Public listings checked 25/10/2026. Dates use each event’s local time. Check organiser details before travelling.
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Upcoming events
123 matching events listed in the next 60 days. Admission prices are shown where supplied.
In this milestone year, their dynamic program reflects on the evolution of this much-loved Library and its extraordinary collections — revealing stories that will surprise, delight and make you think!
See what two centuries of collecting looks like in the Amaze Gallery.
This major exhibition brings together some of the Library's most valuable and internationally significant objects alongside surprising, lesser-known gems. It reveals the breadth and interconnected nature of the collection, pairing items that speak to one another or deepen our understanding of familiar stories.
Find engaging and interactive digital experiences across the buildings, exploring the history of the Library, the collection, and the people who shaped it.
A self-curated digital timeline, in the galleries, features more than 250 stories, revealing passionate characters, bold architectural visions, remarkable collecting feats and even the occasional brazen crime.
New interpretations of key colonial works in the Paintings Galleries invite you to see familiar subjects through a fresh lens. Newly acquired works foreground First Nations voices, perspectives and experiences. View striking portraits of proud First Nations women Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO and Dr Lynette Riley AO, alongside paintings by First Nations artists Fay Clayton Moseley and Robert Campbell Jr — presented in this space for the first time.
Definitive Dupain is the first major retrospective to explore the complete body of work of Max Dupain (1911–1992), Australia's most famous photographer. Presented alongside a major publication of the same name, the exhibition draws from the State Library of NSW's extraordinary archive of more than 250,000 commercial and personal negatives and prints to present the most comprehensive portrait yet of Dupain and his remarkable 60-year career.
Featuring almost 200 images and original prints personally selected by Dupain for magazine and book publishers, the exhibition reveals the extraordinary breadth of his work. From iconic images such as Sunbaker to studio portraiture, experimental photography, architecture, advertising, fashion, wartime work, nature and intimate personal photographs, Dupain's diverse and creative output helped shape Australia's visual identity in the mid- to late 20th century.
Developed over five years by curator Avryl Whitnall, the exhibition reveals previously unseen works and experimental gems she discovered in the archive.
Alongside the images — arranged chronologically — Dupain's words feature throughout the exhibition, offering a rare insight into the man behind the lens, his creative philosophy and the distinctive way he viewed his craft.
This exhibition explores the Torres Strait pearling industry and centres the lived experiences of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and South Sea Islander seafarers whose stories have historically been overlooked.
From the late 19th to early 20th century, the Torres Strait was the global centre of the mother‑of‑pearl industry, supplying shell used in buttons, instruments, and luxury goods worldwide.
Through portraits, oral histories, and research led by Kuku Yalanji woman Nerelle Nicol, the exhibition honours the remaining Elders who worked on pearling luggers and preserves their stories for future generations.
See nature in a whole new light in The 2026 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year, a South Australian Museum exhibition. For over two decades, this beloved annual exhibition has celebrated the natural world around us, showcasing spectacular flora, fauna and landscapes found throughout Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea.
From the mysterious ocean floor to majestic mountain tops and fiery outback panoramas, this bioregion is home to wildlife and environments unlike any other. Be inspired by this amazing collection of 100 photographs that showcase the unique natural heritage of this region, stretching back more than 80 million years.
The incredible works on display provoke a deeper connection with the natural world, offering an intimate insight into the delicate diversity of the environment and a reckoning with the changing climate that threatens its irreplaceable beauty.
The 2026 judging panel consists of Jake Wilton, Mieke Boynton and Ross Gudgeon.
This year marks 125 years since the establishment of the Commonwealth Naval Forces that later became the Royal Australian Navy. To celebrate this significant anniversary the Museum will open a new exhibition exploring how the Navy has grown alongside Australia—from colonial defence to a modern maritime force.
Presented as a temporary display in the Navy Gallery, the exhibition brings together portrait photography, significant objects from the national collection, a graphic timeline and a major First Nations artwork. Together, they tell stories of service, courage, innovation and care at sea and on shore.
