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 - beautifully curated, big spacious galleries. Big mix of different contemporary and up-and-coming artists (Primavera sections). The current AI installation so engaging and thought-provoking. Helpful staff. Great café. Must-go-to place - thanks you MCA.
Philip Banks - a month ago
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 months ago
Well worth a visit - located in the heart of Sydney Harbour, it is a modern art gallery. The various exhibits are usually quite substantial (not eccentric). A lovely cafe is there, for a light meal with views across Circular Quay and the busy harbour. A good place to visit!
Norm P. - 2 months ago
It’s a modern art gallery which needs tickets to enter — this is normal in any other place, but quite unique here. Also, unlike the name suggests, the exhibit is actually quite ‘substantial’ (e.g. the impact of AI on art), not eccentric at all compared to other contemporary art galleries in other countries. A good place to visit!
Ih-Chin Chen - 2 months ago
Beautiful place. Great facilities, we also had a free guided tour with a volunteer guide. It was awesome 😎
Thank you for a great experience
Y M - 4 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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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
