The diversity of Sydney galleries impresses any patron of the arts. Major and independent galleries are spread throughout the city as a manifestation of Sydney's vibrant arts culture, showcasing up-and-comers and artists who have made a name for themselves in Australian and international art scenes.
The Museum of Contemporary Art has a prime location and art to match its prestige. Located in Circular Quay at the doorstep of Sydney Harbour Bridge, 4500 works are exhibited, and free tours are conducted daily. This museum is an Australian first for public collections as they are solely interested in displaying the works of living artists, including a significant portion of Indigenous artists. Given its location, it's easy to make a day of it when you're visiting. Stroll around the harbour, then grab a drink at Opera Bar to better take in the scenery.
Despite not being a traditional museum, The State Library of New South Wales has a lot to offer in the way of art. This library is the oldest in Australia, with a six-million-item collection, over 170,000 of which are 18th-century paintings and drawings on paper. These paintings are invaluable in discovering the history of Sydney, with paintings depicting Sydney Cove's development in a number of different iterations. The architecture is art in itself, and the Shakespeare Room stands out with stained glass windows, woodcarvings, and moulded ceilings.
The Art Gallery of New South Wales is a fifteen-minute walk from the city centre and is the premier arts institution in the state. It was recently expanded, the Sydney Modern Project in 2022, establishing a new building, a public art garden and refurbishing the original building. Art here is best seen in person. Although their collection is available online, the texture and grandeur of their pieces impact them differently when face-to-face. The view from the gallery overlooks the harbour, so in the unlikely event that the art doesn't impress you, the scenery will.
A number of other galleries further from the CBD impress, with our favourites being the White Rabbit Gallery in Chippendale, Artspace in Woolloomooloo, and Bankstown Arts Centre. White Rabbit Gallery, in particular, is easy to make a day of, given its proximity to Chinatown and street dining precincts. This gallery holds one of the most significant Chinese contemporary art collections worldwide, focused on 21st-century pieces, but be careful planning your visit, as they close twice a year when the owner is sourcing new pieces directly from China and Taiwan.