Location and History
Situated in the heart of Darlinghurst, Sydney, the Old Darlinghurst Gaol was originally constructed in the 1820s using convict labour. The site began housing prisoners in 1841 and remained in operation until 1914.
In 1921, the complex was adapted for educational use as the East Sydney Technical College. By 1922, the National Art School (NAS) had taken up residence within the historic sandstone walls, offering diplomas in painting, sculpture, ceramics, design, and commercial art. A wide range of short and part-time courses were also introduced, and by the early 1960s, NAS had nearly 500 full-time and 1,000 part-time students, supported by 93 staff members.
In 1996, the National Art School achieved stand-alone independence, becoming the sole occupant of the complex. Today, it remains a leading institution for visual arts education, research, and creative practice.
The school boasts a distinguished alumni that includes some of Australia’s most celebrated artists, among them James Gleeson, Margaret Olley, Tim Storrier, John Coburn, Ken Done, Max Dupain, Fiona Hall, Alan Jones, Reg Mombassa, Wendy Sharpe, Jeffrey Smart, John Olsen, Cressida Campbell, and sculptor Rayner Hoff.
NAS secured its long-term future on the site in 2019 through a 45-year lease and designation as a State Significant Organisation, followed by a 2021 NSW heritage listing recognising the complex as Sydney’s oldest surviving gaol.
Architecture and Legacy
The original Gaol was pegged out by Francis Greenway in 1821, with the sandstone perimeter walls completed by 1824. Due to limited funding, further construction was delayed for more than a decade, and the full complex was not completed until 1885.
The site’s radial design features six rectangular cellblocks surrounding a tall circular chapel, all constructed from locally quarried Sydney sandstone. Convict markings remain visible along parts of the outer wall on Darlinghurst Road.
Henry Lawson, one of Australia’s most famous poets, spent time incarcerated here and later referred to it as “Starvinghurst Gaol.” Between 1841 and 1907, seventy-six executions took place on site, including those of Captain Moonlite (Andrew George Scott) in 1880 and Louisa Collins, the last woman hanged in New South Wales, in 1889.
The Cell Block Theatre
In the 1950s, part of the former women’s prison wing was transformed into the Cell Block Theatre, marking a new chapter for the site as a hub for avant-garde performance. The project gained momentum in 1955 when Katharine Hepburn and Robert Helpmann attended the site to announce its conversion. Hepburn famously remarked:
“…that a member of the second oldest profession in the world should open a building which had housed women from the oldest profession.”
The theatre went on to host groundbreaking performances, including the Australian premiere of John Cage’s Sonatas and Interludes for Piano, concerts by Ravi Shankar, and early performances by actor John Bell. Since the 1980s, it has primarily served as a venue for the National Art School’s formal events and student exhibitions.
Highlights and Amenities
Today, the Old Darlinghurst Gaol site provides a distinctive backdrop for arts and cultural events, exhibitions, workshops, and education programs. Notable spaces include:
- The Cell Block Theatre – accommodating up to 350 guests, ideal for performances and gatherings.
- The Rayner Hoff Project Space – a dedicated exhibition area showcasing contemporary work by NAS students, staff, and alumni.
- The NAS Gallery – housed in the former chapel, displaying curated exhibitions of Australian and international art.
Darlinghurst Gaol remains Australia’s oldest surviving large gaol complex. Constructed entirely of sandstone, it stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of its builders, with its chapel regarded as one of the finest examples of stonemasonry in the country.
Availability and Contact
The Old Darlinghurst Gaol site is available for hire or lease for arts and cultural activities that align with the vision and values of NAS and Create NSW. All applications are subject to approval and availability.
For venue hire or leasing enquiries, contact:
National Art School – Venue Hire
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