Museum of Contemporary Art
Museum of Contemporary Art
4
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Welcome to Australia's Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), dedicated to exhibiting, collecting and interpreting the work of today's artists.
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The area
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Neighbourhood: The Rocks
The first residents of the Rocks were convicts and sailors from the old nation. As the oldest neighbourhood in the city, the area's cobblestone streets host more than 100 heritage sites and buildings, including the oldest house in Sydney, Camden Cottage, which was built in 1816. Taste a “midi “ or a “schooner” of beer and dine “al fresco” on the waterfront at some of the oldest pubs in Sydney. The weekend markets at the Rocks are where you can find local artists' hand-made souvenirs, organic food and designer jewelry in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. To enjoy some of the best Australian and international contemporary art, the MCA museum is open every day and select evenings. At the end of a long day of sightseeing, be sure to save energy to dance the night away at the area's many late night entertainment venues.
How to get there
- Circular Quay • 3 min walk
- Wynyard • 10 min walk
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4.0
1,246 reviews
Excellent
476
Very good
449
Average
208
Poor
76
Terrible
37
ArmaÄźan
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam9,295 contributions
Feb 2025 • Solo
A lovely afternoon at the MCA today. I am glad my visit back to Sydney has coincided with the first major exhibition in Australia of one of my favourite modern abstract artists: Ethiopian/New York artist Julie Mehretu.
“Julie Mehretu: A Transcore of the Radical Imaginatory” is simply incredible. She uses multi-layered abstraction to bring together architecture, topography, geography, iconography & autobiography to examine issues in upheaval, migration & climate change. Her vision is completely unique, her work will change the way you see art.
I only just noticed the slew of negative comments about the MCA. None are directed at this exhibition. I paid to see this as part of 3 exhibitions x Art Series and I was definitely not disappointed. In fact I felt enriched. Seriously, if you live in Sydney and are interested in abstract art, this is a must see.
I also saw the wonderful Isaac Julien installation which was totally engaging. So was Julie Rrap’s work. Both highly unique and valuable voices in art. My main home is in Ho Chi Minh City, contemporary art galleries are very few and far in between there and normally only exhibit one artists installation for a short time. Value what you have here in Sydney with the MCA, you are fortunate to have access to so much!
“Julie Mehretu: A Transcore of the Radical Imaginatory” is simply incredible. She uses multi-layered abstraction to bring together architecture, topography, geography, iconography & autobiography to examine issues in upheaval, migration & climate change. Her vision is completely unique, her work will change the way you see art.
I only just noticed the slew of negative comments about the MCA. None are directed at this exhibition. I paid to see this as part of 3 exhibitions x Art Series and I was definitely not disappointed. In fact I felt enriched. Seriously, if you live in Sydney and are interested in abstract art, this is a must see.
I also saw the wonderful Isaac Julien installation which was totally engaging. So was Julie Rrap’s work. Both highly unique and valuable voices in art. My main home is in Ho Chi Minh City, contemporary art galleries are very few and far in between there and normally only exhibit one artists installation for a short time. Value what you have here in Sydney with the MCA, you are fortunate to have access to so much!
Written 3 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gregory T
20 contributions
Oct 2024 • Solo
It was the last day of the Hiroshi Sugimoto exhibition . Arriving early i went for a coffee at the cafe locate at ground level .
I had been warned from a cafe proprietor of cafes charging a 10 per cent surcharge for using CC on weekends . A $4.50 cup of java was $5.36 when i quizzed the server she replied " yea i think so " . Australia wake up and start carrying some mun mun to stop this blatant rip off !!!!
I had been warned from a cafe proprietor of cafes charging a 10 per cent surcharge for using CC on weekends . A $4.50 cup of java was $5.36 when i quizzed the server she replied " yea i think so " . Australia wake up and start carrying some mun mun to stop this blatant rip off !!!!
Written 3 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mairwen1
United Kingdom12,399 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
If you’re exploring the Circular Quay and Rocks areas, then you might like to pop into the MCA but it’s not a must-see.
I have mixed feelings about this museum. On the plus side, it has some interesting and challenging exhibitions which change regularly, it’s harbour-side location at Circular Quay makes it very easy to visit, and entry is free.
On the other hand, the museum is only small and what you see here is quite sparse. It can feel a little empty. Much also depends on your view of contemporary art. It’s not always easy to engage with.
Unlike most galleries, an MCA visit can be a quick visit. We weren’t in a rush and had plenty of spare time to linger over anything that caught our attention. We easily covered everything within an hour. If you have limited time, you could be much quicker.
Frustratingly when we arrived at 3pm for the Biennale tour, we were told it had been cancelled. The guides are all volunteers and it’s free so whilst this was disappointing, we took it in our stride. However if you’re planning your trip around the tour like we were, I’d recommend ringing first to confirm that it is still on.
