From heritage-listed institutions to tucked-away artist studios, Sydney’s art scene is more varied than it gets credit for. Whether you’re into classic works, contemporary experiments, or just want somewhere peaceful to spend an afternoon, these galleries offer a chance to see the city through a different lens. Here’s where to start.
Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW)
Image @ AGNSW
Perched on the edge of the Domain with sweeping harbour views, AGNSW is Sydney’s most iconic public gallery. Inside, you’ll find a mix of Australian, European, and Asian collections, with everything from Indigenous works to rotating contemporary exhibitions. The new Sydney Modern wing, opened in 2022, adds light-filled spaces, large-scale installations, and a rooftop terrace.
Why go: A world-class gallery that’s free to enter and beautifully set.
Best time: Weekday mornings for quiet wandering.
Website: AGNSW
Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)
Image @MCA
Located in Circular Quay, the MCA is one of Sydney’s most significant spaces for contemporary art. The gallery spans a 1950s sandstone building and a modern extension, now the main entrance. Inside, you’ll find rotating exhibitions featuring both Australian and international artists working across sculpture, video, painting, and installation.
As of 2025, general admission is $20, and that includes access to the rooftop café — which offers one of the best views in Sydney. From up there, you’ll see the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and ferries crossing the water below. It’s one of the few galleries where the view is as memorable as the art.
Why go: Thought-provoking exhibitions and a rooftop view worth paying for.
Best time: Late afternoon, then stay for golden hour.
Website: MCA
White Rabbit Gallery
Tucked away in Chippendale, White Rabbit is one of the world’s most significant collections of contemporary Chinese art. The gallery is privately owned, entry is free, and the curation is always bold and unexpected — from large-scale installations to intimate, often political works. The tea house downstairs serves handmade dumplings and is worth a stop even on its own.
Move this to the top of your list if you only have a few days in Sydney. It’s a uniquely curated space you won’t find anywhere else.
Why go: Bold, provocative art in an intimate, four-storey space.
Best time: Mid-morning, then stay for lunch.
Website: White Rabbit
Chau Chak Wing Museum
Image @ University of NSW
Located at the University of Sydney, this museum quietly holds some of the city’s most fascinating collections — from ancient artefacts to contemporary art and natural history. It’s a beautifully curated space that feels more like a hidden treasure than a public museum.
Why go: A thoughtful mix of art, history, and science, all in one space.
Best time: Late morning on a weekday for fewer visitors.
Website: CCW
Carriageworks
Located in a repurposed 19th-century railway workshop in Eveleigh, Carriageworks is one of Sydney’s most dynamic arts spaces. Alongside performances and installations, it often hosts experimental visual art exhibitions with a focus on social change and cultural identity. It’s also home to the Saturday farmers market.
Why go: Large-scale contemporary works in a dramatic industrial space.
Best time: Pair a morning at the market with an exhibition visit.
Website: Carriageworks
Brett Whiteley Studio
Image @ AGNSW
Once the home and workplace of one of Australia’s most celebrated artists, the Brett Whiteley Studio in Surry Hills now offers a raw, personal look into his life and process. The studio has been left largely as it was, complete with unfinished works, sketches, and handwritten notes. Small but deeply atmospheric. Note: This is temporarily closed and will reopen in 2026.
Why go: A glimpse into the messy, brilliant mind of Brett Whiteley.
Best time: Midday, paired with lunch in nearby Surry Hills.
Website: Brett Whitely Studio
Slow Travel Tip
Sydney’s galleries aren’t just for rainy days or art buffs — they’re some of the best places to see what the city is actually about. Most are easy to reach, close to good food or neighbourhoods worth exploring, and make a solid addition to any itinerary that isn’t just beaches and views.
Looking for more ways to explore Sydney beyond the usual highlights?
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