Museum of Contemporary Art
140 George St., The Rocks, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000
Since 1991, Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art has showcased the works of today’s Australian artists in a gallery on the Circular Quay. Boundary-pushing solo exhibitions are the focus, while the permanent collection includes work from contemporary Aboriginal artists. The museum’s rooftop cafe boasts a fresh menu and harbor views.
The Basics
Entry is free, so MCA is an affordable place to get cultured or cool off while sightseeing around Sydney Harbour. To learn about contemporary art, take a guided docent tour of the museum’s permanent collection and rotating exhibits. The MCA Cafe (fourth floor) is a popular spot for brunch or lunch with views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge; Graze restaurant (ground floor) offers expanded dining. Some Sydney city tours pass by the museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
Take a self-guided tour using free audio guides downloaded to your smartphone from MCA.art. Audio devices and headphones are also available to rent at the information desk on level one.
Strollers are welcome in the galleries, and a parents’ room with a nursing nook and changing table is located on the ground floor.
The entire museum is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available to borrow from the information desk.
Non-flash photography for personal use is permitted throughout the galleries.
How to Get There
The museum is located at Circular Quay West and is easily accessible via bus, ferry, and train via the Circular Quay transit hub, just a short walk away. There is no onsite parking, but several paid garages are nearby. Bike racks are available on the museum’s south side.
When to Get There
The museum is open daily except Christmas Day. Take in views of the Harbour Bridge lit up at night from the rooftop cafe on Wednesday evenings, when the museum is open late. On summer evenings, combine art with nightlife at the Patrón Pop-up Bar.
Family Programs at the MCA
The Museum of Contemporary Art offers a robust lineup of programs designed for families. Enjoy art with an infant in tow on stroller-friendly Baby Art tours designed for caregivers with babies under 12 months, or get children ages 3-5 engaged on an Art Safari led by an educator. The popular Wednesday ARTplay group features fun themed games and activities for tots (advance reservations recommended). Check the museum website for tips on viewing art with children of any age.
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