Art Lover’s Guide to Sydney

Whatever your artistic preferences, you’re likely to find something that catches your eye at the magnificent Art Gallery of New South Wales, which contains some of Sydney's most famous art pieces. Displaying a diverse range of Australian and international, contemporary and older art, if you only have time for one Sydney art attraction make it this gallery. Specifically, hone in on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collection, which is among the largest in the world. Located in a grand 19th-century building with modern extensions, the AGNSW is on the edge of the central-city Royal Botanic Gardens and not too far from the Sydney Opera House, making it an easy addition to even tight sightseeing schedules. And, in a win for travelers on a budget, entry is generally free (although some special exhibits are ticketed).

The institution also manages the Brett Whiteley Studio in Surry Hills, the former home and studio of the acclaimed 20th-century Australian artist.

Another big-hitter and must-see art attraction, the Museum of Contemporary Art inhabits a privileged spot at Circular Quay, overlooking The Rocks, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the Sydney Opera House. It claims to be Australia’s only public museum dedicated to contemporary art, and more than one-third of the collection is from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. Entry is also free here, but a private guided tour is a great way to learn more about the Australian and international art exhibited.

Although several of Sydney’s art galleries and museums include significant collections of Indigenous art, The Artery Contemporary Aboriginal Art Gallery is special because it works with established and emerging Aboriginal arts centers across Australia. It’s a commercial gallery, so the art is for sale and display, making this a great place to buy a special work of art while learning more about its context and significance. If you’d like to learn more about Sydney’s Indigenous people, an Aboriginal-led guided tour of the city or specific neighborhoods is a fun way of doing so. You’ll get a completely different view of Sydney.

Sydney’s long-running Paddington Markets, held in the Paddington Uniting Church and the neighboring school, are the place to shop for unique art, clothing, and design items. A shopping trip to the markets will give you a less exclusive, more inclusive perspective of the Sydney art scene. The 100-plus stalls sell a quirky array of goods, from ubiquitous tourist kitsch to some real gems, including handmade, vintage, and one-off pieces. It’s held every Saturday, in all weather.

Other top arty markets in Sydney include the Kirribilli Art, Design, and Fashion Market, held on the second Sunday of every month at Milsons Point, and the Indigenous-run Blak Markets, which are held alternately at La Perouse in the Kamay-Botany Bay National Park and at The Rocks.

It may seem surprising that Sydney is home to one of the most significant collections of contemporary Chinese art in the world, but it shouldn’t be, as China has long links with Australia, which pre-date the arrival of Europeans in the late 18th century. The collection at the White Rabbit Gallery is very contemporary, only exhibiting works from the 21st century. The gallery’s collection is ever-growing as the owner makes regular trips to China and Taiwan to add to it, making it an exciting place to revisit whenever you visit Sydney. And, because entry is free, it’s easy to do so. The onsite Tea House serves Chinese and Taiwanese tea and handmade dumplings.

The main branch of the Powerhouse Museum, Australia’s largest group of museums, is the Ultimo branch. It’s a museum dedicated to applied arts and sciences, so it is especially appealing if you’re interested in discovering more of the why, when, and how behind Australian art and design or want to know more about Sydney art history. Notable items in its half-million-item-strong collection include the original designs for the Sydney Opera House and the costume worn by Australian pop star Kylie Minogue at the 2000 Sydney Olympics Closing Ceremony. It's eclectic, to say the least. The museum is conveniently located near Chinatown and the tourist-popular Paddy’s Market, so you’ll find plenty to do (and eat) there.

The Sydney Opera House is such a cultural landmark in Sydney that it may be hard to think of it as anything other than a natural feature of the cityscape. However, the working performing arts venue is an artistic masterpiece, and there are many ways to experience it and learn more about its history and design. Casual visitors can simply stroll past or have a drink or meal with a view at one of its eateries. You can also catch a show, take a backstage tour, a specialized architecture-focused tour, or admire it (and other Sydney landmarks) lit up during the spectacular Vivid Sydney light festival, one of the most exciting annual art exhibitions in Sydney, running between May to June.

Eye-catching street art can be found all across Sydney, but Newtown is the most exciting place to visit for a guided or self-guided street art tour in Sydney. It’s a diverse neighborhood popular with students, creatives, bohemian spirits—and street artists. It’s home to one of the more unusual cultural landmarks in Sydney. Although much street art is pretty temporary, the I Have a Dream mural of Martin Luther King by Juilee Pryor and Andrew Aiken was painted in 1991 and is protected by a local council heritage listing. It can be found on King Street. Other top Sydney neighborhoods for street art include Bondi, Chippendale, and Redfern.

Ken Done has gone in and out of fashion over the decades, but we think it’s time he made a comeback. When wandering around The Rocks, seek the upbeat Ken Done Gallery in the old brick Australian Steam Navigation Building. The commercially successful artist is inspired by Australian landscapes, from the colorful reefs and beaches to the vibrant cityscape of his hometown, Sydney. The gallery rotates its exhibitions of Done’s paintings. Indeed, you’re likely to see this artist's work all over the place: it famously adorns a wide range of tourist-friendly items, including tote bags, t-shirts, and keychains, so you can pick up an Australian art souvenir at the well-stocked gift shop at a price point that suits.