Art Gallery of NSW: The Grand Dame of Sydney Art
Smack in the heart of Sydney, near the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Art Gallery of NSW is a stunner. It’s been around since 1871, and with its fancy new Sydney Modern wing, it’s got double the space for art. During the Biennale, expect this place to host some heavy-hitting exhibitions—think First Nations works or global artists riffing on the Rememory theme, which is all about piecing together forgotten stories. You might see pieces by Yolngu artists from Yirrkala, with their intricate bark paintings, or maybe a massive installation in the Tank, that underground space that feels like a secret art bunker.
The permanent collection’s no slouch either. It’s got one of the world’s biggest displays of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art in the Yiribana Gallery—think vibrant works by Ian Abdulla or Lorraine Connelly-Northey. Plus, there’s European classics, Asian treasures, and Aussie icons like Brett Whiteley. Entry’s free, but some Biennale shows might cost ya, so check the website. Pro tip: hit the gallery on a Wednesday night for Art After Hours, when it’s open late with free talks or live music. Grab a coffee at the cafe with harbor views after—pure magic!
Museum of Contemporary Art: Harbour Views, Cutting-Edge Art
Perched on Circular Quay, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) is hard to miss, with the Sydney Opera House as its neighbor and jacaranda trees blooming like mad in spring. This place is all about living artists, and during the Biennale, it’s a hotspot for edgy exhibitions. Picture woven sculptures by Malaysia’s Anne Samat or a video installation by Aussie talent Serwah Attafuah, both tied to Rememory’s focus on reclaimed histories. The MCA’s rooftop might even host kinetic works that catch the harbor breeze—last Biennale, they had stuff that moved with the wind, and it was unreal.
The permanent collection’s a gem, with over 4,500 works, a third of ‘em by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. You’ll find bark paintings, earth-pigmented sculptures, and contemporary pieces that pack a punch. Free guided tours run daily, so jump on one to get the lowdown. After, treat yourself to a long lunch at Canvas, the Level 4 cafe with killer views of the harbor. Oh, and it’s closed Tuesdays, so don’t rock up then by mistake—I nearly did once!
UNSW Galleries: Where Art Meets Ideas
Tucked away in Paddington, UNSW Galleries is a bit of a hidden treasure, but don’t sleep on it. Part of the University of New South Wales, it’s been showcasing contemporary art since 2013 and always brings something fresh to the Biennale. For 2026, expect exhibitions that dig into Rememory’s big ideas—maybe decolonial maps by Māori artist Nikau Hindin or works by Afghan-Aussie Elyas Alavi that mix poetry and visuals. These shows are often brainy but super accessible, with free talks by artists or curators to unpack it all.
The gallery doesn’t have a permanent collection, but its focus on new voices makes it a must. You might catch a performance piece or a workshop during the Biennale, so check the program. It’s a short bus ride from the city, and Paddington’s got cute cafes nearby for a post-art coffee. I reckon it’s perfect for a quieter morning before hitting the busier Biennale venues like White Bay Power Station. Just double-check the opening hours, coz they can be a bit wonky sometimes.
White Rabbit Gallery: A Chinese Art Adventure
Down in Chippendale, White Rabbit Gallery is one of those places that feels like a secret club for art nerds. It’s got one of the world’s largest collections of 21st-century Chinese art, thanks to philanthropist Judith Neilson. For the Biennale, White Rabbit often joins the party with shows that vibe with the main event—think multimedia works or sculptures that tackle memory and identity, maybe even tying into Rememory’s global Indigenous focus. Last time, they had queer Chinese histories on display, and it was mind-blowing.
The permanent collection’s a wild ride, with over 2,000 works by nearly 700 artists. Expect massive installations, like porcelain figures by Ah Xian, or quirky pieces that mix pop culture and politics. It’s free to visit, but they’re only open Wednesday to Sunday, so plan ahead. The on-site cafe does ace dumplings, perfect for a quick bite. If you’re hitting the MCA for Biennale stuff, White Rabbit’s just a short trip away—combine ‘em for a full art day.
Carriageworks: Art in an Old Train Shed
Carriageworks, in Redfern, is hands-down one of Sydney’s coolest art spaces. Housed in a massive old railway workshop, it’s got this raw, industrial vibe that makes Biennale exhibitions pop. For 2026, expect large-scale installations or performances—maybe a First Nations collective like Yangamini with their epic woven sculptures, or an international artist like Brazil’s Alberto Pitta bringing carnival energy. The space is huge, so artists go big, and it’s always a Biennale highlight.
There’s no permanent collection here, but Carriageworks is a cultural hub year-round, with festivals, markets, and shows. During the Biennale, they host artist talks and workshops, so you might catch a curator like Bruce Johnson McLean chatting about Indigenous art. It’s super close to Redfern station, and the Saturday farmers’ market is a bonus if you’re there on the weekend. Word of warning: wear comfy shoes, coz the concrete floors are no joke!
