Art Gallery of New South Wales
Photograph: Supplied | Art Gallery of New South Wales
Photograph: Supplied | Art Gallery of New South Wales

The best exhibitions to see in Sydney this month

There's always fascinating new worlds to discover in Sydney's galleries and museums

Avril Treasure
Contributor: Alannah Sue
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When the weather’s not looking too peachy – or even when it is – Sydney’s best art galleries and top museums are some of our favourite places to be. Home to treasures that are sure to delight, surprise and make you think – often all at the same time – as well as thrilling exhibitions, there are plenty of things to marvel at.

Head under the sea and take your appreciation for sea creatures (and photographers) to a new level at the Maritime Museum, which is currently showing its Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, now in its 60th year. It’s showing until October 19.

Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) presents the first solo museum exhibition by Kamilaroi artist Warraba Weatherall, whose work has been exhibited widely, nationally and internationally, over the past decade. You can see Shadow and Substance until September 21.

The MCA is also showing an exciting major winter show – Cerith Wyn Evans .... in light of the visible – the first comprehensive exhibition of the renowned Welsh artist in Australia, inviting visitors to stroll through monumental light sculptures (until October 19).

Chippendale's White Rabbit Gallery is featuring Tender Comrade, an epic new exhibition diving into the queer histories of ancient China, until November 9.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is always a good time – and right now it’s showing Yolŋu power: the art of Yirrkala, bringing the beauty and brilliance of Yirrkala’s art to Sydney. Featuring nearly 300 works by 98 artists, the exhibition spans bark paintings and wooden sculptures to video art and digital installations (showing until October 6).

Time Out tip: The AGNSW is open until 10pm on Wednesdays if you’re keen for an illuminating after-dark stroll.

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Check out our guide to fun things to do indoors in Sydney here

The best exhibitions in and around Sydney right now

  • Art
  • Galleries
  • Darling Harbour

If you can’t quite hack the requisite international airfare and/or annual leave to explore the Amazon, meet polar bears, or go deep sea diving right now, there is another method for getting up close and personal with some of the world’s most incredible animals. For the 60th year in a row, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition will arrive in Sydney on loan from London’s Natural History Museum. Taking root at the National Maritime Museum, this stunning collection of photographs will be on show in Sydney until Sunday, October 19. This incredibly prestigious photography event is centred on drawing attention to the wild beauty and fragility of the natural world.

Caitlyn Todoroski
Caitlyn Todoroski
Branded Content Writer
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  • Art
  • Galleries
  • The Rocks

Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) presents the first solo museum exhibition by Kamilaroi artist Warraba Weatherall, whose work has been exhibited widely nationally and internationally over the past decade. Through a dynamic combination of installation, sculpture and video works, Shadow and Substance turns a critical eye to the colonial record – reframing existing narratives about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture found within archival and museum collections. Drawing on his own family’s experiences, Weatherall’s work draws attention to the ethics of how Indigenous property, cultural information and materials have been historically acquired and displayed.

Alannah Sue
Alannah Sue
Former Arts and Culture Editor
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  • Art
  • Drawings
  • Sydney

At the northern tip of Australia, in north-east Arnhem Land, lies Yirrkala  – it’s an internationally renowned arts community whose work has shaped history and challenged convention. The good news? You don’t need a plane ticket or a 4WD to experience its power. From now until October, Yolŋu power: the art of Yirrkala brings the beauty and brilliance of Yirrkala’s art to Sydney. Featuring nearly 300 works by 98 artists, the exhibition spans bark paintings and wooden sculptures to video art and digital installations. Each piece speaks to the deep cultural, political and social histories from which it emerged – revealing tradition not as static, but as a living force of innovation and resistance. Our hack? Explore the exhibition on a Wednesday night at Art After Hours – not only will it feel like you’re making the most of your week, but you can score two-for-one tickets* from 5pm to 10pm.

Caitlyn Todoroski
Caitlyn Todoroski
Branded Content Writer
Paid content
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