Art Gallery of New South Wales
The Art Gallery of New South Wales can easily captivate museum lovers for an entire day
Established in 1874, the Art Gallery of New South Wales offers presentations of fine international and Australian art in a beautiful setting, with the grand architectural features of the gallery being a work of art themselves.
Well worth the trip, visitors will find it difficult to see all the Gallery has to offer in one day. Be sure to stop by the modern and contemporary works displayed in vast, well-lit spaces that offer great views of Sydney and its beautiful harbour. Don’t miss out on the Grand Courts, which host a distinguished collection of colonial and 19th-century Australian works, as well as European old masters. Also, check out galleries dedicated to the celebration of Asian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks.
Be sure to check out their regularly changing temporary exhibitions that are a major attraction for the Gallery's 1.3 million annual visitors. You can also relax over a coffee or enjoy a meal in the Gallery cafe or restaurant.
Nearby attractions: Royal Botanic Gardens
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesArt Gallery of New South Wales Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Phone: 1800 679 278
Official Website: Art Gallery of New South Wales
Art Gallery of New South Wales Reviews
Rated out of 5![]()
Highly recommended - set in a beautiful part of the Harbourside, this is a must-see museum when in Sydney. The various art exhibitions are always so inspiring and interesting to see.
Over the last few years an additional building has been added. So now there are essentially 2 galleries to see. The first is the long standing gallery, with many wonderful exhibitions to see.
The second gallery building is much newer, and has a fantastic, child friendly environment in which to wander. Both are equally as good and well worth a visit.
Plus they are both a great place for photos - both outside for the area and its architecture; and inside for its grandeur.
With free entry / cafes / toilets etc to both - it is a great place for families to.visit and make a day of it.
Norm P. - 3 months ago
One of my absolute favorite places, and no matter how many times I visit, I never get bored of it. The gallery’s vast space allows you to explore comfortably, and the diversity of art on display is truly impressive, from classic pieces to contemporary works.
The way the exhibitions are curated and arranged makes the experience smooth, inspiring, and enjoyable every time. I also love that there are always new and rotating exhibitions, which gives you a fresh reason to come back again and again.
The café inside the gallery is another highlight, with its beautiful view overlooking the city — the perfect spot to take a break. The children’s library on the lower floor is wonderful as well, making the gallery welcoming for families.
Overall, it’s a place full of creativity, calm, and inspiration — a space you can keep returning to without ever feeling tired of it.
Najla Alhraiwil - 3 months ago
This is definitely a must-visit museum and a perfect spot to check in when you’re in the area. The art exhibitions are beautiful, inspiring, and truly impressive. There’s also a great sense of history throughout the place, which makes the experience even more meaningful.
It’s also an Instagram-worthy destination — the architecture, lighting, and layout all make for cool photo opportunities. The best part is that entry is completely free! The building itself is stunning from the outside, and everything inside is well-maintained. The air-conditioning is cool and comfortable, and the restrooms are clean and convenient.
To get there, you’ll walk through a lovely park, full of greenery and peaceful vibes. The whole area feels calm and elegant — it almost made me feel like I was somewhere in England!
Overall, it was such a wonderful experience — relaxing, inspiring, and absolutely worth a visit. Whether you love art, history, or just want a beautiful place to wander and take photos, this museum is a hidden gem you shouldn’t miss. 🎨✨
Island Girl - 6 months ago
I had a great after attending an exhibition called "Dangerously Modern" about Victorian women artists living in Europe. It was great. It was easy to get tickets, and the staff were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. The exhibition itself was well set out and there was an accompanying narrative available by QR code which was engaging. I didn't get much time to look at the rest of the art gallery (!) but I absolutely can't *wait* to go back and see what else is there. It's a great place to visit, easy to walk and plenty of space to sit and reflect. The kids section was well stocked with fun things to see and projects to engage little minds. The cafe is organised with fresh food, good coffee and charming efficient staff.
Jennifer Sano - 2 months ago
I didn’t know much about Australian artists beforehand, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from my visit to the museum. The architecture itself is beautiful and elegant, and I was pleasantly surprised to see works by world-class artists such as Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Pierre Bonnard in the collection.
I especially enjoyed the exhibitions featuring second- and third-generation Asian Australian female artists, as well as the collections by First Nations artists.
I think this museum is a great starting point for both art enthusiasts and beginners who want to learn more about Australian art and culture.
In addition to the main-floor restaurant, there is also a more casual café. We stopped there for a light snack. Both dining options offer lovely views overlooking the garden and the surrounding area. Outdoor seating is available as well, though I found the highway noise a bit distracting.
Baguette Doug - 2 months ago
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Directions
| Train Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| T4 | Martin Place | 8 minutes |
| T2 or T3 | St. James | 8 minutes |
How to get to Art Gallery of New South Wales by Train
By Train: exit at St. James Station and walk east on Prince Albert staying left at the 'Y' and continue where it becomes Art Gallery Road, or at Martin Place Station and proceed east crossing Macquarie Street continuing through the passageway by the north block of the Hospital and across the Domain (green space) (both are about an 8 minutes walk).
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Accommodations near Art Gallery of New South Wales:
Photo Gallery
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Expansive view of Sydney from inside the Art Gallery of New South Wales cc licensed photo by salisasaki -
Classic paintings are overshadowed by live human statues during this exhibit at the Art Gallery NSW cc licensed photo by Eva Rinaldi -
Photo Credit: VirtualWolf - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: VirtualWolf - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: VirtualWolf - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Stephen Kelly Photography - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sydney Heritage - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sydney Heritage - cc license via Flickr

