16 World-Class Sydney Art Galleries To Visit For A Culture Fix

Expand your mind and be inspired by the best art galleries Sydney has to offer.

Do the imaginings of the world’s avant-garde creatives stir you? Or is it the masterstrokes of decades and centuries past that get you thinking? Whatever your poison, the art galleries Sydney has to offer provide food for thought. From ancient works to rival relics found in the best Sydney museums to hole-in-the-wall spaces overflowing with fresh ideas, there’s no shortage of Sydney art galleries to fall deeply in love with.

1. Art Gallery of New South Wales

Best for: International art and the famed Archibald Prize.

No list of the city’s finest art galleries can neglect the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the marvels occupying its walls. The grand space is so monumental they went and named the street it sits on after it.

the exterior of Art Gallery of New South Wales — Head to the Art Gallery of New South Wales for your culture fix. (Image: Karla Dickens)

Ticking over its 150th birthday in 2021, the Sydney art gallery is home to a wonderous collection of works spanning 15th-century European Renaissance, centuries-old ceramics and British Victorian art to contemporary pieces and photographs out of Australia and the rest of the world.

inside the Art Gallery of New South Wales — Wander the halls of the gallery to spot an impressive collection of works.

Its thickest crowds flock annually when the Archibald Prize is unveiled to celebrate the country’s most captivating portraiture and often most recognisable faces. And while the art is outstanding, there’s also the historic sandstone structure itself and its expansive floors to delight in, plus a children’s library and special events for little ones.

The installation of Louise Bourgeois Maman at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. (Image: Felicity Jenkins)

Opening hours: 10am to 5pm daily and 10am to 10pm on Wednesday.
Address: Art Gallery Road, Domain, Sydney

2. Sydney Modern Project

Best for: Modernist art and one incredible architectural feat.

You see that modern masterpiece hanging off the Art Gallery of New South Wales? To expand its reach even further, the original structure was added to in 2022, creating the Sydney Modern Project (also known as the Art Gallery’s North Building) after a decade (and millions) spent planning and constructing.

the New SANAA building, Sydney Modern Project — Sydney Modern Project features a new building designed by Pritzker prize-winning architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa / SANAA. (Image: Iwan Baan)

Inside, you’ll find both historical and contemporary pieces from all over the globe, an abundance of Indigenous art and a dark and gloomy reclaimed underground fuel bunker from World War II on the bottom level. And outside? An art garden overlooks Sydney Harbour and connects to the original building, reminding us of the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ grandeur all over again.

the Welcome Plaza, Sydney Modern Project — The newly revitalised building brings together art, architecture and landscape. (Image: Iwan Baan)

Opening hours: 10am to 5pm daily and 10am to 10pm on Wednesday.
Address: Art Gallery Road, Domain, Sydney

3. Sydney Made Art & Design Markets

Best for: Crafters and shoppers.

It’s not a gallery as such but there’s a wealth of creative minds spinning their magic at the Sydney Made Art & Design Markets . Staged inside the Sydney Town Hall, this celebration of locally grown makers invites the city’s finest hobbyists and small businesses to spruik their handiworks irregularly throughout the year.

people browsing local crafts at Sydney Made Art & Design Markets — Purchase a range of handmade works at Sydney Made Art & Design Markets. (Image: Emma Silwanis)

Check their website for the next instalment. Expect rows of stalls showcasing everything from homewares and jewellery to illustrations, sculptures, photographs, paintings and more. Just walking around the site is gorgeous given you’re immersing yourself in one of the city’s most renowned heritage-listed buildings.

local craft stalls filled with people at Sydney Made Art & Design Markets — Expect rows of stalls showcasing various wares. (Image: Emma Silwanis)

Opening hours: Typically, 10am to 5pm but be sure to check the website for up-to-date details and scheduling.
Address: Sydney Town Hall, 483 George Street, Sydney

4. Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

Best for: Modern art enthusiasts.

A haven for lovers of contemporary art in all its forms, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia oozes cool from the moment you step inside. It’s minimalistic and stark yet the vibe is warm and the art is beyond inspiring.

the exterior of Museum of Contemporary Art Australia — Step inside the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and prepare to be inspired. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The original stand-alone sandstone building was expanded in 2012 by architect Sam Marshall who popped a five-storey wing onto the harbour-facing section of the gallery — an outstanding achievement as it is hypnotising. Inside, there’s more than 4,500 works from living creators and over a third of them are crafted by First Nations artists.

