The Best Art in Sydney

The Sydney art scene dazzles with everything from vibrant contemporary art, classic works, and stunning installations all year round.

You can explore the creative works of the city's artists throughout the CBD and surrounding neighbourhoods, with countless art exhibits, galleries, and museums to visit, from the grand Art Gallery of New South Wales to graffiti and murals dotted around Newtown.

Here is a list of must-see artistic experiences in Sydney so that you don’t miss one breathtaking detail.

Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)

Perched in prime location on the sparkling harbour in Circular Quay, the MCA has been inspiring Sydneysiders and visitors for decades, exhibiting some of the world's best artists.

There's a kids area to get your little ones inspired, and even a rooftop café and a small theatre space. The waterside museum is constantly refreshing and adding to its collection, and is one of the best galleries in Sydney. 

Art Gallery of NSW

The hallowed halls of the Art Gallery of NSW are home to thousands of stories from across the world, from ancient artisans to contemporary creators. These evolving collections live and breathe, and a wander through them connects viewer to artist and opens the mind.

Learn about Indigenous culture through its storied crafts; find relics from Asia and the Pacific; and go deep into Australian history through paintings, photography and more. Located near the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, it’s the perfect place to spend the day.

If you're visiting Sydney during June, stop by for the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes events. The Archibald highlights significant portrait painting; the Wynne is awarded to the best landscape of Australian scenery or figure sculpture; and the Sulman is given to the best subject painting, genre painting, or mural project.

Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery

Tucked away on a leafy residential street in Paddington, Roslyn Oxley9 feels like a newly discovered secret. Showcasing many of Sydney’s undiscovered artistic talents, the gallery has catalyzed many artistic careers. If you’re planning to leave Sydney with a piece of original art, the Roslyn Oxley9 will have something that will bring your walls to life.

Brett Whiteley Studio

Explore one of Sydney's best kept secrets: the Brett Whiteley’s studio, where one of Australia's most celebrated artists of the 20th century lived and worked from 1988 to 1992. Located in Sydney’s vibrant inner-city suburb Surry Hills, the studio features a constantly rotating collection of Whiteley’s work and glimpses into his personal living space - a must-see for fans of the artist and lovers of art history.

Artspace

Located in the historic Gunnery Building in Woolloomooloo, Artspace is Australia’s leading international residency-based gallery. Exhibiting contemporary works by artists on the rise, there is always something new to see at Artspace.

The art centre also plays host to numerous performances, symposiums, talks, and events throughout the year. It’s a beacon in Sydney’s contemporary art scene.

White Rabbit Gallery

You’ll feel like you’ve fallen down the rabbit hole at this privately-owned gallery in Chippendale, White Rabbit Gallery. Showcasing the most throught-provoking and awe-inspiring modern art by 21st century Chinese artists.

From immersive installations to stunning interactive works, the constantly changing exhibits will wow the whole family. Plus, don’t leave without a dumpling lunch at the gallery’s tea room.  

Faversham Lane Marrickville

We weren’t kidding when we said art can be found anywhere in Sydney; Faversham Lane isn’t technically a museum or gallery, but the art on display is no less astonishing.

Stuart Sale, a British artist, residing along Faversham Lane, has turned the street into his own private art gallery. With eclectic paintings of celebrities and public figures, the lane serves as a gateway to Sale’s inspiration and muses. Faversham Lane is a uniquely Sydney experience and a chance to experience raw artistic talent.

Carriageworks

There’s always something different to inspire you at Carriageworks, a multi-arts cultural hub right near Redfern station. Located in an old train warehouse, the venue offers a range of artistic events, workshops, festivals, and art exhibitions of all mediums and styles.

With the weekly farmers market – offering produce from across NSW –  Carriageworks has quickly become a community staple. The farmers market is open every Saturday.

S.H. Ervin Gallery

Hidden deep within the Rocks precinct, you’ll find the humble but gorgeous S.H. Ervin Gallery.

Located within the architecturally stunning National Trust Building from 1856, this gallery brilliantly blends the traditional with the contemporary, the historic with the modern. The gallery encourages a focus on Australia’s female artists, and it does so with appropriate elegance. This one should definitely be top of the bucket list. 

Campbelltown Arts Centre

The Campbelltown Arts Centre is its own artistic world; guests will find gallery spaces, a performance studio, residency apartments, a Japanese garden, an amphitheatre, and a sculpture park.

With so much to experience, guests could spend an entire weekend browsing all that CAC has to offer. With collaborative installations and exhibits, the CAC always offers something new and innovative, and even the location – just southwest of the city – feels like a breath of fresh air.

Firstdraft

You’ll be wowed at Firstdraft in Woolloomooloo, an experimental space for artists by artists. The goal was to create a gallery focused on the future that could promote forward-thinking, emerging artists, and the rotating exhibitions offer innovative design and inspiring artistic pieces.

Manly Art Gallery & Museum (MAG&M)

Dive into the creative side to Sydney’s Northern Beaches at Manly Art Gallery & Museum (MAG&M). The gallery’s impressive collection gathers together more than 5000 items, including ceramics, watercolours, prints, etchings, drawings and paintings, as well as retro swimwear and beach ephemera from years past.

Once you’ve finished exploring it all, you can dip into the Design Shop, which carries unique handmade gifts made in the Northern Beaches.

Along with visual art, Sydney is home to fantastic performing arts and live theatre.

Sydney Opera House

Beneath its iconic sails, the Sydney Opera House is home to world-class live performances within one of the best venues in the world. With classic operas like Phantom of the Opera decorating the stage as well as contemporary artists and musicians delivering riveting live shows, the Sydney Opera House is a must-visit if you love live entertainment. 

Capitol Theatre

Sydney’s Capitol Theatre offer front-row seats to new and emotive experiences year-round, from glittery moments of fearless expression at musicals to world-class  theatre and ballet performances. And you can even plan your whole evening around the theatre, with many nearby venues to enjoy pre-theatre dinner and drinks.

Sydney Lyric Theatre

You’ll step into a new story every time you enter the Sydney Lyric Theatre home to some of the city’s most legendary and historical performances. The theatre's auditorium, foyer, bars enjoy state-of-the-art facilities and a unique aesthetic and design. The Lyric Theatre was the venue of world premieres like Strictly Ballroom the Musical, as well as Australian premieres like Matilda the Musical.