Art Gallery of New South Wales

Set across five levels on the edge of the Domain Parklands, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of Australia’s most popular art galleries. It boasts an impressive collection of Australian art, including one of the country’s largest galleries of indigenous art, as well as an extensive Asian gallery and the works of European masters.

The Australian art collection includes celebrated works by John Glover and Arthur Streeton, as well as 20th-century icons Sidney Nolan, Russell Drysdale and Arthur Boyd. Admire the desert paintings by indigenous artists living on remote Western Desert outstations and bark paintings from the saltwater coastal communities, then peruse the ceramics and bronze work from across Japan, China and Southeast Asia. There’s also a small collection of works from the Pacific Islands, including one of the world’s most important private collections of art from the New Guinea Highlands.

On Wednesday evenings the museum hosts “Art After Hours”, with free musical performances, films and talks until 10 pm. Or join one of the regular guided tours that take place during the day, with Japanese, Mandarin, Cantonese and Korean language tours available, as well as those for vision and hearing impaired visitors.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is also home to an award-winning restaurant and cafe where you can grab a coffee or bite to eat, as well as the Gallery Shop that sells art-oriented literature and unique gifts and souvenirs.

In addition to its main venue in The Domain, the Art Gallery of New South Wales also manages the Brett Whiteley Studio in Surry Hills. The former home and workplace of this acclaimed Australian artist offers a fascinating insight into his life and work.