Naminapu Maymuru-White, Milŋiyawuy 7, 2022, installation view, MCA Collection: Eight Artists, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, 2023, — MCA Collection: Eight Artists, earth pigments on stringy bark at Museum of Contemporary Art. (Image: Ken Leanfore)

Opening hours: 10am to 5pm Wednesday to Monday and 10am to 9pm on Friday. Closed Tuesday.
Address: 140 George Street, The Rocks

5. Carriageworks

Best for: Contemporary fans who enjoy outside-the-box thinking.

Constructed in the 1800s as part of the Eveleigh Railways Workshops, Carriageworks once saw carriages and locomotives coming through its grounds in search of repairs and maintenance. Fast forward to today and the Sydney art gallery has retained its industrial vibes to house some of the world’s boldest artistic works.

A contemporary multi-arts space that showcases visual and performing arts in addition to more traditional forms, Carriageworks boasts a group of residents who breathe life into the historical space every day. It also puts on a pretty incredible weekly farmers’ markets, one of the best Sydney markets to explore.

a close-up of a woman holding flowers at Carriageworks Market — Drop by the weekly Carriageworks Market and check out the multi-arts space.

Opening hours: 10am to 5pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

Address: 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh

6. Sydney Contemporary

Best for: Finding an emerging artist to obsess over.

While we’re talking Carriageworks, Sydney Contemporary also deserves a mention for gathering the world’s most prestigious contemporary artists in one venue. An annual art fair staged over four days at Carriageworks with its 2024 dates announced as September 5 to September 8, Sydney Contemporary is the place to be to discover daring creative brains.

Expect multi-faceted installations, experimental performances and works, discussion panels, bold sculptures, photography and so much more from over 500 artists. If you’ve got the coin, it’s also an incredible opportunity to invest in the world’s next superstars. There’s also super cool bars and eateries to explore so spend the day and get carried away.

Sydney Contemporary 2022 - Alcaston Gallery — Unleash your love for art at Sydney Contemporary. (Image: Destination NSW; Sydney Contemporary)

Opening hours: Visit the website closer to the date for details.
Address: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh

7. Blender Gallery

Best for: Photographs with a Rock’n’roll edge.

Paying tribute to music photography from all over the world, Blender Gallery is captivating no matter when you stop by. Showcasing some of the music world’s most iconic moments, achievements and characters, the Sydney art gallery boasts special ties with the global music community, gaining access to stuff you’ve probably never seen before — even if you are a die-hard fan. Think candid shots of Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Led Zeplin, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Prince and other legends.

Opening hours: 11am to 3pm Saturday and visits by appointment Monday to Friday.

Address: 682 Bourke Street, Redfern

8. Darren Knight Gallery

Best for: Thought-provoking contemporary art.

A Sydney art gallery with impressive ties to global art institutes, the Darren Knight Gallery consists of two exhibition spaces constantly filled with ambitious works.

the Sunset Clause Installation by Natalie Thomas at Darren Knight Gallery — Sunset Clause Installation by Natalie Thomas.

Spanning solo and group exhibitions, the space is typically filled rather sparsely by Mr Knight, a prolific art dealer who has served as the subject of an Archibald portrait entry in the past, allowing visitors to slow down and savour every piece.

Paul K Williams painting on the wall at Darren Knight Gallery — A painting by Paul K Williams at Darren Knight Gallery.

However, the gallery is obviously a blank canvas so there’s no guarantee that’s what you’ll experience when you visit. Sculptures, photographs, paintings, drawings… all mediums are represented in this arresting place.

a woman looking at Kushana Bush exhibition in Darren Knight Gallery — Visit the first exhibition of Dunedin-based artist Kushana Bush at the Darren Knight Gallery.

Opening hours: 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

Address: 840 Elizabeth Street, Waterloo

9. NAS Galleries

Best for: Discovering Australia’s next artistic sensations.

It’s more widely recognised for its work in producing tertiary-level artists, but the National Art School is also home to NAS Galleries where some of the country’s emerging stars hone their craft. Sure, there’s great Aussie solo and group exhibitions to stickybeak but this is the place to spy the next-gen before they hit the big time as end-of-year Graduate Exhibitions display the stuff of students annually. The Sydney art gallery grew in 2021, adding a dedicated Drawing Gallery to its repertoire.

two people admiring artworks at NAS Galleries — Marvel at the artistic bodies of work on display in NAS Galleries.

Opening hours: 11am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday.

Address: 156 Forbes Street, Darlinghurst

10. Chalk Horse

Best for: Contemporary works from across the globe.

A glossy, all-white interior means business at Chalk Horse , a Sydney art gallery that strives to shine a light on Australian artists at a global level. More often than not, spectacular strokes and sculptures bring vivid life to its walls as contemporary talents are exhibited in striking fashion. What was once an artist-run gallery is now commercial so you can expect to see some wonderful international artistry in addition to local names.

