Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art is the only museum of its kind in Australia

Museum of Contemporary Art overlooking Sydney Cove by Circular Quay
Museum of Contemporary Art overlooking Sydney Cove by Circular Quay cc licensed photo by jstuppy

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

Official Website: Museum of Contemporary Art

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 – 9:00 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 4.4 out of 5Museum of Contemporary Art Australia Star Rating

5 Star Rating 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. - 11 days ago

5 Star Rating 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 - 1 month ago

4 Star Rating An alternative to art. It is contemporary art. It won't be to everyone's tastes. If the Museum doors are open then open your mind and enter. Pictures featured are from the Yoko Ono solo Sydney show plus other pieces from the museum's other free entry floors.
Lasaration - 1 month ago

5 Star Rating For our daytrip, we decided to explore the Museum of Contemporary Arts near Circular Quay. The gallery entrance is free. They had lockers where you can safekeep your backpacks and not be bothered while you view the art pieces. Located on the 4th floor roofdeck is the MCA Cafe. We ordered 1. Pork Belly Roll 4/5 2. Fish and Chips 4/5 3. Lavender and Rose Mocktails 5/5 I highly recommend checking this place out for tourists who just want to enjoy sydney without spending too much.
Nico Castillo - 7 days ago

5 Star Rating An enjoyable experience where calmness and tranquility, meshes well with visually appealing regional art. The second floor exhibits were free to peruse and helped me gain an appreciation of Australian artists. I'm glad I found this place, as it was a great escape.
T Slush - 3 months ago

Accommodations near Museum of Contemporary Art:

Directions

Line Nearest Station Walking Time
L2, T2, T3, T8 or FerryCircular 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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Slideshow tour of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney
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