Art Galleries in Sydney

THE 10 BEST Sydney Art Galleries

Art Galleries in Sydney

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Showing results 1-30 of 67

What travellers are saying

  • Michael B
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Graham has unusual but extremely interesting artwork. We were drawn immediately into his gallery as we happened to walk past. Graham was very helpful and friendly.
    Written 23 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mairwen1
    United Kingdom9,567 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A fascinating space and a wonderful insight into the creative world of Brett Whiteley.
    This former warehouse was both home and working studio for Whiteley from 1987 - 1992. Left untouched after his death, the upstairs level includes unfinished works, paints, brushes and all sorts of painting tools.
    Drips and splashes of paint mark the floorboards and one wall is covered in handwritten quotes and images and scribbled musings. He filled his space with assorted and seemingly random odds and ends that caught his eye and inspired him - shells, seed pods, binoculars, books, a cricket ball. If you have any interest in the artistic process, it’s a must.
    Downstairs is more like a conventional gallery and is currently displaying an exhibition ‘Chapters 1959–69’, a collection of his works made between the ages of 20 and 30, a period of intense travel and artistic experimentation. It includes his disturbing Christie works, the London Zoo works as well as paintings from his time in New York and Fiji.
    It’s not a big gallery so you probably only need to allow an hour. However the exhibitions change from time to time so it’s worth a repeat visit.
    Staff were very helpful. They gave us a brief introduction and were on hand to give more information whenever needed.
    The studio is a little out of the way, in a small back street in Surry Hills. We walked from Central Station and it took about 15 minutes. Even when we arrived, we didn’t spot the building immediately because it is an unobtrusive, plain brown colour.
    NOTE: Entry is free and there’s no need to book ahead. However it is only open Thursday - Sunday.
    Written 16 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • stinkwink
    Sydney, Australia7,389 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    On Lamrock Ave, Bondi is a very pleasing aboriginal art gallery, the Cooee. The name is witty, since inviting the visitors to Dharug language, that the original inhabitants used. When I “heard” the call, I thought it is a must to go and see. In advance, I looked up for several other aboriginal art collections, and all of them were delightful, and a bit different than the other ones. It is obvious, that the items displayed in the gallery were chosen with great care and love. A fabulous arrangement of different artefacts of the aboriginal life. The exhibition is on two levels, and if I looking for some faults, I can find only one. Everything on display is too tempting, and your heart is bleeding since you can’t take everything with you.
    Written 30 November 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RonWamberal
    Sydney, Australia13,239 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Smaller than other malls like say Westfields, although that means you can't get lost. Doesn't have the big brands but it still has a lot of basics like a supermarket and many retail outlets. A big food court which would satisfy anyone for daytime snacks or lunch.
    The big plus for me is the art-house cinema.
    Written 29 October 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dennis D
    Tunuyan, Argentina41 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is probably the most fun you'll have shopping in Sydney. From small plates great for cocktails with pictures of Sydney or just fun play on words (beef Wellington has a cow standing in "wellies" (rubber boots); a play on Batman and Robin except its a robin (the bird) standing on the back of a wombat with a mask on the ground (my fav) to others, far too many to describe. Go out of your way and if you don't come away with something humorous or fun to buy then there's little hope! LOL! located on the Rocks steps from Sydney Harbour.
    Written 25 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Alison S
    Sydney, Australia2,278 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful to see such a historic building with a magnificent setting - on the approach to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
    Most interesting to see the showing of Annie Wyatt's daughter's artworks in the smaller gallery.
    Eclectic gathering of paintings, art works and ceramics on display in the major gallery.

    Cafe is also a welcoming place.

