The Sydney International Art Series unites two exclusive exhibitions: Takashi Murakami's Australian-first retrospective at the Art Gallery of NSW (5 December 2026 – 18 July 2027), and Philippe Parreno: 5 Moons, transforming the MCA into a living artwork (21 November 2026 – 26 April 2027). One Art Pass, two world-class shows. 

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Takashi Murakami

Art Gallery of New South Wales

5 December 2026 – 18 July 2027

Get ready for a burst of colour and creativity as the Art Gallery of NSW's Naala Badu building is taken over by Takashi Murakami, one of Japan's most famous contemporary artists. This Sydney-exclusive exhibition features a major career retrospective, plus the world premiere of brand-new works in a striking underground gallery, the Tank. You'll recognise Murakami's style instantly: playful, smiling flowers and anime-inspired characters bursting with colour. But there's real depth too, his art blends traditional Japanese painting with pop culture, tracing Japan's transformation since the mid-20th century. Suitable for all ages, with plenty of photo-worthy moments.  

 

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Takashi Murakami Mononoke Kyoto, Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum, Kyoto, Japan 2024, photo: Joshua White

Philippe Parreno: 5 Moons

Museum of Contemporary Art

21 November 2026 – 26 April 2027

Enter a world shaped by immersive environments, unpredictable atmospheres and ever-evolving scenes. Philippe Parreno is a pivotal figure in contemporary art. He describes himself not as an artist, but as an ‘exhibition producer’ who orchestrates spaces that think, respond and unfold over time. Drawing on the presence of the moon as our constant companion, Philippe Parreno: 5 Moons celebrates how the MCA and its iconic Warrane/Sydney Harbour location waxes and wanes across five months. Parreno brings the museum alive in a dynamic production that merges film, audio, installation, objects, text, drawing and technologies, including AI and robotics, creating an experience that is never the same twice.

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Installation view, Philippe Parreno: A Time Coloured Space, Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, Porto, 2017, image courtesy of the artist, photograph: © Andrea Rosetti

Art Pass

The Sydney International Art Series brings the world’s most acclaimed artists exclusively to Sydney. 

This summer, the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia present two landmark exhibitions – visit both with a single Art Pass. 

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How much is the Art Pass?

How much is the Art Pass?

Tickets are valid for one entry into each exhibition.

Free and discounted tickets are available for children and youth. Children are required to have a ticket, and this is issued online (MCA Australia), or at the exhibition entrance or information desk (Art Gallery of New South Wales and MCA Australia).

Art Gallery of New South Wales exhibitions are free entry for ages 11 and under. A youth ticket is required for ages 12–17. 

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia exhibition is free entry for ages 17 and under. 

Buy an Art Pass to see both exhibitions and save.  

How can I get there?

How can I get there?

 The Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia are located close to major train stations and public transport.
Visiting both galleries in one day is easy – take the scenic route with a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens or travel one stop on the train.

Plan your trip

Image credits

Installation view of Takashi Murakami Mononoke Kyoto, Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum, Kyoto, Japan 2024, photo: Joshua White ©2024 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Installation view, Philippe Parreno: A Time Coloured Space, Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, Porto, 2017, image courtesy of the artist, photograph: © Andrea Rosetti