Best Arts and Culture Places in Cockatoo Island

"The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia celebrates the work of living artists, bringing exceptional exhibitions of international and Australian art to as many people as possible – welcoming over a million visitors each year – in the belief that art is for everyone. Find creative opportunities for families to discover contemporary art and participate in fun and playful learning experiences together. They offer a range of free and ticketed programs for families with kids aged 0–12 years."

"Affectionately known as the MCA, Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art is one of our absolute favourite places to go - it is just so family-friendly!. While we love their ever-changing schedule of fantastic exhibitions, they also run family tours and kid's activities to introduce mini creatives to art. We recommend Art Safari or Art Baby for a perfect family day at the museum and the Bella Family program for families with special needs."

"Housed in a grand sandstone Art Deco building, the Museum of Contemporary Art building itself is a masterpiece, leading to the astounding works of art inside. More than 4000 Australian works of art can be found here, alongside regularly changing exhibitions which showcase both Australian and international artists. Its size, scale and calibre of artworks makes it the premier modern art gallery in Sydney."

"Artspace Sydney Visual Arts Centre is the chief interdisciplinary space for the exhibition and creation of contemporary art. Located in the Woolloomooloo neighborhood of the Harbor City, Artspace is the place where artists and curators come to share ideas and collaborate in order to create new and exciting art. Many of the now-famous artists had their beginnings right here, and some of those big names include Tracey Moffatt, John Nixon, and Rosemary Laing, among others."

"Feature: Discover emerging contemporary artists in an innovative space. Artspace Sydney is a visual arts centre, specialising in contemporary art, that sits right on Sydney Harbour. Using the historic Gunnery Building,Artspace calls itself a centre for “experimentation, innovation and collaboration in the visual arts”, offering many international residency programs, public initiatives and educational activities."

"Just like TAP, Artspace Sydney is another artist-run artspace offering a stage to emerging artists, dedicated to contemporary and experimental art. Situated at the Gunnery in Woolloomooloo near Sydney Harbour, Artspace’s aim is to help pave the way in the future of contemporary art. Twelve to fifteen gallery-based exhibitions are hosted here annually, as well as around thirty artist residences."

"The Artists’ Paradise, or TAP for short, is one of Sydney’s longest-running artist-run spaces, also set in the Surry Hills area of Sydney. Established in 1989, it’s been at the heart and soul of Sydney’s burgeoning art scene for three decades, with regularly changing exhibits and the chance to talk to the artists about their work. Its entirely uncurated approach means that it’s open to artists of all genres to exhibit or perform their work, making it one of the most exciting galleries to visit in Sydney."

"One of the most loved art spaces in Sydney is definitely Tap. It supported a number of Australian artists such as Andrew Logan, Carlos Barrios, James Powditch, and Mark Hanham, among others. Tap is also the place to be for Sydneysiders who want entertainment, as Tap operates as a performing and visual arts center, alongside the exhibitions that occur at the space."

"Established in 1989 by Conny Dietzschold (formerly Die Weisse Galerie), Conny Dietzschold Gallery features painting, sculpture, installation, photography, video, and new media. With the focus on new tendencies in conceptual, concrete, and constructive art, contemporary art production of emerging, mid-career, and established artists is promoted. With its two locations, in Sydney and in Cologne, the gallery opened its new online part shop Multiple Box Sydney."

"Tucked away in a terraced house built by convicts just off Flinders Street, the Badger & Fox Gallery offers visits by appointment only, making the art viewing experience here much more intimate and personal. Its sizeable and varied collection ranges from 17th to 21st century art, from drawings and prints to indigenous art and photography. Each artwork is also available for purchase, making this gallery perfect for art collectors looking to bring home a unique artwork from their travels."

"Run by artists for artists, Kaleidoscope Galleryshowcases works from a cross section of mediums and cross-disciplinary platforms. Promoting and encouraging experimentation and collaboration, the gallery is committed to the exposure and exhibition of emerging and mid-career artists from Sydney and beyond. Exploring art’s industry through a diverse and ever-changing exhibitions, Kaleidoscope Gallery is a changing space celebrating and promoting versatility."