White Bay Power Station: The Heart of the Biennale
White Bay Power Station in Rozelle is the star of the 2026 Biennale, and trust us, you can’t skip it! After stealing the show in 2024 with 174,000 visitors, this heritage-listed gem—once a coal-powered beast—is now a cultural powerhouse, reborn as Sydney’s hottest arts hub. The cavernous Turbine Hall and Boiler Room are packed with massive installations that scream Rememory. Kaylene Whiskey’s Kaylene TV 2.0 is a must—step into a giant, walk-in TV set bursting with Aṉangu superheroes, Dolly Parton cut-outs, and a dance floor with Rihanna’s beats. It’s a joyful riot of pop culture and Central Desert dots, inviting you to snap selfies or dance under the lights.
Dylan Mooney’s new mural, a vibrant tribute to queer Indigenous resilience, stretches across White Bay’s walls, weaving Yuwi and Torres Strait motifs with pride flags. Think bold reds and blues that pop, honouring legends like Malcolm Cole’s 1988 Mardi Gras moment. Then there’s Frank Young’s Kulata Tjuta Project, showcasing Aṉangu spears in a striking display of ancestral strength. Guided tours (Tuesday–Sunday, 11:15 AM and 1:45 PM) dive into eight major works, so book early—only 20 spots per tour! Pro tip: catch the 443 shuttle from QVB Stand B to avoid the trek, and bring a water bottle for those big halls.
Art Gallery of NSW: Where Stories Collide
Over at the Art Gallery of NSW, on Gadigal Country, the Biennale’s exhibitions are a deep dive into global emergencies and collective joy. The Yiribana Gallery, a haven for Aboriginal art, hosts works that tie into Rememory’s truth-telling vibe. Look out for Gunybi Ganambarr’s Yolŋu carvings, intricate with traditional cross-hatching, telling stories of Country and connection. These pieces sit alongside international artists like Ángel Poyón, whose sculptures explore Indigenous Guatemalan histories, creating a convo across cultures. The AGNSW’s South Building also features performative works—think costumes and adornments celebrating community, from First Nations dancers to global queer narratives.
Don’t miss the artist talks here, held in the Grand Courts, where you can hear creators unpack their process. In 2024, talks by artists like Eric-Paul Riege set the vibe—expect similar for 2026, with free sessions most weekends. Check the Biennale app for times, and pair your visit with a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens for a breather. Entry’s free, so it’s a no-brainer for your Sydney art crawl
Performances That Pack a Punch
The Biennale’s not just about looking—it’s about feeling the energy! Carriageworks in Redfern is your go-to for performances that’ll leave you buzzing. Expect dance, theatre, and live music, with First Nations groups like Bangarra Dance Theatre possibly popping up, building on 2024’s epic shows. Picture roving performers weaving through the crowd, like the 2024 opening weekend’s free activations, or a sultry Art After Dark session with DJs spinning Afro-Caribbean beats, inspired by works like El Gran Mono’s Colombian picó sound system. These Wednesday night gigs at White Bay are free but need a ballot entry, so jump on the Biennale website early.
UNSW Galleries in Paddington will also host performances, likely featuring international artists like Cristina Flores Pescorán, whose 2024 work mixed dance and installation. If you’re travelling with kids, Family Days at Chau Chak Wing Museum offer free workshops—think hands-on art for little creatives. Most performances are free, but some, like artist-led workshops, might be ticketed—check the program closer to March. Grab a coffee at a nearby Redfern cafe like The Milk Bar by Cafe Ish to keep your energy up
Artist Talks: Get Inside the Creative Mind
Wanna hear straight from the artists? The Biennale’s Spotlight Artist Talks are your ticket to the creative process. At White Bay Power Station, artists like Kaylene Whiskey might share how she blends Cher with Aṉangu superheroes, or Bruce Johnson McLean could unpack curating First Nations stories. These talks, often free and held during opening weekend, are gold for understanding Rememory’s focus on resilience and history. AGNSW and Artspace in Woolloomooloo also host talks, with past sessions featuring artists like Gordon Hookey riffing on satire and culture.
Book via the Biennale website, as spots fill up fast—especially for intimate chats at smaller venues like Artspace. If you’re a photographer or sketcher, bring a notebook to jot down inspo. Pair a talk with a visit to The Rocks for a post-event feed—try The Glenmore for harbour views that’ll spark your own creativity.
Other Venues to Explore
Don’t sleep on the Biennale’s other spots! The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Circular Quay will showcase bold works tying into Rememory’s global lens—think installations exploring climate, identity, and resistance. In 2024, MCA hosted pieces like Adebunmi Gbadebo’s ceramic works with plantation soil; expect similar boundary-pushing art in 2026. Artspace in Woolloomooloo, freshly revamped, offers edgy, smaller-scale shows, perfect for a quick visit before Chinatown’s yum cha. Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney, a 2024 newbie, blends art and history—great for a quieter, reflective stop.
And don’t miss Badu Gili: Celestial at the Sydney Opera House, where nightly projections on the Eastern Bennelong Sails (post-sunset) celebrate First Nations stories. It’s free, short, and pure magic—perfect for an evening wander. Catch a ferry to Circular Quay to make it easy. All venues are free to enter, so you can hop between them without breaking the bank.
