Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art is the only museum of its kind in Australia
At the Museum of Contemporary Art, which opened in 1991 in the The Rocks, you can explore a wide variety of contemporary art work. Contemporary art is, generally speaking, any art that is modern in theme or created within the last 40 or so years. It uses a wide variety of mediums, some even hi-tech, which means you will discover some truly unique and interesting forms of art here.
The museum was made possible by a bequest to the University of Sydney by the late John Power for the purpose of informing and educating Australians about the contemporary and visual arts. Subsequently, when the Maritime Services Board vacated their building in the Rocks for larger premises, the government of New South Wales donated the building which, after renovations, became the home of the Museum. It is also the only Museum of Contemporary Arts in all of Australia.
Between 2011 and 2012 the museum shut down for extensive renovations, which are now complete and make the museum better than ever. Admission to the museum is free with the exception of the occasional special exhibit.
Nearby attractions include: The Rocks, Sydney Observatory, Customs House, Justice and Police Museum, and Museum of Sydney.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: No, except for some special exhibitions.Regular Hours:
May differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 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: 140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
Phone: (02) 9245 2400
Official Website: Museum of Contemporary Art
Reviews
Rated
out of 5 Recommended by a friend - I arrived pretty early for a meeting nearby and had time to kill. Free entry and a pretty extensive selection of modern art and installations. A few sections were closed off. Security staff were very active asking us to keep our backpacks facing 'front' ...
Well worth the time spent and it was good to see the bark paintings and other multidimensional presentations. Easily accessed - a few minutes walk from Central Station.
R S - 2 months ago
Nice place to visit on a hot day in Sydney. Lots of unusual art. However, I would recommend seeing a special collection and paying for it over just visiting the museum for general art expos. Staff were friendly and welcoming.
David L - 2 weeks ago
Great free activity to go and visit. I almost wasn’t going to go, but I am glad I did. There were so many interesting exhibits. They have the largest bark painting collection. The art showing the pain aboriginals have gone through was so moving and informative.
Tiffany M. - 3 months ago
I saw an excellent exhibition of works by contemporary Australian artists and particularly enjoyed those done by artists of the First Nation.
I got a free guided tour which was very useful in understanding the background of the artists and their histories.
Very beautiful work!
Rekha Krishnan - 4 months ago
Fun day out visiting MCA. It's always a pleasure to take in the rooftop Cafe or restaurant Graze while there.
Anthony Bugge - 2 weeks ago
Directions
Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
---|---|---|
L2, T2, T3, T8 or Ferry | Circular Quay | 3 minutes |
How to get to Museum of Contemporary Art by
By Train or Ferry: exit at Circular Quay Station and proceed west. The Museum of Contemporary Art is located in the park at the western edge of the Quay adjacent to the end of Wharf #6.
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