voyagers to British settlement, convict exile to Bounty mutineer descendants – each chapter has left its mark.

Located in a series of historic buildings within the within the World Heritage-listed Kingston UNESCO Site, you are invited to explore Norfolk’s past and its vibrant living culture through powerful exhibitions, rare artefacts, and local insight.

Explore at your own pace with the Unlimited Museum Pass, which offers unlimited entry to all museums and the Research Centre, plus two insightful Tag-A-Long Tours a day guided by knowledgeable locals. You’ll uncover everything from maritime tragedy to family treasures passed down through generations.

Need a starting point? Stop by the Settlement Guardhouse near Kingston Pier for orientation guides and helpful advice. For more history (and a little refreshment), visit the Royal Engineers Office – home to free exhibitions, books, gifts, and light bites including ice creams and cold drinks.

Whether you’re diving deep or just grazing the surface, the Norfolk Island Museum is where history comes alive.

The Museum Exhibitions of Kingston

No. 10 Quality Row
Step inside a beautifully restored Georgian home built in 1844 for the Foreman of Works, offering a glimpse into life in the second British settlement.
Pier Store
Uncover the rich threads of the Pitcairn and Norfolk stories, including artefacts from the Bounty and the island’s unique cultural lineage since 1856.
Sirius Museum
Explore relics from HMS Sirius, the First Fleet’s flagship, wrecked off Kingston in 1790 – an event that changed the island’s destiny.

Research Centre

All visitors – whether professional or just curious can explore the house and general history resources. Staff will assist you to discover more about your ancestors. Research assistance fees apply.

AVAILABLE TOURS

Unlimited Museum Pass

Adults: $43.00 | School age children: Free

An Unlimited Museum Pass is available for $43.00 for adults (great value!), and includes entry to the Research Centre. You can also join a guided 1.5hr Tag-a-Long Tour, where Museum guides lead you on a journey behind the scenes, to reveal additional stories from the collection and Norfolk’s history, taking place 9.30am-11am, Monday to Saturday.

School children are free.

‘For Whom The Bell Tolls’ Cemetery Tour

Cemetery stories guided walk, Tuesdays and Fridays at 9:00am through the historic convict cemetery.

When: Every Tuesday and Friday at 09:00am (tour finishes at 10:30am)

Cost: $24.00 per person OR $19.00 per person with an Unlimited Museum Pass

Where: Meet at the top Cemetery gate in Kingston – please bring a drink and hat.

Unlimited Museum Pass & Cemetery Tour

Adults: $62.00 | School age children: Free

Unlimited Museum Pass which includes entry to all museums, the Research Centre, and the popular tag-along guided tour, and the Cemetery Tour.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Royal Engineers Office (R.E.O.) Bookshop
Find your next holiday read, enjoy a free exhibition or just pick up an ice cream and island souvenir. Open 9am-3pm Monday to Friday.

Settlement Guardhouse
Information about Kingston and it’s layers of history and heritage, free entry. Open 9am-3pm Monday to Friday, 11am-3pm Saturday and Sunday.

Opening Hours

HMS Sirius Museum, & No. 10 House Museum: Open 11am-3pm Monday to Saturday

Pier Store Museum: Open 7 days 11am-3pm

Research Centre 9 Quality Row: Open 11am-3pm, Monday to Wednesday Note: currently closed Thursday and Friday

Commissariat Store Museum: Currently closed for maintenance