White Rabbit Gallery: A Chinese Art Wonderland
Down in Chippendale, White Rabbit Gallery feels like stumbling into a secret art cave. Opened in 2009 by billionaire Judith Neilson, it’s home to one of the world’s biggest collections of 21st-century Chinese art—over 4,000 works by nearly 800 artists, from mind-bending sculptures to cheeky videos. During the Biennale, White Rabbit often syncs up with shows that vibe with the Rememory theme, maybe showcasing queer Chinese histories or installations about memory, like their 2025 “Tender Comrade” exhibit. Picture Zhang Wenzhi’s wild Shark-Deer Chronicle, a sculpture that’s half-myth, half-madness.
The gallery’s spread over four floors in a revamped knitting factory, with no permanent display—exhibitions change every six months, so it’s always fresh. Entry’s free, and they run guided tours at 11am and 2pm, Wednesday to Sunday. The teahouse is a must—slurp Chinese teas and munch handmade dumplings while bird cages dangle overhead. It’s a short walk from Central Station, so you can hit it after a Biennale exhibit at Carriageworks. I reckon it’s best midweek to dodge the crowds, coz weekends get hectic!
4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art: Stories of Asia-Australia
Nestled in Haymarket’s Chinatown, 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art is a little powerhouse of Asian and Asian-Australian stories. Since 1996, it’s been championing artists who bridge Australia and Asia, with a focus on migration, identity, and culture. For the Biennale 2026, expect 4A to host exhibitions tied to Rememory—maybe works by artists like Xiao Lu, whose performance pieces dig into personal and political histories, or Afghan-Aussie Elyas Alavi’s poetic visuals. They’ve partnered with the Biennale before, so their shows pack a punch.
The gallery’s in a heritage-listed building on Hay Street, open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm, with late nights Thursdays till 8pm. It’s free, and they run talks, performances, and residencies that pull you into the art. Think intimate spaces with bold works—videos, paintings, or installations that spark big conversations. After, grab dim sum nearby in Chinatown. It’s a quick train ride from Central, perfect for pairing with a Biennale visit to the MCA. Pro tip: check their website for pop-up events, they’re always up to something cool.
Artspace: Woolloomooloo’s Contemporary Hotspot
Over in Woolloomooloo, Artspace is a sneaky gem hiding in the historic Gunnery Building, opposite Harry’s Cafe de Wheels. This not-for-profit’s been a contemporary art hub since 1992, supporting emerging and established artists with exhibitions, residencies, and performances. During the Biennale, Artspace might host experimental works—think video installations by Pacific artists or performance pieces tied to Rememory’s focus on suppressed histories. Their shows are always boundary-pushing, like a 2023 exhibit of Pacific customary art.
The three-floor space has galleries, artist studios, and a massive multi-purpose area, all free to explore. Open daily, but hours vary, so check online. The vibe’s raw and inspiring, with artists often working on-site. You can hit Artspace after a Biennale exhibit at the Sydney Opera House—just a short walk along the harbor. Grab a pie at Harry’s afterward for a true Sydney feed. I once wandered in during a performance and got roped into a Q&A—total highlight!
Vandal Gallery: Redfern’s Cool Kid
Redfern’s Vandal Gallery is one of those places you stumble across and feel like you’ve cracked a secret code. Tucked on Vine Street, this progressive art space is a studio-turned-gallery showcasing Australia’s hottest emerging artists. For the Biennale, Vandal might pop up with small-scale shows—maybe vibrant paintings by locals like Caitlin Chan or installations that riff on Sydney’s multicultural roots. The space is tiny but mighty, with a cool, office-like vibe that makes you wanna hang out.
Open by appointment or during exhibitions, so follow their Instagram for updates. It’s free, and the artists or curators are often around for a chat. Redfern’s a short train ride from the city, and you can pair Vandal with a Biennale performance at Carriageworks, just around the corner. After, hit a nearby pub like The Dock for a schooner. Word of warning: don’t expect a big sign—it’s easy to miss if you’re not looking!
107 Projects: Redfern’s Community Vibe
Also in Redfern, 107 Projects is a not-for-profit community art space that’s pure heart. Housed in an old car garage on Redfern Street, it’s got galleries, studios, and performance spaces where anything goes—exhibitions, life drawing classes, even gigs. During the Biennale, 107 might host community-driven shows, like First Nations or migrant artist collectives tying into Rememory’s themes. Think mixed-media works or pop-up performances that feel raw and real.
It’s open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 6pm, with free entry, but check their website for event times. The vibe’s inclusive, with locals and creatives mingling. You can visit after a Biennale exhibit at White Bay Power Station, then grab coffee at a Redfern cafe like Three Williams. I love how 107 feels like a community hub—last time, I caught a poetry slam that wasn’t even advertised!