Opening hours: 10am to 5pm, Wednesday to Saturday and 10am to 3pm Sunday.
Address: 167 William Street, Darlinghurst

11. China Heights Gallery

Best for: Contemporary art including punchy graphic design.

There’s always something very cool going on at China Heights Gallery , whether it’s a mind-boggling graphic design or a totally transfixing sculpture hellbent on upturning traditional thinking.

The Clare Wigney exhibition at China Heights Gallery.

The Sydney art gallery celebrates the works of emerging artists straight out of their studies as well as more established identities pushing the envelope around the globe. Come for a single exhibitionist, stay for absolutely every other piece.

The Regina Bartsch exhibition at China Heights Gallery.

Opening hours: 12pm to 5pm, Thursday to Sunday.

Address: 16/28 Foster Street, Surry Hills

12. Brett Whiteley Studio

Best for: Getting inside the mind of Australia’s creative genius.

Once the workplace and home to one of the country’s most successful artists, the Brett Whiteley Studio is one of the art world’s most sacred spaces within Australia.

art displays inside the Brett Whiteley Studio — Get inside the creative mind of Brett Whiteley at his studio.

Belonging to Brett Whiteley, who passed away in 1992, the Studio pays tribute to the multi award-winning painter by conserving unfinished works, his furniture, photographs, reference books and a famed graffiti wall that gathered all sorts of inspirational material. This Sydney art gallery presents a fascinating peek into a truly gifted creative icon.

walls filled with photographs at Brett Whiteley Studio — Inside you’ll find photographs and a famed graffiti wall.

Opening hours: 10am to 4pm, Thursday to Sunday.

Address: 2 Raper Street, Surry Hills.

13. Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery

Best for: A glimpse into the city’s elite eastern suburbs art circles.

A long-time supporter of Sydney’s contemporary artists and Australia’s wider arts community, the Rosyln Oxley9 Gallery has housed some of our most successful exports. Bill Henson, Tracey Moffatt, David Noonan and Fiona Hall are just a handful of the big names this Sydney art gallery has nurtured.

paintings on the wall at Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery — Admire the works of Sydney contemporary artworks at Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery.

In addition to its own exhibits, it has also featured within some of the world’s most prestigious art fairs. You can expect highly acclaimed work whenever you’re stopping by, plus crowds of locals who live and breathe this beloved space.

art display inside Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery — Check out some of the world’s most prestigious artworks.

Opening hours: 10am to 6pm Tuesday to Friday and 11am to 6pm Saturday.

Address: 8 Soudan Lane, Paddington

14. Cement Fondu

Best for: Visual arts with intense heart.

What a name, huh? As wacky as it sounds, Cement Fondu summarises the essence of this Sydney art gallery beautifully — an evolving artistic space bounded by a solid structure.

the art exhibition at Cement Fondu — Get lost in the whimsical artistic space at Cement Fondu.

Visual arts is the order of the day with a constant rotation of performance, music and dance by local and international artists flowing through its doors. Expect to be spellbound by whatever performance you witness.

Find an array of art memorabilia at the Cement Fondu Art Store.

Opening hours: 11am to 5pm, Thursday to Sunday.

Address: 36 Gosbell Street, Paddington

15. Olsen Gallery

Best for: A celebration of Australia through the eyes of visionaries.

The late John Olsen, one of the country’s most significant artists renowned for his abstract landscape paintings, is the hero of Olsen Gallery ’s incredible collection of works. His son Tim Olsen is the man behind the gallery and his mission is to showcase excellent Australian contemporary art. The space is light-filled and glorious, playing host to travelling exhibitions as well as book launches and other events including a visit by Jamie Oliver many years ago, who this writer watched as he cooked paella to breathe life into John Olsen’s brilliant ‘Culinaria’ exhibition. Just another day in this remarkable Sydney art gallery.

Opening hours: 10am to 6pm Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm Saturday.

Address: 63 Jersey Road, Woollahra

16. Campbelltown Arts Centre

Best for: Escaping the city in search of inspiration.

Located well away from the central arts hub of Sydney, the Campbelltown Arts Centre is worth travelling out of town for. Commissioning new works that stir fresh ways of thinking and deep discussion of universal themes, this Sydney art gallery is an inspiring place. Paintings, contemporary visual arts, dance, music, immersive activities — there’s no boundaries this space won’t break down. Plus, there’s a ridiculously beautiful cafe set in Japanese-inspired gardens to further ponder everything on display.

Opening hours: 10am to 4pm daily.

Address: 1 Art Gallery Road, Campbelltown

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.

16 world-class art galleries in Sydney to get your culture fix at