Want to see some new art in Sydney? You’re in luck because the city is currently immersed in paintings, artworks, murals and sculptures. These striking art exhibitions challenge and inspire and include everything from classic works to more contemporary pieces. Ready to get your culture fix? These are the best art exhibitions happening in Sydney this month.
1. Icons: A Steve McCurry retrospective
Take a deep dive into the works of one of the most era-defining photographers of our time. One of Sydney’s newest art exhibitions spotlights over 100 of Steve McCurry’s most famous images, spanning more than 40 years of his career, including one of the most recognisable photos ever taken, the 1984 photographic portrait of Sharbat Gula — the Afghan Girl. Plus discover stories of culture, conflict and some of the world’s most dangerous war zones. Tickets are now on sale but they’re selling out fast, don’t miss out!
Where: Pier 2/3 Walsh Bay
2. PlayScapes
Head to the Museum of Sydney if you’re after something both ‘gram-worthy and suitable for the whole family. Their latest exhibition titled PlayScapes features a number of exciting activities designed to encourage creativity, problem-solving and instill a sense of community. Expect vibrant colours encompassing the space from floor to ceiling and a bit of digital magic in this immersive experience. Better yet, it’s completely free to visit.
👉 Learn more about it here.
Where: Museum of Sydney, Cnr Bridge St &, Phillip St
3. Just Not Australian
In this compelling exhibition, 19 Australian artists across generations and mediums join forces to explore contemporary Australian nationhood and identity. The exhibition presents a broad look at themes of race, place and belonging and conversations surrounding the same at this given point in time. The exhibition is free to visit but tickets need to be booked online.
👉 Find more info here.
Where: Museum of Sydney, Cnr Bridge St &, Phillip St
4. Adrián Villar Rojas: The End of Imagination
The Sydney Modern Project has been deemed the most significant cultural development in the city since the opening of the Sydney Opera House. The art gallery overlooks the harbour and comes with three limestone-clad art pavilions, 3,400 square metres of accessible roof ‘art terraces’ and courtyards and even a decommissioned Second World War naval fuel bunker named The Tank. For its inaugural exhibition, Argentinian sculptor Adrián Villar Rojas dramatises the experience of this former wartime oil bunker. The exhibition is set in complete darkness and it’s captivating to experience.
🎟️ Book your tickets here.
Where: Art Gallery of New South Wales, North Building
5. Zampatti Powerhouse
One of Australian fashion’s most recognisable names is being honoured with a retrospective exhibition at the Powerhouse. The exhibit includes exclusive interviews with the designer herself along with clients, close friends and family along with a dazzling showcase of 100 garments including rare pieces from the 1960s and 70s. The exhibition is free to visit.
👉 Learn more about it here.
Where: Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris St, Ultimo
6. The National
The National is a biennial survey of contemporary Australian art led by an all-female curatorial team that brings together 48 new projects involving over 80 artists across the country. It’s completely free to visit and you can find it at four leading Sydney cultural institutions. See the full artist line-up here.
👉 Read more about it here.
Where: The Art Gallery of New South Wales, Campbelltown Arts Centre, Carriageworks and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia.
7. Shuo Shu 说书
After the huge success of the immersive, ‘I Loved You‘ exhibition, the White Rabbit Gallery’s exclusive space for contemporary Asian art is back with another stellar work of art. Titled Shuo Shu 说书 which translates to ‘The art of Storytelling’, the space features 29 artists who tell stories of myths, literary romances, political propaganda, censorship and more. The exhibition is free to visit.
👉 See more here.
Where: White Rabbit Gallery, Chippendale
8. Paradise Camp by Yuki Kihara
Vibrant large-scale photographs and video installations await you at the Powerhouse Ultimo for Paradise Camp. Discover twelve tableau photographs in saturated colour set against a wallpaper of turquoise blue that depicts a tropical paradise. An interdisciplinary artist of Japanese and Sāmoan descent, Yuki Kihara’s work studies consumerism, climate change denial and colonial legacies in the Pacific. Happily, it’s one of Sydney’s free art exhibitions.
👉 Read more about it here.
Where: Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris St, Ultimo
9. Unpopular
‘Unpopular’ is a must-visit for music lovers. The exhibition spotlights the never-before-seen archive of music mogul Stephen Pavlovic with behind-the-scenes footage of brands like Nirvana and Beastie Boys. Pavlovic began promoting music tours, events and concerts in the 90s and has toured with some of the most influential bands of the decade including Daft Punk, LCD Soundsystem, Nirvana and more. A total of 200 items are on display including Kurt Cobain’s Martin Guitar. Entry to the exhibition is free.
👉 Read more about it here.
Where: Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris St, Ultimo
10. Teleport: enLIGHTenment
For something a little bit off the beaten track, check out Teleport: enLIGHTenment, an immersive digital art exhibition that combines elements of art, technology and storytelling. Guests are taken on a journey through captivating visual and audio effects and memorable photographs against striking backdrops. Plus see a number of exciting installations on display in this super IG-worthy exhibit. The exhibition closes on April 26, don’t miss out.
🎟️ Book your tickets here.
Where: 4 Eddy Ave, Haymarket