The Art Gallery of NSW new North Building displays contemporary art, with an emphasis on Indigenous Australian art. The building reflects this with bright well lit rooms and colourful displays. A highlight is the use of its basement, an old storage tank as a display space.
Getting There
Located, to the north of the original Art Gallery (now the South Building), it’s walkable from the Sydney CBD. We used the train from Central Station, getting off at St. James and walking, although buses can also be used. If you drive, the Domain carpark would be the closest option.
Arriving before opening time, we took some photos of the giant sculptures outside and then had a coffee at the café opposite the entrance.
Inside
With four levels, there is plenty of space to display artworks. The ground floor has an amazing display of Indigenous art and its great that this is the first gallery you see on entering. Previously displayed at the South Building the collection now has pride of place at the entrance.
The next two levels down display a series of contemporary art in addition to having access to outside galleries. Here we found an amazing flower sculpture, as well as a Buddhist Temple.
Lower Level 4 – The Tank
The highlight though was The Tank. Level 4 used to be an underground oil storage tank, but has been repurposed as an art space. Access is via a spiral staircase, which you descend into increasing darkness. Left deliberately dark, with the original columns still in place, it’s eerie, with lights moving on the ceiling, slowly brightening and dimming to highlight the sculptures there.
Before entering, you are warned that the area is dark and claustrophobic, so that you know what to expect. Numerous staff patrol the space, ensuring everyone obeys the rules (no flash photos) and remains safe.
We loved it, the sculptures were unworldly and the empty spaces and columns eerie.
Here Comes Everybody by Francis UpritchardHere Comes Everybody by Francis UpritchardLevel 1Untitled by Frank StellaKu (dogs)Seven Sisters by Nyunmiti BurtonDhamala Story by David Malangi DaymirringuDeath Zephyr by Yhonnie ScarceJapan Supernatural: Vertiginous After Staring at the Empty World Too Intensely, I Found Myself Trapped in the Realm of Lurking Ghosts and Monsters by Takashi Murakami Banners From The Lot by Eko NugrohoThree Paintings by John Prince Siddonby Ramesh Mario NithiyendranAntara by Betty Kuntiwa PumaniGuts (2022) by Samara GoldenFlowers that Bloom in the Cosmos by Yayoi KusamaSculpture GardenThe End of Imagination by Adrian Villar RojasThe End of Imagination by Adrian Villar RojasThe TankIn the Tank – The End of Imagination by Adrian Villar RojasThe End of Imagination by Adrian Villar RojasThe End of Imagination by Adrian Villar Rojas
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
Located in the Domain, the Art Gallery of New South Wales opened in 1885 with two picture galleries. Over time additional wings and a foyer expanded the building to its current size.
Entry is free to the general collection, although entry to any special events or exhibitions is not.
How to Get to The Art Gallery of New South Wales
If driving, the Domain car park is within easy walking distance and is secure and undercover. The closest train station is Martin Place, only a ten-minute walk from the Gallery. The closest bus stop is Sheraton on the Park, Elizabeth St, followed by a 15 minute walk. Both walks go through the Domain parkland which has landscaped gardens, with shady trees and seats to relax on.
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Entrance Foyer of the Art Gallery of NSW
The Art Gallery of New South WalesCollection
15th to 19th Century European Gallery
Filled with classical European paintings and sculptures, this gallery contains beautiful artworks from the 15th to 19th centuries. There is a large silver sculpture (The English Channel by Michael Parekowhai 2015), from the 21st century that clashes with the other works, because of its chrome finish.
The English Channel by Michael Parekowhai 2015
Bronze Sculpture
Bronze Sculptures
The visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon by Sir Edward John Poynter 1890
Australian Gallery
One of the reasons for the Galley’s foundation, was to encourage interest in the arts in Australia. To this end it has expanded from simply showing European art, to exhibiting Australian artists.
Represented here are famous Australian artists, such as Sidney Nolan and Russell Drysdale in addition to many others.
First-class Marksman by Sidney Nolan 1946
The Camp by Sidney Nolan 1946
Five in a Row by Richard Larter 1961
Crucifixion by Russell Drysdale 1946
Nocturne No. 3 Commonwealth Lane by Danila Vassilieff 1958
Atlas by Colin Lanceley 1965
Lowy, Gonski Gallery
Busts in the Lowy, Gonski Gallery
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Gallery
Showcased in its own gallery, the unique style of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders is a great contrast to classical art in the other galleries. Often colourful and always reflecting the artists culture, this was a great gallery to wander around.
Contemporary Aboriginal Art Work
Aboriginal Art Work
Aboriginal Message Sticks
Contemporary Galleries
The contemporary galleries display art that reflects current culture, covering the 1960s to present in all media types.
Clockwork for Oracles by Ugo Rondinone 2010
Asian Gallery
Following the Sydney International Exhibition in 1879, the Government of Japan gifted a large group of ceramics and bronzes to the Gallery. This initial collection has now expanded to cover two floors, making the gallery a leading centre for Asian art. Today, the wide-ranging Asian collection embraces many countries and cultures of Asia.
Asian Exhibition
Entrance Court and Special Exhibits
Often displaying large murals that reflect the current special exhibits, the Entrance Court is large, bright and open. It leads to most of the other galleries. Pick up a map at the reception desk, to ensure you can find your way around. The internal floor plan of the gallery is complex and it’s easy to miss exhibits.
The Gallery Shop contains an extensive array of books and gifts relating to the gallery. If you need a reference book, or want to learn more about an artist, this could be the pace to find it.
Japanese Supernatural Exhibition
Japanese Supernatural
Art Outside the Gallery
Adorning the walls of the Gallery’s entrance a series of bronze sculptures, representing classical European art. Throughout the Domain, sculptures of Burns, Robertson (a politician) and contemporary themes add to the fun of walking around.
Sir John Robertson Statue
Opposite the Art Gallery
Front of the Art Gallery
The Matchsticks
Burns Statue
Where to Eat
If you get hungry before, during or after you visit, the gallery has a cafe where you can refuel before admiring the art works on display.
If you would rather eat outside, a restaurant and associated bar across the road offer meals snacks and drinks.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
