Arts and culture are widely appreciated in the city of Sydney, and there are numerous opportunities for artists and creative industries to flourish. With an abundance of museums and art galleries scattered across the city, culture enthusiasts will rejoice to know that museum hopping is both an educational and affordable activity while travelling in Sydney.
Art Gallery of NSW
Established in 1871, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is the museum that dominates the art scene in New South Wales and its capital, Sydney. Being one of Australia’s first cultural institutions, the museum houses a stunning collection of art spanning across Australia, Europe and Asia. Located just opposite of Sydney Harbour, the Art Gallery of NSW boast an impressive five levels of exhibitions and impressive dining options on-site like Chiswick at the Gallery; a restaurant featuring a garden at its heart, and Café at the Gallery; where you can enjoy an aromatic cuppa and some light refreshments.
Address: Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Opening hours: Daily from 10am to 5pm
Artspace
The Gunnery Building was historically used by Sydney artists as an illegal housing in the 1970s through to the 1980s. In a turn of events, the New South Wales government collaborated with Franco Belgiorno-Nettis to raise funds for a major redevelopment project that took place in the early 1990s. Now, the Gunnery in Woolloomooloo flourishes as an international modern art centre. Artspace houses artists in the residence and holds contemporary art exhibitions, talks, symposiums and open studio events regularly. Though small, Artspace is an icon of perseverance and a great way for the audience to interact with artists. The quaint space is also situated closeby Harry’s Café de Wheels where word gets around that their pies and hotdogs are legendary!
Address: The Gunnery, 43/51 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011, Australia
Opening hours: Weekdays from 11am to 5pm and Weekends from 10am to 5pm
Brett Whiteley Studio
Tucked within the bohemian inner suburb of Surrey Hills, a home lays in characteristic disarray; The Brett Whiteley Studio has been maintained exactly as how the artist had left it in the year of 1992 when he died of a drug overdose in the seaside suburb of Thirroul, some 70 kilometres south of Sydney. Celebrated as one of Australia’s most beloved artists and expressionists of the 1960s and 1970s, Brett Whiteley was renowned for his Sydney landscapes and love for partying — with the likes of Bob Dylan and Janis Joplin. It is worth adding to your agenda a visit to his studio, which requires no admission fee at all, to admire the artist’s most significant paintings and sculptures. After all, Brett Whiteley won three of Australia’s most prestigious art prizes — Archibald, Wynne, and Sulman — all in the year in 1978.
Address: 2 Raper St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Opening hours: Thursdays to Sundays from 10am to 4pm
Museum of Contemporary Art
Along Circular Quay stands the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA). Its defining attribute is the beautiful building it’s housed in. It was once used by the Maritime Services Board as headquarters. Despite its grand front, the interior of the MCA is a minimalistic affair — the modern art gallery has been beautifully decked in a clean and simple design meant to draw the audience’s main focus to its exhibits instead. Featuring both local and international artists, the exhibitions are unique and thought-provoking, seeking to push the boundaries of contemporary art. As a bonus, enjoy a break at the museum’s rooftop café; You’ll be treated to unparalleled views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.
Address: 140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
Opening hours: Daily except Mondays from 10am to 5pm
Susannah Place Museum
In the heart of the historic neighbourhood of The Rocks, Susannah Place is a terrace of four houses built in 1844 by Irish immigrants. From its establishment until the early 1990s, more than 100 families have called these tiny houses their home. Susannah Place has remained largely untainted by the changes and redevelopments throughout the past century. Housing an impressive compilation of old photographs from private and public collections, and oral history interviews, the museum recreates the lives of its tenants over the 19th and 20th centuries. Join the museum’s guided walking tour, which offers visitors a glimpse into what the life of the simple working-class was like. Before you wrap up your visit, pick up a vintage souvenir for yourself at the quirky 1915 corner shop, refurbished to mimic the times of the era.
Note: It is temporarily closed (updated on 22 March 2021)
White Rabbit Gallery
Opened to the public in 2009, the White Rabbit Gallery is a privately-owned gallery featuring the personal collection of Australian philanthropist Judith Neilson. The building spans four floors and is chocked full of post-millennial Chinese art. Twice a year, the exhibitions are switched up, putting on display stunning arrays of photographs, drawings, sculptures, paintings and multimedia artworks. The gallery is also home to a small gift shop with colourful and affordable gifts. At its ground floor, a charming teahouse serves up a simple menu of homemade dumplings and biscuits. Housing one of the largest collections of Chinese art in the world, the White Rabbit Gallery has gained popularity and is rising in ranks as an important cultural space in Sydney. Admission is free, which makes the art extremely accessible to everyone.
From one museum to the next, stroll along the corridors of exciting exhibitions and take your time to tour Sydney’s vibrant arts and culture scene. Not only will one get to know more about the city, but it’ll also be a well-deserved break from Sydney’s unrelenting sunshine.
Address: 30 Balfour St, Chippendale NSW 2008, Australia
Opening hours: Daily except Mondays and Tuesdays from 10am to 5pm
