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 – 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
Museum of Contemporary Art Reviews
Rated out of 5
What I live the most about this museum is the rebellious spirit they maintain in their curation. You will find always intelligent work exhibiting here from some of the most diverse and almost activists artists around the world.
Make sure to try to make it part of your visit, and if no cruise is ruining the view, have lunch at the cafe or the restaurant.
Juan Cardenas (Desautomatas) - 3 weeks ago
A nice modern art gallery right opposite the Opera House. It was a decent collection and some interesting exhibits but tbh I'm not sure it was really worth the newly instituted 20 dollar admission fee. Nice views across the harbour from the roof terrace.
Martin Rapier - a month ago
General admission is high.. and for how big the building is, very little is exhibited.. sick view from the terrace! Really Great Art! just needs more! I hope to change my review to 5 stars soon!
Levin Shavers - 2 weeks ago
I always found the MCA to be an iconic institution of Sydney. I have visited many times and always really enjoyed it. On this occasion, though, I found the experience to be average. Some of the art displays were amazing and really engaging however, I felt that some weren't child-friendly. I visited during the summer holidays when possibly more families might want to visit the museum. My interaction with staff was also mixed. Some were really warm and welcoming, while others were abrupt and unfriendly.
Map Roy - 2 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 -
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Photo Credit: Dushan Hanuska - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ross Fowler - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ross Fowler - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: VirtualWolf - cc license via Flickr
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