Events, talks & activities

The University of Sydney is not just for students and researchers. We contribute to our local, national and international community life through a wide range of public programs, lectures and courses. Recently, we completed another year of successful partnership with Sydney Festival, in which our current students, staff and alumni all had important roles to play.

We have an online calendar that lists events across the University, which you can use to plan what you'd like to see and do. Most of these events are open to the public and we welcome your participation. The following is a brief selection of services and activities available to the public.

• Sydney Ideas is the only public lecture series hosted by an Australian university, and attracts globally prominent speakers like Tim Flannery and Robert Fisk to address the key issues facing today’s world. Speakers for 2012 include Guy Standing, Sara Ahmed, David Lyon, Javier Cercas and Jean and John Comaroff.
• Tours are available of our historic campus, providing the opportunity to learn more about the origins of the University as well as some of the inspiring people who have worked and studied here.
• Our museums and art galleries house the largest collection of antiquities in the southern hemisphere, as well as diverse collections of art, photography and ethnographic material. Recently the art gallery exhibited works by Jeffrey Smart.
• Music and drama performances are available through the Seymour Centre and the Conservatorium of Music. During the semester the Conservatorium holds weekly performances and concerts. You can also join us for public recitals of the Great Hall Organ and the Carillon.
• There are three sport and fitness centres on our grounds, including a swimming pool. We also have squash, tennis and basketball courts. If you're after something gentler, most of the University grounds are open to the public and their landscaped beauty provides the ideal setting for a walk.