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
This museum is a really fun and interactive experience with a wide range of interesting things to see. It's also conveniently located, making it a perfect spot to cool off after spending time around the Opera House and Circular Quay. Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area and looking for something engaging and a break from the heat.
Eve March - a month ago
Fabulous venue with contemporary arts. It is really quiet and calm inside. Meanwhile the staffs are all professional and helpful. I’m not a big fan of these arts actually as I lack a good knowledge of them. However, I do enjoy being in there to have a great journey of exploring and thinking.
Chang Guan - 2 months ago
Although I wasn’t able to enter the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia during my visit—as I arrived just before closing—it still left a strong and lasting impression on me. The location alone is worth a visit. Set right on the edge of Circular Quay, the museum overlooks Sydney Harbour, offering incredible views of the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and the bustling waterfront. It’s hard to imagine a more iconic or inspiring setting for contemporary art.
The building itself is a stunning piece of architecture. I loved how it blends the clean lines of modern design with elements of the original 1950s structure. It feels bold and creative, just like the kind of art it’s known for. Even just walking around the outside and seeing the details of the façade, the rooftop terrace, and the surrounding public spaces made it clear that this is more than just a museum—it’s a cultural landmark.
There was a buzz of energy as people exited for the day, and I could tell that what’s inside must be just as dynamic. Although I missed the chance to see the exhibitions this time, the atmosphere alone convinced me that I have to come back. I’m really looking forward to spending a proper afternoon here—exploring the galleries, enjoying the harbour views, and hopefully grabbing a coffee or glass of wine at the rooftop café.
This spot is definitely high on my list for my next trip to Sydney. Highly recommended—even just as a place to stop, take in the surroundings, and appreciate the intersection of art, architecture, and one of the best views in the city.
Julio Yanes - a month ago
I had a really informative guided tour from the beautiful soul Jane! Even if I was the only one, who joined the tour, she was absolutely lovely and explained everything with a lot of passion.
Highly recommend it, as you get a lot of context and background information about the artists and their work.
Thank you very much, Jane!
Eni Kaak - 2 months ago
I’m not a big fun of contemporary art but this museum looks very interesting. Especially because it’s place close by the opera house. In the tourist area of Sydney. It’s really worthy to visit. Highly recommended
Fiat - 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.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Museum of Contemporary Art:
Photo Gallery
-
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: 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: Ross Fowler - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: VirtualWolf - cc license via Flickr
Video
To view this video, please provide consent for cookies and/or disable any ad blockers.
We use cookies to display embedded YouTube content. For more information, see our
Privacy and Cookies Policy.