Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts

This article is about the non-profit organisation. For the building that formerly housed the Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts and known as the Arthouse Hotel, see Sydney School of Arts building.

Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts
AbbreviationSMSA
Formation1833 (1833)
FounderHenry Carmichael
TypeNon-profit
Location
Coordinates33°52′27″S 151°12′29″E / 33.87418°S 151.20818°E / -33.87418; 151.20818
ServicesAdult education
Websitesmsa.org.au

The Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts (SMSA) is the longest running School of Arts (also known as a "Mechanics' Institute") and the oldest continuous lending library in Australia. Founded in Sydney in 1833, the school counted many of the colony's educated elite as members. It ran a program of public lectures, courses, and other activities based on its mission of adult education. It also set up a lending library which became the oldest continuously-operating lending library in Australia.

After selling its former home at the heritage-listed building at 275 Pitt Street known as the Sydney School of Arts building in 1996, it renovated and moved into the building known as Lincoln House at 280 Pitt Street. In 2011, the SMSA opened the Tom Keneally Centre, which holds the research collection of world-renowned author Thomas Keneally from his private collection and memorabilia.

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