Around Sydney
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The Biennale of Sydney returns for its 25th edition from March 14 to June 14, 2026 – and, as always, it’s completely free. Titled Rememory, this year’s festival is curated by internationally renowned artistic director Hoor Al Qasimi.
Inspired by the writing of Toni Morrison, the theme explores how memory and history shape who we are. Through powerful artworks from Australia and around the world, artists reflect on their roots to connect with communities by telling their stories. At its heart, Rememory shines a light on voices that haven’t always been heard. It highlights First Nations stories, diverse diasporas and the layered histories that have shaped Australia.
As Australia’s largest contemporary art event, the Biennale stretches across five major venues: White Bay Power Station, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney, Campbelltown Arts Centre and Lewers: Penrith Regional Gallery. Extra talks, performances and events will pop up across Greater Sydney, with a big opening night concert, Lights On, kicking things off at White Bay Power Station on March 13.
This year's festival features 83 collaborations from artists across 37 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, India, Lebanon, Argentina and Ethiopia. Expect large-scale installations, immersive works and site-specific pieces from both international and Australian artists.
A major highlight is the Ngurrara Canvas II at the Art Gallery of NSW – an 80-square-metre masterpiece created by Ngurrara artists from Western Australia’s Great Sandy Desert. Other standout works include Argentinian artist Gabriel Chaile’s monumental adobe clay oven at White Bay, Melbourne textile artist Ema Shin’s two-metre handwoven heart at the Chau Chak Wing Museum, and Canadian-French artist Kapwani Kiwanga’s striking floral installations from her Flowers of Africa series at the Art Gallery of NSW.
With free entry and so much to see across the city, the 25th Biennale of Sydney invites everyone to experience art that’s thought-provoking and deeply human.
Time Out tip: You’ve got two months to tackle this marathon art event, so don’t try to take in too much in one day – make a plan to enjoy it gradually and leisurely over time.
