Explore Sydney’s unique art culture with these galleries
Explore a new side of art with these Sydney Art Galleries
Whilst Melbourne is often lauded as the cultural capital of Australia, Sydney is not a city to be overlooked. From dazzling photography galleries and collaborative studio spaces to creative warehouse hubs— Sydney is hardly short of amazing art galleries.
Unleash your creative spirit and tick off our list of the most innovative and interesting art galleries in Sydney, NSW.
Artspace
Established in 1983, Artspace was created in opposition to the more commercial art galleries of Sydney as an alternative exhibition space where new ideas could be tested and where emerging artists had the opportunity to produce and showcase their work.
In 1992 the gallery moved from Surry Hills to the Gunnery in Woolloomooloo. Once an artist’s squat and studio, exhibition and performance space in the 70s and 80s, the warehouse has transformed into what is now one of the city’s cultural landmarks.
As Australia’s leading interdisciplinary space for the production and presentation of contemporary art, Artspace has become a haven for living artists of all generations. Each year, seven artists are selected as part of the Artspace Studio Program, which gives artists a dedicated space to work on ambitious projects, receive feedback from the Artspace Program Curator and build an invaluable network amongst peers, collaborators and supporters from around the world.
Plan your visit and keep updated about the latest events, exhibitions and public programs at Artspace.
Galerie Pompom
Located in the cultural heart of Chippendale in Sydney, Galerie Pompom is a commercial art gallery representing artists from Australia and New Zealand, including Danica Firulovic, Adam Norton, Elvis Richardson and Scott Gardiner.
The mixed-media Sydney gallery, a favourite amongst locals, opened in 2012 and is known for its solo and group exhibitions, showcasing a diverse range of paintings, sculptures and small-scale installations. Visitors to the gallery can expect fun, colour, quirk, a little splash of controversy, and only the freshest talent.
There are new exhibitions nearly every month, so check out the Galerie Pompom website to keep up to date with the latest happenings.
Brett Whiteley Studio
The Brett Whiteley Studio is managed by the Art Gallery of NSW and is part gallery, part window into the workplace, studio and home of acclaimed Australian artist Brett Whiteley.
The artist purchased the Surry Hills warehouse in 1985 and converted it into a studio and exhibition space, which he used until his passing in 1992. The preserved Sydney studio allows visitors to take a peek into his world in a space filled with unfinished paintings, art equipment, reference books, and a graffiti wall covered with quotes and images. The living area gives even further insight into the artist with memorabilia such as photographs, objects, postcards, furniture, his music collection and sketchbooks.
The Brett Whiteley Studio is open from Thursday to Sunday, with more information available on the Art Gallery of NSW website.
107 Projects
Located in trendy Redfern, 107 Projects is a non-profit space run by a collective of artists passionate about cultivating creativity, community and positive social change. Once a decommissioned car garage, the creative hub is now home to a co-working space, cafe, bar, rooftop permaculture garden, and impressive gallery and performance areas.
The multi-storey warehouse space has an incredible monthly line-up so take your pick of creative performances, exhibitions, workshops, talks, screenings, special events, markets, music and much more.
Visit the 107 Projects website to keep an eye on what’s coming up at this one-of-kind space.
Lyons Gallery
Lyons Gallery, located in Darlinghurst, is a contemporary gallery that specialises in pop art and fine art photography from some of the most renowned photographers and contemporary artists from around the globe. The gallery was founded by Darren Lyons, otherwise known as “Mr Paparazzi”, winner of the Time Life Photographer of the Year.
If you are a fan of celebrity photography, you are in luck. Adorning the walls of this unique Sydney gallery are some rare and never before seen images of David Bowie, Geri Halliwell, Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, Elton John, and Kate Moss. Discover the works of legendary photographers, including Douglas Kirkland, Terry O’Neill, Brian Duffy and Helmut Newton — one of the most prolific fashion photographers of all time.
Lyons Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Find out more about upcoming exhibitions that you won’t want to miss.
Gaffa Gallery
Gaffa is a creative precinct and studio space that sits on Clarence Street in the heart of the city. Not only is this Sydney art gallery known for its exhibitions, but it’s workshops, jewellery classes and creative events from book launches to pop up shops.
Whilst Gaffa is a hub for emerging artists, it is also home to several craftsmen and women, illustrators and incredible jewellery designers. There are not one but four art gallery spaces in this cool inner-city location and a hip ground-floor cafe called Klink, perfect for a post-exhibition espresso.
Find out about all upcoming Gaffa exhibitions here.
Museum of Contemporary Art
No trip to Sydney is complete without visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. Located on the edge of Sydney Harbour, the expansive art gallery celebrates living artists and contemporary art, with a strong commitment to the powerful works created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
With inspiration hiding around every corner, MCA is home to a collection of over 4000 works by Australian artists, including paintings, sculptures, photographs and moving images. It is a place to learn, seek inspiration, spark conversation and celebrate established and emerging artists.
Between March and June, tour the 23rd Biennale of Sydney: rīvus with MCA volunteer guides and discover the art and artists of this leading international contemporary art event. To find out more about other upcoming events, visit the MCA Website.