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.Museum of Contemporary Art Hours:
Opening 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 – 9:00 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
Museum of Contemporary Art Reviews
Rated out of 5
Love this place! So much to see. I particularly enjoyed the AI exhibition. It made me realise how many rare minerals go into creating 'stuff' and ultimately how much energy AI, on say our phone, uses. It was really informative and some aspects of AI are beneficial, it's not all doom and gloom. The video about ChatGPT in it's updated forms was interesting and humorous.
Also loved the exhibition of emerging artists, always good to see some new 'voices'.
Carole - 4 weeks ago
Visited for the Cerith Wyn Evans exhibition. Great location near Circular Quays station with spectacular views of the Sydney harbour and Opera house from the open rooftop. There is a cafe and bar on the rooftop. Loved the exhibition displays. The museum has 4 floors with displays spread across. There is a museum shop on the ground floor.
A D - 2 months ago
After finishing my run I stumbled across the MCA. I am not a regular gallery visitor however found myself nearby and decided to join onto the last minute guided tour. The guide was extremely informative, interesting and passionate about art all the gallery. She made the experience a great one and I have left wanting to visit more galleries around Australia.
Jack Lawless - a month ago
Not the first time that I was going to this museum but it did not disappoint once again. There were several free exhibitions, spreaded on different levels that were quite good!
The highlight though was the Cerith Wyn Evan’s exhibition: it was utterly good!
Full of mirrors, neon lights, plants and so on and on.
Probably the artwork that I like the most was the “wall” with the Japanese writing.
Everything was exceptional.
Recommended
Massimiliano Trenti - 4 months 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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Accommodations near Museum of Contemporary Art:
Photo Gallery
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A colorful piece created from inflating a structure made of textiles cc licensed photo by Newtown grafitti -
Photo Credit: VirtualWolf - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: VirtualWolf - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: VirtualWolf - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: ahisgett - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: ahisgett - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: ahisgett - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Dushan Hanuska - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Dushan Hanuska - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Dushan Hanuska - cc license via Flickr
