Want to see some awe-inspiring art in Sydney? You’re in luck because the city is currently immersed in paintings, artworks, murals and sculptures, despite the current closure of spots such as Powerhouse. These thought-provoking art exhibitions challenge and inspire, displaying everything from classic works to more contemporary pieces. If you’re hoping to get your culture fix, these are the best art exhibitions in Sydney happening right now, along with a select few arriving soon.
Whether you’ll need to pay for entry or get in for free, these are the art exhibitions we don’t recommend waiting around to see.
1. Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru, Australian Museum
Until February 23, 2025
Gold was revered as the sweat of the sun by some ancient Andean civilisations, and you can expect a lot of it at the Australian Museum’s latest show, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru. Over 130 artefacts are featuring here, showcasing a spectacular command of craftmanship and art that has helped archaeologists learn more about these civilisations. It’s definitely one for your summer bucket list!
๐ 1 William Street, Darlinghurst, 2010
๐๏ธย Adult tickets from $37.50. More info here
2. Magritte, Art Gallery of New South Wales
Until February 9, 2025
Our current pick for Sydney’s #1 art exhibition right now, Magritte at AGNSW features over 100 works that have been sourced from around the globe, including from world-leading galleries such as MoMA in New York, the National Gallery in Washington DC, and the Musรฉe Magritte in Brussels. Catch works such as The Meaning of Night or Golconda, and make use of the gallery’s Wednesday night deal to get two-for-one tickets if you’re strapped for cash.
๐ Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney NSW 2000
๐๏ธ Adult tickets are $35. More info here.
3. Isaac Julien: Once Again… (Statues Never Die), Museum of Contemporary Art
Until February 16, 2025
A powerful video installation, Once Again… (Statues Never Die) unfolds across five screens in black-and-white. Telling the story of art collector Albert C Barnes, and Alain Locke, a cultural leader and key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, the 30-minute film features actors Andrรฉ Holland, Danny Huston, Sharlene Whyte, and Devon Terrell.
๐ 140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000
๐๏ธ Free to visit. More info here.
4. Kwatja Kngarritja Tnyirlalhama (Big Rain Falling), Art Gallery of New South Wales
Until February 9, 2025
Grace Kemarre Robinya, working in tandem with artists from Yarrenyty Arltere Town Camp, has produced an exhibition which focuses on the life-giving support of rain in the desert. Colourful, contemplative, and interactive, it’s well worth a visit if you’re near AGNSW.
๐ Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney NSW 2000
๐๏ธ Free to visit. More info here.
5. Julie Rrap: Past Continuous, Museum of Contemporary Art
Until February 16, 2025
Julie Rrap‘s momentous career is honoured in this exhibition, which features photography, video, and sculptures amongst the artworks on display. Encompassing — and in part responding to — her installation Disclosures: A Photographic Construct, the exhibition reflects on the aging and representation of our bodies, through a feminist lens.
๐ 140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000
๐๏ธ Free to visit. More info here.
6. Angelica Mesiti: The Rites of When, Art Gallery of New South Wales
Until May 11, 2025
An immersive art installation that you’ll find down in the Tank (previously an oil bunker during wartime), The Rites of When reflects on seasonal environmental cycles during a time of destruction and disruption. Using video and sound, it poignantly responds to the challenge of the climate emergency and our increasing disconnect from nature.
๐ Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney NSW 2000
๐๏ธ Free to visit. More info here.
7. Primavera: Young Australian Artists, Museum of Contemporary Art
Until January 27, 2025
The 33rd edition of the MCA’s excellent young artist showcase brings together works by Monica Rani Rudhar, Sarah Ujmaia, Chun Yin Rainbow Chan, Teresa Busuttil, and Aidan Hartshorn, each responding to the concept of cultural connection. It’s your chance to see some up-and-comers in the Australian art scene, so don’t miss your shot.
๐ 140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000
๐๏ธ Free to visit. More info here.
8. XSWL, White Rabbit Gallery
Until May 18, 2025
Reflecting on Internet humour and the flow of information in China’s social media landscape, XSWL — Chinese Internet slang which translates as “laughing to death” — is a provocative look at communication in the face of censorship. We’ve been promised “wild colours, cartoon imagery, and everyday playthings”, at what’ll be the latest addition to one of Sydney’s most interesting art galleries.
๐ 30 Balfour St, Chippendale NSW 2008
๐๏ธ Free to visit. More info here.
9. Cao Fei: My City is Yours (ๆฌข่ฟ็ป้), Art Gallery of New South Wales
Until April 13, 2025
Expect a hypnotic, dizzying trip into a uncertain future in the largest exhibition of Cao Fei’s work to ever arrive in Australia. Taking the form of a cityscape, designed by Fei along with Hong Kong-based Beau Architects, My City is Yours blends the past and present, encompassing digital revolutions, urbanisation, and virtual reality. It’s a must-see look at a dazzling yet unsettling future world.
๐ Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney NSW 2000
๐๏ธ Adult tickets are $35. More info here.
10. Julie Mehretu: A Transcore of the Radical Imaginatory, Museum of Contemporary Art
Until April 27, 2025
As with the Magritte and Cao Fei shows, the first exhibition of Julie Mehretu‘s works to be staged in Australia is part of the Sydney International Art Series. You’ll be able to see an array of her acclaimed paintings, which respond to topics including migration, capitalism, and climate change.
๐ 140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000
๐๏ธ Adult tickets from $28. More info here.
These future art exhibitions are something to look forward to, but you may want to book your tickets early.
11. Re-Stor(y)ing Oceania, Artspace
From January 23, 2025, until March 23, 2025
Artscape’s upcoming art exhibition blends stories, songs, and performance to create a powerful call for climate justice, driven by communities living on the threatened islands of the Southern Hemisphere. It’s been created by Latai Taumoepeau and Elisapeta Hinemoa Heta, and curated by Taloi Havini, and will engage visitors in the conversation and challenges facing Pacific communities.
๐ The Gunnery, 43/51 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011
๐๏ธ Prices TBC. More info here.
12. Dangerously Modern: Australian Women Artists in Europe 1890โ1940, Art Gallery of New South Wales
From October 11, 2025 until February 1, 2026
There’s a little while to wait for this one, but the summer 2025 landmark exhibition at AGNSW is sure to be a showstopper. The female artists who left Australia at this time — including figures such as Nora Heysen, Grace Cossington Smith, and Margaret Preston — helped shape the modernist movement, and brought new ideas back to Australia with them. Set to feature over 200 works, Dangerously Modern aims to put these groundbreaking artists firmly at the centre of the modern art canon, and give them their dues for a transformative impact on Australian art.
๐ Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney NSW 2000
๐๏ธ Prices TBD. More info here.