    Most interesting interlude.
    Walked from Wynyard.
    Written 1 December 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jun Acullador
    Pasig, Philippines725 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Discovered it by accident, while walking along "The Rocks." The lady curator was lovely and helpful. The paintings are masterpieces. I don't know how to interpret some of Billich's works but these are amazing art pieces. I appreciate them all. Just have a keen eye when you are in the Rocks area.
    Written 5 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ben D
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Thank you so much to the wonderful ladies here who were very helpful! Great to see some old school customer service with a smile and good conversation.
    Written 19 September 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Anne L
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My favourite part of visiting this art gallery is the high standard of the many artists' work. It is always displayed in a professional and appropriate manner so that viewing is enhanced. The situation is also impressive and lends itself to showcasing quality work.
    Written 4 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kay C
    City of Greater Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia20 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I can only agree with the other reviews on this site. What a surprise to see such a variety of Australian painting and sculpture beautifully displayed in an historic sandstone building right in the heart of the CBD. Chris wasn't there the day we visited but Linda was so warm and welcoming, with none of the stand-offish or superior manner so often seen in private gallery staff. She knew we weren't buying but couldn't have been kinder, even opening up some of the atrium galleries for us to view. As some of the other reviews have said, it is well worth going in for a look, after all it is free, and you'll have the bonus of a pleasant conversation with knowledgeable staff and get to check out a great building into the bargain.

    For the serious collector, there are thousands of paintings in varying styles and a huge range of sculpture to tempt you.
    Written 12 January 2014
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • lulusailorgirl
    London, UK391 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely gallery in paddington which is worth having a look and is it free. Photographic exhibition on ground floor and teaching / support service on the above floors.
    Written 8 July 2015
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • brian s
    Sydney, Australia17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I have some of Marks work in my restaurant and it always turns heads. It is a talking point of all my customers.His sydney scenes are simply amazing. Wheather you are looking for home or the office im sure you will find more than one at marks gallerys.
    Thanks Mark
    Written 15 July 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • anurag03
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates125 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Custom Framing, Mirrors and shadow boxes! The customer service is amazing and they know how to please the customer. Thank you
    Written 28 October 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mairwen1
    United Kingdom9,567 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A hidden gem in the backstreets of Darlinghurst. This a really interesting site to explore but there was hardly anyone there when we visited. It probably gets overlooked all the time because people don’t realise that you can visit the school and that entry is free.
    This wasn’t always an Art School. Originally, it was the old, convict-built Darlinghurst Gaol, a notorious prison where almost 80 people were hanged.
    Today, exhibitions are held in what were once the men’s prison blocks.
    Currently there’s an excellent exhibition, ‘In Our Time’, which showcases selected works from the private collection of Australian economist and diplomat, Dr Geoff Raby. It covers 4 decades of Chinese art and sculpture and is spread over two floors. Some of the pieces are confronting or disturbing. Others, like the elongated, bright red figures by sculptor Chen Wenling, are playful. It’s a very diverse collection which is on show until the end of March.
    Visitors are also free to wander around the grounds.
    There is a dark history behind the imposing, sandstone buildings. Prisoners were held here between 1841 to 1914 and hangings took place regularly. The flamboyant bushranger Captain Moonlight met his death at the end of a rope on 20 January 1880.
    In the day, hangings were public events and attracted a lively crowd, all clamouring to see execution. Perhaps that’s just what you did before TV and streaming?
    Makeshift gallows were sometimes placed outside the main gates. Otherwise hangings took place on the permanent gallows inside the main walls.
    Afterwards, the bodies were usually carted over to the Rum Hospital on Macquarie St (now The Mint) so that surgeons could dissect them or practise their surgical skills.
    I believe that history tours have been offered in the past. Staff were not sure when they might be held and suggested e check out the website. Unfortunately there was no information there and it was unclear whether tours are still held or not.
    GETTING THERE: We walked from Kings Cross Station and it was about a 10 minute walk at a leisurely pace. From Hyde Park in the CBD, it would probably be about 15 mins.
    Written 20 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • sharyn
    4 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great space and good turnover of artists and exhibitions. Good to be able to speak to the makers as they are usually present at the gallery.
    Written 2 July 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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