Art Gallery of New South Wales

Art Gallery of New South Wales showing interior views
Art Gallery of New South Wales showing interior views
Art Gallery of New South Wales featuring interior views
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Art Gallery of New South Wales featuring a garden


See old and new elegantly overlap in the thought-provoking exhibitions on show in New South Wales’ premier art gallery, which overlooks Sydney’s Domain.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales has been Sydney’s grand temple to art since 1875, when it opened its first public exhibition. Since then, it has presented a huge range of exciting and free exhibitions to the public, threading together Australian, Asian and European art. The home of Australia’s prestigious Archibald Prize has an acclaimed contemporary gallery, a magnificent collection of early Australian historical artworks and a gallery that showcases Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.

At the heart of the gallery is the Vernon Building, a neoclassical treasure that looks out over the Domain. Walk between the grand columns and enter the gallery. Inside, you’ll find a range of permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. Explore galleries of modern and contemporary artworks in a light-filled wing with views of the Sydney cityscape and the harbour. Check out the Grand Courts to see the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ esteemed 19th-century and colonial artworks. Discover exciting works in the galleries that celebrate Asian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.

During your visit you might see annual exhibitions such as the Archibald Prize or ARTEXPRESS. The gallery also has a wide programme of lectures, symposia, performances, film screenings and musical concerts. Make the most of the gallery’s family-friendly programme or check out special after-hours events.

Relax with a coffee and a snack at the gallery’s café or enjoy a more luxurious dining experience at the restaurant. Pick up souvenirs, art books and interesting design pieces at the gallery’s shop. If you would like to know more about one of Australia’s most prominent artists, make your way to the Brett Whiteley Studio in Surry Hills, which is managed by the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is located within the lush Domain parkland and is approximately 15-minutes’ walk from the city centre. The gallery has free admission and free entry to most galleries. Some touring exhibitions or events may be ticketed. The gallery is open daily, except for Christmas Day and Good Friday.

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Top Art Gallery of New South Wales Hotel Deals

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

5 out of 5
199 George St., Sydney, NSW
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Shangri-La Sydney

Shangri-La Sydney

5 out of 5
176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, NSW
Shangri-La Sydney
Hyatt Regency Sydney

Hyatt Regency Sydney

5 out of 5
161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Hyatt Regency Sydney
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

5 out of 5
1 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
Paradox Sydney

Paradox Sydney

5 out of 5
27 O'Connell Street, Sydney, NSW
Paradox Sydney
InterContinental Sydney by IHG

InterContinental Sydney by IHG

5 out of 5
16 Phillip Street, Sydney, NSW
InterContinental Sydney by IHG
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites

4 out of 5
252 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
Hilton Sydney

Hilton Sydney

5 out of 5
488 George Street, Sydney, NSW
Hilton Sydney
Rydges Australia Square

Rydges Australia Square

4 out of 5
97-99 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW
Rydges Australia Square
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Things to do near Art Gallery of New South Wales

At the Art Gallery of New South Wales, you can immerse yourself in an array of artistic treasures while enjoying nearby attractions such as opera performances, vibrant shopping areas, and various entertainment options. This cultural hub is perfect for art lovers seeking to discover remarkable exhibitions and explore delightful sightseeing spots in Sydney, making it an essential part of your visit.

Shopping

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is surrounded by great shopping spots. Martin Place, only 644m away, offers a vibrant shopping experience. Oxford Street, 1.6km away, is great for family and city vibes. Paddy's Market, also 1.6km away, features a bustling atmosphere for souvenirs.

Recreation

At the Sydney Cricket Ground, enjoy a lively atmosphere with outdoor fitness activities and sports events just 3.2km away. The Metro Theatre, located 1.3km away, offers a vibrant music scene, perfect for unwinding. For a family-friendly outdoor experience, Bondi Icebergs, 6.4km away, features a stunning pool.

Adventure

The Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk offers an exhilarating hiking experience with stunning ocean views, located 6.4km from the Art Gallery. For family fun, explore the McElhone Stairs, a fascinating maze only 644m away. For underwater sports enthusiasts, Ben Buckler Point is also 6.4km distant.

Nightlife

After exploring the Art Gallery of New South Wales, enjoy a captivating show at the State Theatre, just 966m away. For a unique experience, visit the Sydney Observatory, 1.4km distant, or catch a romantic film at the Open Air Cinema, also 966m away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Art Gallery of New South Wales

Visitors to the Art Gallery of New South Wales can immerse themselves in a blend of culture and outdoor experiences, with nearby attractions including urban parks and historic civic buildings. Those looking for accommodation will find numerous Sydney hotels near the gallery, while the stunning Sydney Harbour and various city attractions offer additional exploration opportunities for a fulfilling stay.

  • Sydney Opera House: An iconic symbol of Sydney, this architectural marvel is renowned for its unique sail-like design. Experience a blend of culture and artistry through performances, guided tours, and stunning views of the harbour, all just 1.3km from the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
  • Circular Quay: A bustling harbour hub located 1.1km away, Circular Quay offers picturesque scenery and vibrant beach vibes. Enjoy waterfront dining, ferry rides, and access to local attractions, making it the perfect spot for relaxation and exploration.
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge: This historic bridge, situated 1.6km from the Art Gallery, is a testament to engineering brilliance. Walk across its span for breathtaking views of the city and harbour, immersing yourself in Sydney's rich cultural heritage.

Best time to go to Art Gallery of New South Wales

The best time to visit Art Gallery of New South Wales can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Art Gallery of New South Wales falls in January and January. January has slightly high visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around Art Gallery of New South Wales falls in July and July. July has average visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
January73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
February72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March70.9°F (21.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
March70.9°F (21.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April66.4°F (19.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April66.4°F (19.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May61.2°F (16.2°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
May61.2°F (16.2°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
June57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
July55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
July55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
August57.2°F (14.0°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
August57.2°F (14.0°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September61.2°F (16.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September61.2°F (16.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
October64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November67.6°F (19.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November67.6°F (19.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December70.3°F (21.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
December70.3°F (21.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Art Gallery of New South Wales

To save money on your visit to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, consider travelling between May to July when accommodation prices are generally lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, and look for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tools to filter for budget options and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for added savings. Additionally, explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without extra costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Art Gallery of New South Wales are May to July, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to March and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Art Gallery of New South Wales about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Art Gallery of New South Wales is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Art Gallery of New South Wales is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, allowing you to identify the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the “Eco-certified” filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can make significant savings by combining your hotel reservation at the Art Gallery of New South Wales with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.