Art Gallery of New South Wales
This imposing classical building is surrounded by the leafy landscaped gardens and sprawling lawns of the Domain, a 34-acre plot of open parkland in the heart of the city. Established in 1871, the Art Gallery of NSW is Sydney’s preeminent art institution. Its permanent collection houses a vast trove of fine Australian and international artworks spread over five colossal floors.
Spacious, light-filled galleries cover a variety of themes, from old and new artworks from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, colonial and 19th century Australian artists, classic works by the European old masters and paintings, sculptures, photography and installations by cutting-edge contemporary artists from around the world.
The Art Gallery of NSW has played a major role in showcasing the rich artistic culture (both ancient and modern) of South, Southeast and East Asia. The Asian galleries cover two floors, with the lower gallery encompassing a full operational Japanese tea room.
The Art Gallery also hosts a year-long calendar of travelling exhibitions. Past shows have included masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso in Paris and modern art treasures on loan from the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.
With the recently launched an Art After Hours initiative, every Wednesday evening, the gallery’s majestic halls stay open until 10pm. As well as offering crowd-free, after hours access to the latest exhibitions, the gallery puts on a regular program of live music, lectures, celebrity talks, drawing workshops, film screenings and exclusive gallery tours.