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.Â
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.Â
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...
Keen for a fun week? Let's dive right in.
If there’s one thing you do this week, I reckon it should be to see La Ronde at The Grand Electric in Redfern. I went last week and was captivated from the get-go. Part circus, part comedy show, and 100 per cent a dazzling good night out. I promise you’ll love it. Find out more here.
Refettorio in Surry Hills – a social impact project run by the OzHarvest legends – is hosting a one-day art show on Friday, October 31. See 30 beautiful works by UK artist Jules Forth called Simple Food Matters – created exclusively for Refettorio – and enjoy complimentary snacks and non-boozy sips. All proceeds from sales will be donated to OzHarvest to help those in need. Find out more here.
Sculpture by the Sea in Bondi – the world’s largest annual free-to-the-public outdoor sculpture exhibition – is back. The beautiful coastal walk is made even more striking thanks to 100+ sculptures by artists from Australia and around the world along a 2km stretch. The exhibition runs until Monday, November 3. BYO runners.
If you’re in need of a laugh, The Comedy Store runs comedy shows every week, Thursday to Sunday – and tickets are cheap. It’s a great date night idea, too.
Sydney Open – an incredible one-day annual celebration of the city’s architecture and design – is back on Sunday, November 2. This year marks its 21st anniversary, with 55 buildings ready to be explored, many of which are rarely open to the public. Plus, there’ll be talks and guided tours. Book your pass and find out more here.
Grab your boots – Virginia Gay stars as a frontier heroine in Calamity Jane, the brilliant cult classic, now on at the Opera House. Plus, the fabulous Rent and Back to the Future: The Musical, are still here – but not for long. Keen for more razzle-dazzle? You can check out our full guide to all the shows on in Sydney here.
Hungry? Work your way through our guide to the best affordable eats. Got a special occasion coming up? Here’s our guide to Sydney’s best restaurants (or check out the top new restaurants here). Thirsty? Don’t miss our guide to Sydney’s best bars here.
Plus, take a dip at one of Sydney’s best beaches, get your sweat on with a pretty bushwalk, or pack drinks and snacks and throw out a rug at one of our fave picnic spots.
Scroll on for our full list of the best things to do in Sydney this week.
Mapping out your weekend? These are the best things to do in Sydney this weekend.