At its heart are the people of the Navy—past and present—whose experiences reveal a force shaped by war and peace, humanitarian response and cultural change. Central to the exhibition is Spirit of Sea Rights by Djambawa Marawili AM, acknowledging more than 60,000 years of First Nations maritime stewardship and a shared responsibility for Australia's oceans.
Written and illustrated by Sam Wallman.
Artist and wharfie Sam Wallman's provides a fresh, first-hand take on contemporary dock life.
In the mid-20th century, a group of worker-artists created the Wharfies Mural, on display in the museum.
They captured the industrial and political struggles of their time.
Today, the wharves are dominated by smart machines rather than muscular men. But has everything changed so radically?
Explore the contemporary docks through Sam Wallman's lens as he picks up the thread laid down by the Wharfies Mural.
His work bridges the past and present, social commentary and storytelling.
The extraordinary work of Sydney-born Robyn Kahukiwa (1938–2025, Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, Ngāti Konohi, Te Whānau-a-Ruataupare) comes to the MCA in her first major Australian exhibition, to be held only a short time after her passing.
Kahukiwa was one of Aotearoa New Zealand's pre-eminent painters. Her vibrant works consider Māori life, culture and politics, with a particular focus on the status of Māori women. They also examine the ongoing impacts of colonisation for Māori.
Robyn Kahukiwa: My Ancestors Are Always With Me speaks to the experiences of Indigenous people globally and the struggle for identity and belonging in the face of land and language loss, migration and urbanisation.
Developed as a partnership between Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia.
Torres Strait artist Brian Robinson uses painting, printmaking, sculpture and design to encompass the region's mythology, cosmology and spirituality. Robinson, who grew up on Waiben (Thursday Island), incorporates contemporary icons taken from video games and Hollywood movies to reflect on Islander history, humour and love of fishing.
Ur Wayii (Incoming Tide) is a multi-disciplinary exhibition spanning printmaking, sculpture, video and graphic design, it is a complex tapestry woven from traditional knowledge, historical narratives, and a keen engagement with the contemporary globalised world.
A journey through the landscapes and stories of iconic Australian artist Sidney Nolan.
Experience the astounding creativity and poetic power of Sidney Nolan's art in this in-depth survey of the artist's formative years in Australia. From indelible visions of the outlaw Ned Kelly to epic portrayals of Central Australia, Nolan redefined perceptions of place and nation in Australia's cultural imagination.
Including his famous series of paintings on bushranger Ned Kelly (1946–47), the exhibition brings together over 150 major works produced before Nolan relocated to the United Kingdom in 1953 – years in which he forged a reputation as one of this country's most distinctive modernist artists.
Nolan: Origins examines the artist's engagement with the places he painted as he evolved his singular, enigmatic visual language, including St Kilda, Wimmera, K'gari (also known as Fraser Island), Central Australia and the landscapes of Ned Kelly's story in north-eastern Victoria.
The exhibition also tells of how Nolan interrogated the idea of 'Australia', invoking a sense of place through myths, histories, people and creatures imbued with his own personal inner meanings.
Bundle with an Australian Art Stories Tour or lunch at Crafted by Matt Moran or MOD Dining for the most immersive experience at Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Ready to get your little ones into the movie-going groove? The Art Gallery of New South Wales has created the perfect "low-stress" cinema experience that you will enjoy too.
Whether it's their very first film or a regular fun fortnightly outing in your schedule, these sessions are designed with families in mind.
At 11.00am each day, the Anzac Memorial pauses for a Service of Remembrance. Visitors are invited to participate in this moving service with the recitation of the Ode and the sounding of the Last Post and Rouse after one minute of silent contemplation.
The galaxy of golden stars adorning the Memorial's dome represents the men and women of NSW who embarked for overseas service during the Great War (1914–18).
All visitors to the Memorial are welcome to take a commemorative star bearing the name of an Australian serviceman or woman killed on active service, or a veteran who has since passed away, and cast it into the Well of Contemplation following a moment of reflection. This personal tribute was designed to reflect the original intention of the stars that illuminate the Memorial's dome.
