Subscribe
Culture Fix: The Best Art Exhibitions in Sydney in 2025
Craving some culture? These are the best art exhibitions in Sydney.
It should come as no surprise that we love living in Sydney. From stunning natural beauty, killer cafe culture and, slowly but surely, a reemerging nightlife. Beyond the bars and beaches though, there is a thriving arts and cultural scene, and our art galleries and museums are among the best in the world.
Whether you’re looking for a fun rainy-day activity or want to support local emerging artists, these are the best art exhibitions in Sydney to check out in 2025.
Cao Fei: My City is Yours 曹斐: 欢迎登陆
Recently voted one of the most influential artists in the world, Cao Fei’s retrospective charts the rapid urbanisation of China and the global digital revolutions of the past 20 years. Her multimedia approach—films, photography and installation — makes this exhibition an immersive experience not to be missed. You’ll move through a ‘cityscape’ that will take you from Fukoka to New York and all the way back to Sydney again.
Running until Sunday 13th April
Adult $35, concession $32, tickets available here
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Naala Badu, north building, Lower level 2
Julie Mehretu’s A Transcore of the Radical Imaginatory
Julie Mehretu’s A Transcore of the Radical Imaginatory at the MCA Australia is a must-see as part of the Sydney International Art Series 2024–25. This major survey spans the Ethiopian-born, New York-based artist’s career.
Known for her explosive, abstract paintings, Mehretu explores history, architecture, and contemporary issues through dynamic, layered compositions. The exhibition features her newest TRANSpaintings, rare prints, and works on paper, offering a rare chance to experience her groundbreaking artistry.
Running until Sunday 27th April
Adults $35, concession $28, tickets available here
Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, 140 George Street, The Rocks
XSWL
The White Rabbit Gallery presents XSWL, a bold exhibition of artists who play with the concept of harmless fun coming with a big moral price. The title, XSWL, is an acronym for the Chinese phrase “xiào sǐ wǒle” (笑死我了), meaning “laughing to death,” akin to “LOL.”
This exhibition explores into China’s digital culture, where memes, virtual WeChat stickers, puns, and jokes are employed to navigate censorship and broach sensitive subjects. Featuring stunning artworks that juxtapose playful imagery with underlying dark humour, XSWL unpacks the complexities of contemporary Chinese society and the power of humour.
Running until Sunday 18th May
FREE
30 Balfour Street, Chippendale
ARTEXPRESS 2025
Always a highlight of the art calendar, ARTEXPRESS is back for another year. For anyone not in the know, this annual exhibition features handpicked pieces from talented students who completed the HSC examination in Visual Arts in 2024.
A selection of ceramics, drawings, graphic design pieces, photo media, sculpture and more, exploring important current issues are on display, making for a fascinating insight into the next generation of artists.
Runs until March
FREE
Art Gallery of NSW
Edwina Brennan: Glimmers
Emerging Sydney artist Edwina Brennan is bringing her joy-inducing acrylic and oil paintings and intricate pencil work to the Showroom Space in Alexandria this April. Brennan explores nature, family and connection through humour, bright colours and abstract experimentation. Glimmers is all about those seemingly everyday moments that bring happiness. Nab one of her original works and you’ll be smiling every time you look at it.
Saturday 12th April to Sunday 13th April
FREE
Showroom Space, Level 2, 560 Botany Road, Alexandria
Angelica Mesiti: The Rites of When
Angelica Mesiti: The Rites of When is a large-scale video and sound installation currently on display at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. This immersive exhibition reimagines communal rituals associated with seasonal cycles, reflecting on humanity’s connection to nature amidst environmental uncertainties.
Presented in the gallery’s subterranean Tank space, the installation features seven monolithic screens showcasing choreographed performances inspired by winter solstice carnivals and summer harvest festivals. The work also draws inspiration from celestial observations, notably the Pleiades star cluster, symbolising humanity’s enduring relationship with the cosmos.
Running until Sunday 11th May
FREE
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Naala Badu, north building, lower level 4, Nelson Packer Tank
Wentworth Galleries
The bright and bold world of Australian contemporary and Aboriginal art at Wentworth Galleries is open to the public across two CBD locations. Showcasing art inspired by national and global events, the gallery offers year-round access to stunning works, with additional exhibitions popping up throughout the year.
Permanent displays feature expressive pieces perfect for art enthusiasts seeking a pop of colour. Commercially available, these artworks beckon those ready to invest in Australia’s contemporary art scene.
Find luminous still lifes by Jacqueline Fowler and breathtaking landscapes by Ken Knight or Ted Lewis. This art spans various mediums and is the place for those ready to up their art game.
175 Pitt Street, Sydney
61 Phillip Street, Sydney
Are you inspired by our edit of the best art exhibitions in Sydney and keen to try your hand at a creative hobby? Check out our list of the best creative classes, to help you upskill, or head to the best markets in Sydney to pick up some supplies.
Subscribe
