Unveiling Sydney’s Art Scene: Galleries, Street Art, and Cultural Hubs

Immerse yourself in Sydney’s art scene with the contemporary galleries and the unique street art.

Over the years, Sydney has continued to showcase an impressive art scene with exhibits in galleries and unique street art. You can spend hours walking through Sydney’s galleries, viewing hundreds of art pieces. Or you can opt to wander through the streets and laneways to discover various street art styles scattered throughout the city.

Galleries and museums

– The Artery Contemporary Aboriginal Art Gallery

To see a range of unique Aboriginal pieces from remote communities, visit the Artery Contemporary Aboriginal Art Gallery in Darlinghurst. Admire beautiful Aboriginal artwork and buy genuine pieces that catch your eye. If you can’t visit in person, you can view available art pieces online.

– Art Gallery of New South Wales

One of Sydney’s most popular galleries, the Art Gallery of New South Wales displays incredible local and international artwork. The gallery showcases Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander exhibits, which are highly recommended to see.

– Museum of Contemporary Art

Located in the heart of Sydney, the Museum of Contemporary Art is Australia’s leading museum. It showcases Australian and international artists and hosts online exhibits and educational programs. The museum houses over 4000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Australian art pieces, including permanent and temporary exhibits.

– Powerhouse Museum

The Powerhouse Museum mainly focuses on arts, science, design, and innovation. The building was once a power station, but opened as a museum in 1988, becoming one of the largest in the country. There are over 500,000 pieces of art inside, with a selection of permanent and temporary exhibits.

While the Powerhouse Museum undergoes heritage revitalisation, you can explore programs at Powerhouse Castle Hill and Sydney Observatory.

Street art

Credit: Destination NSW

– Pacific Waves building

Manly’s eight story tall Pacific Waves building features a mural by Brent Turner, located in the corridor connecting to the car park. The mural was commissioned to enhance a sense of safety for the locals who visit frequently. The mural has vibrant colours with parrots, seagulls, kangaroos, and seascapes. 

– The Colourful House of Surry Hills

In Surry Hills, French artist Thierry Noir painted a two story building, formerly a jelly factory. The building is painted with bright, bold colours and outlined faces on all four walls. To see the Colourful House, the address is 625 South Dowling Street, Surry Hills.

– Bondi Graffiti Wall

Located between Bondi Beach and the car park, the Bondi Graffiti Wall features a variety of street art styles. Initially popular in the late ’70s but constantly painted over, it eventually became a legal painting spot, showcasing diverse street art styles.

Credit: Destination NSW

– Cronulla 

Cronulla boasts over 40 streets and laneways with a variety of street art, including sculpture work, abstract and urban art, posters, and stencils. Follow the Walk The Walls trail to explore the unique street art throughout Cronulla.

Sydney offers a diverse gallery scene, from its outstanding museums showcasing local and international artwork to the vibrant street art adorning its streets. Don’t miss the ever-changing street art and the rotating exhibits featured in galleries and museums every few months.

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.