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We’re only a few days in, but 2026 is shaping up pretty nicely in Sydney, and with a whole bunch of epic festivals, major sporting events and shiny new attractions landing in Australia this year, we’ve got a whole lot to look forward to. And if you’re looking for a world-class art experience, you don’t even need to leave the city.
To help art enthusiasts make the most of the next 12 months, the expert team of global editors at Time Out have curated the ultimate list of art and culture worth travelling for in 2026. It’s a cultural masterpiece in itself, with everything from fashion retrospectives and boundary-pushing exhibits to a multimodal installation in the world’s most famous nightclub. Better yet, three of the world’s best exhibitions to see this year are right here in Australia, with a city-wide showcase here in Sydney claiming the top spot.
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The Emerald City is set to host its 25th Biennale of Sydney from March 14 to June 14, taking over not one, but five exceptional venues: White Bay Power Station, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Campbelltown Arts Centre, Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney and Penrith Regional Gallery. Each space will display artworks centred around the theme of ‘rememory’ (the ‘delicate space between remembering and forgetting’), curated by artistic director Hoor Al Qasimi and inspired by the work of esteemed late author Toni Morrison.
Rememory will invite artists from around the world to reconstruct marginalised narratives, share untold stories and inspire audiences to rethink how memory shapes identity and belonging. The Biennale also centres on Aboriginal voices, with dedicated programs for young audiences designed to be passed down through generations. Best of all, the exhibitions will be free to visit as part of the Biennale of Sydney.
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Two other fascinating Australian exhibitions feature on Time Out’s list of the best art shows in the world for 2026. In 12th spot was Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor at WA Museum Boola Bardip in Perth. Running until February 22, this blockbuster museum exhibition is the largest ever staged in Western Australia and features eight of the original 8,000 Qin dynasty’s Terracotta Warriors.
Melbourne’s NGV International also earned a spot thanks to its upcoming glitzy exhibition, Cartier, which charts the evolution of the revered jewellery house. It will make history as the largest-ever exhibition staged by the brand in Australia, showcasing more than 300 dazzling jewels, tiaras, necklaces, brooches and timepieces, including stones worn by Elizabeth Taylor, Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret and Rihanna.
Discover the 19 best exhibitions taking place across the world in 2026 here.
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