Exploring Sydney's urban art scene: street art and galleries

For a fix of colour, character and creative inspiration, Sydney’s diverse and vibrant art scene has you covered. From contemporary galleries to colourful and iconic street art, the city's blend of high art and eclectic street culture makes it a dynamic destination for art lovers around the world. Here we uncover some of the key highlights of Sydney street art and its must visit art galleries.

Located in the heart of inner-city Chippendale, close to Central Station, the White Rabbit Gallery ticks the box for contemporary art aficionados. Housed in a former 1940s Rolls-Royce showroom, the architect-designed gallery showcases one of the world's largest and most significant collections of 21st-century Chinese art. Admission is free to the rotating exhibitions of the gallery’s collection, which is rehung twice a year. You can also take a moment to relax in the gallery’s tranquil teahouse and sample hand-made dumplings with a pot of fragrant Chinese tea.

The once-industrial suburb of Chippendale, and nearby Redfern, is also a hotspot for the best street art in Sydney. The neighbourhood's laneways and alley walls are adorned with colourful murals, stencils and graffiti art, making it a vibrant outdoor gallery. Original works include those by famed street artists Fintan Magee, Reko Rennie and Scottie Marsh, known for his large-scale and sometimes confronting pieces painted all around inner-city Sydney. One popular Marsh mural in Teggs Lane, ‘Bin Chickens’, features a classic Australian icon - the white ibis, nicknamed for its penchant for fossicking through bins.

For art on a more grand scale, you can’t go past The Art Gallery of New South Wales, one of Australia's most prominent public galleries. Behind the impressive facade and soaring colonnades is an astounding collection of Australian, European, and Asian art. The gallery's expansive spaces host major temporary exhibitions, while its permanent collection includes works from celebrated Australian artists such as Sidney Nolan and Brett Whiteley. The gallery's stunning architecture and its location in The Domain, overlooking Sydney Harbour, make it a cultural landmark.

Another of the top Sydney art galleries, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) on Sydney Harbour at Circular Quay is a must-see. Dedicated to the works of living artists, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, the museum has an evolving collection of over 4,500 artworks. From major thematic exhibitions to touring shows and new works by emerging artists, MCA aims to engage audiences of all ages with contemporary art with free, guided tours daily. Afterwards, head to the MCA Cafe on the rooftop terrace for breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour.

The Artery Contemporary Aboriginal Art Gallery

Explore the rich cultural heritage and contemporary expressions of Indigenous artists at The Artery, located in the inner Sydney suburb of Darlinghurst. The Artery is a vibrant space dedicated to showcasing original and authentic Aboriginal art. The gallery is also committed to ethical practices as proud signatories to the Indigenous Art Code of Conduct, ensuring that artists are fairly compensated for their work. Supporting First Nations people and their families, the gallery features works from both established and emerging Aboriginal artists from remote communities. 

Carriageworks

Not just a gallery space, the redeveloped Carriageworks site in the former Eveleigh Railway Workshops is now a renowned urban cultural precinct. Built between 1880 and 1889, the historic inner-west site once employed thousands of workers to build and maintain locomotive engines and carriages for the expanding Sydney rail network. Now a multi-arts organisation presents an artist-led program year-round of dynamic exhibitions, performances and other artforms. It’s also home to the bustling Carriageworks Farmers Market, a weekend Sydney institution, providing fresh seasonal produce every Saturday from 8am to 1pm. 

The Colourful House of Surry Hills

In the nearby leafy enclave of Surry Hills, you’ll find a 5000-square-foot mural by renowned French street artist Thierry Noir wrapped around a 1920s former jelly factory. Now a single private residence, the historic warehouse is painted top to bottom in a patchwork of rainbow bright colours. Each side of the building features a different artwork, from The Symphony for Colours, Welcome to the Surry Hills Art District, and secluded wall Homage to Seth Troxler, the building’s owner and a techno DJ from the US.

Heading east is Sydney’s famous Bondi, renowned for its surf and sand, and home to one of Sydney's most iconic street art locations: the Bondi Beach Graffiti Wall. Stretching along the beach front promenade, this ever-changing outdoor canvas features works by both local and international artists. The wall serves as a vibrant, open-air gallery where street artists express their creativity, often reflecting social and political themes. The Bondi Beach Graffiti Wall is a dynamic and colourful testament to the city's thriving art scene and Bondi street art.

Where to stay

You’ll find plenty of quality accommodation options in Sydney, from boutique hotels to modern serviced apartments. Stay close to the action in the heart of the city or base yourself further out to discover street art murals of the inner west.

Header image credit: Destination NSW