If you've ever wondered what would happen if a kid's drawing of their wildest dream utopia suddenly came off the page and into real life, you're in luck, because that's pretty much what's happening right now beneath the Art Gallery of NSW.
Artist and professional disruptor Mike Hewson has taken over the weird subterranean world of The Tank with his one-of-a-kind new exhibition, Mike Hewson: The Key's Under the Mat, where for the first time ever, all the main lights in the normally pitch-dark Tank will be switched on, revealing a weird wonderland of interactive art pieces and play equipment that have to be seen to be believed.
We're talking: A steam room with stained glass windows that you can actually sit in, a functioning sauna with bespoke church pews, five actual operating public barbeques that you can cook on, rushing water to play in (seriously, bring your swimmers), a working laundry, and a free-to-use recording studio, plus a whole plethora of bright and delightful surprises that are all about getting community together, to do cool stuff, for free.
Basically, break your imagination and delete all adult expectations. This is unlike anything we've ever seen.
Kids who aren't afraid of some risk are also one of Hewson's big targets with this show (although parents, rest easy, the floor is specially made out of recycled soft rubber that's rated for use in public playgrounds), with the space also home to a wild children's playground.
Intrepid kidlets can test their...
Hello, summer. I don’t often like to play favourites, but December – with its end-of-year parties, festival celebrations, warm water and a well-deserved break around the corner – may just be my favourite month of the year.
Outdoor cinema season has officially kicked off if you’re keen to catch a flick under the stars. Head outside to tackle one of our city’s best running spots before the January heat rolls in. For something more leisurely, work your way through Sydney’s top walking trails, or take a dip in one of the city’s best ocean pools and beaches.
On the culture front, you’ve gotta check out Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. It’s a giant interactive playground for the young (and the young at heart). There’s incredible theatre happening this month, too – you can check out our top picks here.
Of course, December is all about letting your hair down. These are Sydney’s best happy hours, here are the city’s finest bars, rooftop haunts and pubs for weekend sessions; and if you wanna dance, we’ve rounded up Sydney’s top clubs here.
Feel like a road trip? Head to Scenic World at the Three Sisters in Katoomba. It’s home to fun mountain adventures ranging from an exhilarating railway ride to a butterfly-inducing aerial cable car that lets you appreciate the beauty – and scale! – of the heritage-listed national park.
After all of that, you’re sure to be hungry. Sydney’s best restaurants, best new restaurants and ace cheap eats will keep you sorted.
Hope your December is ace. Bring on Christmas, I say.
Scroll on for other fun things to do this month.
