Sydney Art Galleries

Sydney has a fantastic collection of art galleries, from major establishments to small independently run initiatives, offering you the opportunity to discover up and coming artists, admire old classics and immerse yourself in exciting contemporary exhibitions. You’ll also find an exciting calendar of arts festivals and events throughout the year.

What’s on & coming soon

• The Way We Eat at Art Gallery of New South Wales, now until 31 January 2022
• Doug Aitken: New Era at Museum of Contemporary Art, now until February 2022
• The Purple House at Art Gallery of NSW, now until 27 February 2022
• Perspectives on Place at Museum of Contemporary Art, now until 22 March 2022
• David Malangi Daymirringu: Artist Room at Museum of Contemporary Art, from November 2021 until March 2022
• Matisse: Life and Spirit at Art Gallery of NSW, from November 2021 until March 2022
• Big In China at White Rabbit, from December 2021 to August 2022
• Eucalyptusdom at Powerhouse Museum, now until 1 May 2022
• Microcars at Powerhouse Museum, now until 1 May 2022
• Liveworks Festival of Experimental Art 2021 at Carriageworks, online

Sydney Art Galleries

With a prime location overlooking Sydney Opera House, the Museum of Contemporary Art is an innovative space, celebrating the work of living artists. The gallery hosts exceptional exhibitions from both international and Australian artists, as well as education programs and online exhibitions.

The Art Gallery of NSW is Sydney's most important public gallery and showcases significant works by Australian and international artists. It has one of the world's largest permanent exhibitions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Australia’s most extraordinary art event takes place at the gallery each year – the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes. This brings together the best portrait, landscape and subject or genre artists for one of the most highly anticipated exhibitions of the year. 

The Artery Contemporary Aboriginal Art Gallery in Darlinghurst specialises in art from remote Aboriginal communities. The gallery works with both emerging and established artists and art centres and offers ethical and affordable Aboriginal artworks. 

In Chippendale, White Rabbit Gallery displays modern Chinese art, a short stroll from the bustling streets of Chinatown. In Redfern, Carriageworks is the largest and most significant contemporary multi-arts centre of its kind in Australia. On the banks of the Georges River, you will find Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, a cultural facility offering a wide range of exhibitions, events and educational programs. 

Events and Festivals

The National Indigenous Art Fair takes place during NAIDOC Week in July, at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay. Featuring artworks by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from around Australia, as well as a program of live music and Aboriginal dance performances.