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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Mark Chipperfield

Launched in 1991 as a young upstart rival to the Art Gallery of NSW (AGNSW) across town, the MCA now plays a major role in the cultural life of Sydney.

As its title suggests, the focus of this waterfront gallery is contemporary art from Australia and abroad. Its own collection of 4,000 works spans all art forms, including painting, photography, sculpture and the moving image.

Its permanent collection consists of works by contemporary Australian artists, including leading indigenous painters. But the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) also prides itself on making modern art accessible to those who generally don’t visit galleries by featuring the work of artists such as Christo, Jeff Koons and Roy Lichtenstein.

The MCA also hosts a large number of temporary exhibitions during the year.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Occupying a prime slab of real estate on Circular Quay, the MCA is impossible to miss. Since some of Sydney’s best hotels are nearby plenty of visitors will be able to walk here. But the gallery is well served with public transport; buses, trains and ferries all converge on Circular Quay. If you happen to be around Town Hall, jump on the light rail which runs down George Street to The Rocks.

Free guided tours operate daily – see the MCA website for details.

The museum is known for hosting blockbuster touring exhibitions – so check out the website for upcoming events and attractions. Entry to all temporary exhibitions is free, but there is a fee to visit the annual Sydney International Arts Series.

 

When to do it

This gallery is open all year round, seven days a week.

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.2 miles]

Overlooking Circular Quay, the benchmark for five-star luxury in Sydney offers legendary service, sumptuous interiors and excellent food and drink.

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Shangri-La Sydney

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.3 miles]

A big, luxurious five-star hotel superbly sited in Circular Quay, offering some of Sydney’s finest harbour views, excellent cuisine and outstanding service.

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Establishment Hotel

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.4 miles]

A glamorous boutique for the sexy and stylish crowd, conveniently located in the heart of the city, close to a lot of the major sights and attractions.

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Park Hyatt Sydney

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.5 miles]

A sumptuous five-star hotel in the best location in the city – under the Bridge, opposite the Opera House, with breathtaking views of the harbour all around.

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Sydney

New South Wales, Australia

One of the world’s most dynamic and glamorous cities, with golden beaches, world-class eating and dining and effervescent, friendly people.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

The Rocks

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.3 miles]

The Rocks – the birthplace of European settlement in Australia – is atmospheric, quaint, vibrant and packed with great things to taste, see, buy and explore.

Best for ages: 8+ | Free

Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.3 miles]

A unique and unforgettable adventure offering breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour and fascinating historical insights; the city’s ultimate must-do. One of the world’s great bucket list experiences.

Best for ages: 8+ | £110 | 2- 3 hours

Sydney Opera House

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.7 miles]

Magnetic, enchanting and still remarkably modern, this iconic Opera House is a must-see. Walk around the outside or book in for a guided tour or performance.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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