Stars that are released into the Well are collected and kept on site until they are cremated at Rookwood Cemetery. The ashes are carried on annual pilgrimages by the Premier's Anzac Memorial Scholars to significant sites associated with Australian military history.
On partnership with Sydney Heritage Fleet, the Australian National Martime Museum invites you to glide through Sydney Harbour on a heritage vessel and gain a unique perspective on the remnants of the city's industrial past.
Along the way, hear fascinating stories of the people, industries and waterways that helped shape Sydney's maritime identity, bringing the harbour's history vividly to life.
Matthew Flinders was a naval navigator, chart maker and explorer who was the first European to circumnavigate the Australian Continent (New Holland) in the ship 'Investigator', in 1802. His colleague, Bungaree, is often overlooked in the retelling of this story. Bungaree, who was born around 1775 and died in 1830, is notable as the first Aboriginal Australian to circumnavigate the continent with Flinders during their voyages of 1802 to 1803.
The State Library of NSW is a unique cultural institution with an amazing history and internationally renowned collection.
Visit the Library and experience the beautiful architecture of the Mitchell Library Reading Room and Shakespeare Room, or enjoy the vibrant public events and changing exhibitions program.
There is free internet and wi-fi access, and the Library Cafe is open seven days a week. The Library Shop is Sydney's premier Australiana bookshop, and fine art prints from the collection are available for purchase.
You'll be surprised by this haven in the middle of the city.
The Library runs school holiday activities for children and parents and has a Family History and newspaper service (including regional and international press).
Visitors can discover the stories behind the people, places and events that have helped shape NSW - where the history happened. A Blue Plaque visit offers more than sightseeing. It creates a direct connection between place and story, turning everyday locations into places of discovery. Each plaque reveals a unique piece of history, encouraging visitors to explore local areas from a new perspective and uncover stories they may never have known.
This blue plaque commemorates Ida Leeson who was the first female Mitchell Librarian. She was a pioneering librarian whose work helped transform access to knowledge and library services. She also served as a Major in the Australian Army.
Visit the blue plaque on the Mitchell Building, State Library of NSW, 1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney NSW 2000 and scan the QR code there to learn more.
This special part of the State Library of NSW is designed especially for young visitors and their carers. Here you'll be able to enjoy free books, games and activities for under-5s, look out for the beautiful budgies and see if you can find the secret home of the Library mouse.
The former site of the Sydney Free Public Library is located on the corner of Bent Street, Sydney. The NSW Government purchased the collection of the Australian Subscription Library (established in 1826) in 1869 and abolished the subscription fee, creating the first publicly accessible library in New South Wales. This collection is now the foundation of the State Library of NSW, located on the corner of Shakespeare Place and Macquarie Street.
Descendance preserves and promotes Aboriginal culture. They represent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers from many diverse tribes. Descendance has both traditional and contemporary performances. Descendance creates employment opportunities and develops careers in music, dance and song. Descendance has shows running nationally and internationally all year round and travels to your venue.
The Descendance contemporary section encourages cultural exchanges and works closely with other traditional art forms including Flamenco, Indian, Asian, Native American, Middle Eastern, Gypsy, Classical and African. Descendance was born from the mighty Ngaru Aboriginal Dance Company which was Sydney's first independent traditional indigenous troupe.
Step into a world of wonder at the Australian Museum, located in the heart of Sydney. With free general entry, it is a must-visit destination for the curious at heart. Founded in 1827, it is Australia's first museum and has over 22 million scientific specimens and cultural objects in its collections.
Experience the rich traditions of Australia's First Nations Salt Water Peoples in Garrigarrang. Learn about the knowledge systems and sustainable practices used for countless generations that helped Australia's First Nations peoples become one of the oldest continuous living cultures on the planet.