Highlights were:
indigenous bark paintings from the Arnott’s Collection
Alick Tipoti’s dramatic masks and linocuts
the 24th Biennale - ’Ten Thousand Suns’
The MCA Cafe on the top level, with a fabulous outdoor terrace overlooking the harbour, Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
NOTE: The museum is closed on Tuesdays
I have mixed feelings about this museum. On the plus side, it has some interesting and challenging exhibitions which change regularly, it’s harbour-side location at Circular Quay makes it very easy to visit, and entry is free.
On the other hand, the museum is only small and what you see here is quite sparse. It can feel a little empty. Much also depends on your view of contemporary art. It’s not always easy to engage with.
Unlike most galleries, an MCA visit can be a quick visit. We weren’t in a rush and had plenty of spare time to linger over anything that caught our attention. We easily covered everything within an hour. If you have limited time, you could be much quicker.
Frustratingly when we arrived at 3pm for the Biennale tour, we were told it had been cancelled. The guides are all volunteers and it’s free so whilst this was disappointing, we took it in our stride. However if you’re planning your trip around the tour like we were, I’d recommend ringing first to confirm that it is still on.
Highlights were:
indigenous bark paintings from the Arnott’s Collection
Alick Tipoti’s dramatic masks and linocuts
the 24th Biennale - ’Ten Thousand Suns’
The MCA Cafe on the top level, with a fabulous outdoor terrace overlooking the harbour, Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
NOTE: The museum is closed on Tuesdays
Written 23 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megan M
Chesterfield, UK596 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Great selection of contemporary art. Paintings, drawings, sculpture, video art and others. There is a really excellent room with first nation art, the bark paintings were good and there was a really helpful guide who was interesting to talk to. Great shop too.nice outside roof/balcony area with a view of the harbour, except when the huge cruise ships are in dock.
Written 12 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DxBrindle
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia308 contributions
July 2024 • Couples
The outstanding exhibit for this year’s visit was a light sculpture by Jonathon Jones. The fluorescent lights represent the rotation of the stars in the night sky, and their light is reflected by the polished floor, which represents the sea. A simple idea - very well executed.
Definitely worth five minutes consideration.
Definitely worth five minutes consideration.
Written 9 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gerd M
Shanghai, China352 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Free entry to a variety of different exhibition areas from local aboriginal culture and modern derivatives, pictures, videos and art activities engaging the visitors. We liked the houses project: visitors built models of their dream houses with paper and wood, resulting in a huge collage of models covering the walls and ceiling of an entire room. Or the clay ball collection with visitors forming a clay ball of a selected color that is added to a gigantic table with thousands of balls in a hall. Great entertainment and fun for an afternoon. If you get tired, you can also enjoy the beautiful view from the coffee shop terrace.
Written 28 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wanderingwulfs
113 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
Read the reviews, decided to give it a go anyway. After a 20-minute visit, we can confirm that the negative reviews were correct - this is a complete waste of time. First floor is a room playing a video. Second floor - definitely not for families (nudity). The remainder is sea shell and glitter art that looks like it was done by grade school children. Third floor is a special exhibit that requires a paid ticket. Fourth floor - restaurant and supposed views of the bridge/opera house. Except the cruise ships that dock next to the museum prevent you from seeing either one. We travel the world, and have never been more underwhelmed by a gallery. Thankfully, for now, there is no entrance fee.
Written 4 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Digger
33 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
An interesting modern art museum which is free entry.
There are several displays of both traditional aboriginal art and "wacky" modern installations.
The best kept secret, though, is the fabulous cafe on the 4th floor which has great views of the Sydney harbour bridge.
Great coffee, lovely cakes and a range of lunch items all at very reasonable prices
There are several displays of both traditional aboriginal art and "wacky" modern installations.
The best kept secret, though, is the fabulous cafe on the 4th floor which has great views of the Sydney harbour bridge.
Great coffee, lovely cakes and a range of lunch items all at very reasonable prices
Written 13 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jovana D
Brisbane, Australia219 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
I visited the museum for the first time recently on my trip to Sydney. The museum has a number of exhibitions on multiple levels and is a great showcase of Australian contemporary art. While I was there I also had a look at the shop on the ground level. I recommend going up to the rooftop where there is a cafe but also amazing views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Highly recommended if you have a few hours while visiting Sydney.
Written 13 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jbushman2017
Nipomo, CA523 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
This museum is directly adjacent to where all the cruise ships dock in Sydney Harbour at the base of The Rocks Area of town. The museum is free and is very accessible. The museum collection is not large which is why I gave it a 4 instead of a 5. The collection I saw was primarily showing indigenous art and it was very striking. The museum has a great cafe on the upper floor that includes both an indoors and outdoor seating area and from the cafe you can look down on the cruise ships and if there are no cruise ships, you instead get a terrific view of the Sydney Opera House. The building and its facilities are terrific. Alas, worth your time but wish there was more to see.
Written 9 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I asked a question on your website but there was no answer. (What is the collection policy?)
Written 20 August 2018
This is really something you should read on their website rather than ask on Trip Advisor. They have a reports and policies tab - can't link to it on here.
Written 20 August 2018
is the museum open open on Mondays?
Written 30 January 2018
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