Spent such a lovely afternoon with my parents exploring Fairfield City Museum & Gallery and honestly it was one of those special days that stays with you. From the moment we arrived, the place felt peaceful, welcoming, and full of history, culture, art, and stories from so many generations. We enjoyed fresh coffee and tea together before slowly walking through every room and exhibition, taking our time and appreciating all the beautiful details around us.
The museum itself is incredible. Established in 1983, the site is filled with history and charm. The beautiful Edwardian-style building dates back to 1913 and was once the original Council Chambers for the Smithfield and Fairfield Municipality before becoming a family home and later transforming into the museum it is today. Walking through the old rooms felt like stepping back in time. Every corner had something interesting to discover — vintage furniture, historical objects, photographs, old household items, and pieces of local history from more than 150 years ago. My parents especially loved seeing how people once lived, worked, and raised families in earlier generations. It really makes you appreciate how much life has changed over time.
One of the highlights was the nostalgic Vintage Village area. It truly felt like walking through an old Australian town from another era. The old-style buildings, shopfronts, and preserved artefacts created such a warm and authentic atmosphere. There are not too many places left that preserve history in such a beautiful and interactive way. Every room had its own story and personality, and we spent so much time simply looking around and talking about the memories it brought back.
We also explored the powerful exhibition SÔNG SỐNG SONG by Vietnamese artist James Nguyen. The exhibition was deeply moving and emotional, telling stories connected to Agent Orange and its lasting impact on families and communities. One room featured large installations of shirts washed in the Parramatta River, while another showcased video works of Nguyen’s mother and local Vietnamese aunties singing survival songs by the riverbanks. The atmosphere inside the gallery was so powerful, emotional, and reflective. You could truly feel the connection between memory, family, migration, survival, and healing through the artworks.
Another beautiful part of the visit was the We Are Here exhibition celebrating First Nations culture, storytelling, and artistic traditions in Western Sydney. The Aboriginal artworks on display were absolutely stunning and full of meaning. Through art, film, and storytelling, the exhibition highlighted the importance of visibility, connection, knowledge-sharing, and community. The colours, textures, and stories throughout the rooms created such a strong sense of culture and belonging. My parents really enjoyed learning more about the local Aboriginal history and seeing the incredible creativity of the artists, Elders, and students involved in the project.
What made the day truly special though was simply spending quality time together. Walking through every gallery room, sharing conversations over coffee and tea, admiring the artwork, learning about history, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings made it such a meaningful experience. Sometimes the best days are not about big plans, but about slowing down and appreciating beautiful moments with family. Feeling grateful for these memories with my parents and for places like this that keep stories, culture, art, and history alive for future generations.
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Take care,
M from Nepaliaustralian
XOXO
nepaliaustralian 