Monet and Friends is an art show unlike any other we have visited. Instead of paintings hung on gallery walls, huge projection screens display the art works. With over 20 screens, 3,000 pictures and surround sound it was a truly immersive experience.
The Royal Hall of Industries in Moore Park, Sydney, is a great venue and very easy to get to. We used public transport, catching the light rail from Central Station to Moore Park. Those who chose to drive parked in the car park near Fox Studios.
We arrived early, so bought a coffee in the entertainment quarter and relaxed before we went in.
The Entrance
The exhibition started before entering, as the entryway was a series of picture frames, along with Monet’s paintings. Inside, another huge frame was used as a stage for a ballerina performing in front of another painting.
Entrance to the Exhibition
Ballerina on Monet’s Bridge
Monet and Friends Exhibition
Running on a 45 minute loop, the exhibition could be entered at any time, which was great so that you didn’t have to wait for it to finish before you entered. The auditorium was large and you were able to walk around to experience it from different perspectives.
The exhibition started with an introduction to impressionism and the important artists. We found this very interesting, because we only had a basic understanding of it. It went through the changes in painting style and the types of paints used. This was presented as a mixture of paintings, real life photos and audio explanations which made it very interesting.
Claude Monet
The Huge Projection Screens
Pissarro
Cezanne
The Paintings
The wonderful paintings composed the largest part of the display. Being able to see them at such a huge scale was great. The immersive effect was very enjoyable, because the art completely surrounded you.
What Did We Think?
We spent over an hour immersed in art while leaning about impressionism. This was a great way to see Monet and the other impressionists, while being educated and entertained.
The Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie, formerly known as Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery, was established in 1980. First housed in Lake Macquarie’s former council chambers on Main Road at Speers Point, the gallery relocated to First Street, Booragul in 1996.
The gallery originally occupied Awaba House on this site from 1996 to 2000 when a decision was made to construct the new state-of-the-art facility. At the time we visited there had been a fire and Awaba House had been extensively damaged. Launched in May 2001 the new art gallery building saw the addition of an art seminar room in 2008. In 2019, a further expansion provided additional gallery space.
Entrance to Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie
How to Get There
Located at First Street, Booragul, the gallery overlooks Lake Macquarie, providing great views in a relaxing setting. A small car park next to the gallery is convenient, however, if this is full more is available on-street nearby.
Sculpture Park
Located on 5 hectares between the gallery and lakeshore, the Sculpture Park includes work by local and national artists. Launched in 1996, the sculpture park has continued to develop and currently comprises 16 sculptures by 11 artists.
We spent some time walking around the sculptures before entering the gallery.
Sculpture Outside the Main Gallery
Sculpture Outside the Main Gallery
Mosaic Outside the Main Gallery
Entrance Walkway
Fish Sculpture on the Entrance Walkway
Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie Collection
Comprised of four focus areas, the Visual Arts Collection includes works by highly-regarded national, international and Hunter-based artists.
The collection has a core group of works by established contemporary Australian artists. This includes a number of works by Sir William Dobell, large-scale contemporary sculptures and Indigenous works.
We loved walking around the gallery, because it has great diversity for such a small venue. We found it had a lot to offer and enjoyed our time there. With works ranging from Sir William Dobell to contemporary artists, the collection is worth the visit.
Gallery at the Museum
The First Gallery
Deanne Newland – Rejuvenating 2
Saretta Fielding – Malang Kateya Part 2
Helen McLachlan – Rejuvenate 2020
Susan Ryman – Whispering Pillars
Karen Murray – Sentinel
Bronze Sculpture
Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie
Thelma Wawrzonek – Wangi Power Station Ruins
Maureen Boyle – The Fisherman
Coffee Shop
Sculpture Cafe is a licensed venue and offers morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea. Seating is both inside and on the deck overlooking the Sculpture Park and the lake. We enjoyed morning tea on the deck because of the wonderful views.
View From the Cafe
What Did We Think?
We enjoyed our visit because of the diverse range of art on display. The outdoor park was fun to walk around, while the quality works inside were amazing. To add to this was the wonderful location of the coffee shop with its great views.
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.