Journey back in time and walk among real dinosaur skeletons and life-sized models of prehistoric creatures, including the Australian Muttaburrasaurus and the world's first-ever anatomically correct replica of a T.rex.
Young adventurers will love the Museum's award-winning, immersive learning and play space, where they can explore the world through the eyes of a burra (eel). Filled with interactive play zones and hands-on discovery, it's fun for the whole family.
Refuel and recharge with a range of dining options at the Australian Museum, from lunch with a view over Hyde Park at Bistro Gadi to casual, family-friendly fare at Billabong Waterhole café.
Power Play Sydney is an exciting indoor interactive gaming experience located in the heart of Sydney CBD, just moments from Town Hall. Visitors can explore nine themed game rooms featuring over 50 interactive challenges that combine physical activity, speed, teamwork and problem-solving.
Designed for families, friends, couples and groups, Power Play Sydney features nine themed game rooms, each offering unique challenges that test speed, agility, coordination, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Visitors can take on interactive floor games, dodge laser beams, test their reactions and compete in a variety of physical and mental challenges. Each room offers different levels of difficulty, allowing players to improve their scores and try again throughout their session.
Power Play Sydney is a great choice for birthday parties, team-building activities, school holiday adventures and group outings. Whether visitors are looking for friendly competition or a fun indoor activity on a rainy day, Power Play Sydney offers an energetic and memorable experience for different ages and abilities.
Yininmadyemi Thou Didst Let Fall is a significant new sculptural artwork by Aboriginal artist Tony Albert to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who served in the nation’s military.
The artwork is composed of four standing bullets and three fallen shells. The bullet is a universal signifier for conflict. The arrangement of the bullets, with some standing and some fallen, represents those who survived and those who were sacrificed.
The artwork also references the circumstances faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service men and women when they returned to Australia. They were treated differently from their white Australian comrades who were given land for their service while Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were still having their land taken away.
Hyde Park South has been chosen as the location for the artwork due to its status and historical significance. The site was once a ritual contest ground, a crossroads for traditional walking trails, and an important site for ceremony, gathering and camping. It is also home to the ANZAC Memorial.
Located on Gadigal Country, just 15 minutes' walk from Sydney's city centre and hotels, the Art Gallery of New South Wales stands as one of Australia's premier cultural destinations and Sydney's must-see art museum.
Their unique art campus features two stunning buildings and an art garden with breathtaking Sydney Harbour views, in which you can discover historical and contemporary art from Australia and around the world, including the Yiribana Gallery, dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.
Be immersed in Australian culture and stories through inspiring exhibitions, unique tours, and dining experiences from renowned Australian chefs, within one of the world's most beautiful cultural precincts.
There's always something on for families, especially during school holidays.
The Art Gallery of New South Wales is a must-visit for anyone exploring Sydney.
The Sydney Sculpture Walk provides a uniquely artistic experience of the city to Sydneysiders and visitors alike.
Ten artworks by leading Australian and international artists form a circuit through the heart of the city. The Sculpture Walk showcases the exciting and innovative work of our contemporary artists and at the same time invites you to explore the city`s busy streets, plazas, beautiful parks and harbourside promenades.
Artists include Debra Philips, Janet Laurence & Jisuk Han, Brenda L. Croft, Fiona Hall, Kimio Tsuchiya and Lynne Roberts.
Looking for an unforgettable day of fun? Entermission Sydney is a thrilling virtual reality escape room destination in the heart of Sydney.
Choose from more than 20 action packed virtual reality escape rooms featuring free roam, hand tracking and seated experiences. Perfect for families, friends, birthdays and team adventures.
Take on the virtual reality challenge rooms and compete for the highest scores across a range of exciting challenges.
Experience Floor is Lava, a fast paced physical challenge where players race, jump and dodge across a digital floor.
Test accuracy with the newly launched Hammer Throwing experience. Take aim, throw the hammer and compete for the highest score.
Whether it is a birthday celebration, team activity or fun day out, Entermission Sydney offers an exciting mix of virtual reality and physical experiences for groups of all kinds.
