Culture Fix: The Best Art Exhibitions in Sydney in 2024
Craving some culture? These are the best art exhibitions in Sydney.
It should come as no surprise that we love Sydney. From stunning natural beauty, killer café culture and, slowly but surely, a reemerging nightlife. Beyond the bars and beaches though, there is a thriving artistic and cultural scene, and our art galleries and museums are among the best in the world.
Whether you're looking for a fun rainy-day activity or want to support local artists, these are the best art exhibitions in Sydney to check out in 2024.
Cast in cast out
Cast in cast out is the moving exhibition inspired by Dennis Golding's childhood growing up in 'The Block,' an Aboriginal community in Redfern, Sydney. A proud Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay artist, Golding breathes life into Redfern's recognisable Victorian-era ironwork panels, infusing them with contemporary narratives of power and ownership.
Suspended in a dance of form and shadow, his sculptural pieces challenge colonial symbols, casting a vivid commentary on division and control. Fragments seem to float, embodying Golding's quest to reclaim and transform colonial constructs. His presence, captured in a self-portrait, draws visitors into dialogue.
Running until November 17th, 2024
Museum of Sydney, Corner of Phillip and Bridge Street, Sydney
Alphonse Mucha: Spirit of Art Nouveau
Opening in mid-June, Alphonse Mucha: Spirit of Art Nouveau is set to be one of the best art exhibitions in Sydney to see this year. Mucha, a pioneer of modern European art, mesmerised late 19th-century Paris with his seductive, sinuous creations, defining the essence of art nouveau.
Curated in collaboration with the Mucha Foundation in Prague and supported by Destination NSW, this exhibition unveils treasures from the Mucha Family Collection. Explore Mucha's illustrations, jewellery, and more, witnessing his enduring influence on today's art scene.
From iconic posters to his quest for 'art for the people,' Mucha's legacy unfolded throughout the years, guided by his political and spiritual fervour.
15th June - 22nd September, 2022
Naala Badu, North Building, Lower Level 2, Art Gallery of NSW
Coomaditchie: The Art of Place
Discover life within a coastal community with Coomaditchie: The Art of Place at the Museum of Sydney. First Nations artists share their vibrant culture through paintings, ceramics, and screen-prints, illuminating Coomaditchie's history, ecology, and Dreaming stories.
Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation, the exhibition reveals the settlement's evolution at Coomaditchie Lagoon in Wollongong. Original documents and a film uncover its social and political journey, while showcasing the artists' impact across the Illawarra.
From public spaces to galleries, their work adorns the region, captured in stunning photographs.
Running to August 25th, 2024
Museum of Sydney, Corner of Phillip and Bridge Street, Sydney
Nicholas Mangan: A World Undone
Expertly curated by Anneke Jaspers and Anna Davis, and designed by Ying-Lan Dann, this exhibition of Nicholas Mangan: A World Undone takes a journey through two decades of art through sculpture without limits.
The works explore ecology, history, economics and politics and include pieces that highlight the challenges faced by The Great Barrier Reef, our relationship to the sun, and a comparison of Bitcoin with ancient stone currency, amongst others.
Running until Sunday 30th June 2024
Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George Street, The Rocks
MCA Collection: Artists in Focus
Showcasing the essence of contemporary Australian art, MCA Collection: Artists in Focus, is one of Sydney's best art exhibitions. Unveiling histories, trajectories, and highlights from the MCA's extensive collection, this dynamic, changing display offers a window into artistic evolution since 1989.
Witness a tapestry of shared and diverse concerns, materials, and approaches across generations and cultures. Recent acquisitions mingle with collection mainstays, providing fresh perspectives on the art scene. With the latest instalment sticking around until August 11th, the exhibition invites you to delve deeper with guided walks, tours, and audio guides.
May 24th to August 11th, 2024
Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George Street, The Rocks
Wentworth Galleries
The bright and bold world of Australian contemporary and Aboriginal art at Wentworth Galleries is open to the public across two prime CBD locations. Showcasing art inspired by national and global events, the gallery offers year-round access to stunning works, with additional exhibitions popping up throughout the year.
Permanent displays feature vibrant, expressive pieces perfect for art enthusiasts seeking a pop of colour. Commercially available, these artworks beckon those ready to invest in Australia's contemporary art scene, perhaps after an inspiring visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Find luminous still lifes by Jacqueline Fowler and breathtaking landscapes by Ken Knight or Ted Lewis. This art spans various mediums, promising an immersive experience, and is the perfect place for those ready to up their art game.
175 Pitt Street, Sydney
61 Phillip Street, Sydney
Inspired by our edit of the best art exhibitions in Sydney and keen to try your hand at a creative hobby? Check out our list of the best creative classes in Sydney, to help you upskill. Looking to shop for some new art? Check out our favourite Female Australian artists here.
