art gallery of nsw Archives

An Underground Art Playground Your Kids Will Actually Love

January 25, 2026

If you’ve ever wished an art gallery felt a little more like a playground (and a lot more kid-friendly), this one’s for you. The Art Gallery of NSW has transformed its most dramatic underground space into a free, all-ages art park, and it’s unlike anything else in Sydney. Artist Mike Hewson has completely reimagined the Nelson Packer Tank as a place where families can play, explore, create and relax together. Think less “quiet gallery whispers” and more “climb, swing, splash and stay awhile”. Art You Can Touch, Climb and Play In This isn’t a look-don’t-touch exhibition. Inside the underground art…

by jay

Events, School holidays

Kids drop-in workshop: Be at the Hive

March 29, 2024

Be at the Hive is back! Join in at the Art Gallery of NSW these April school holidays and help build immersive cardboard structures inspired by shapes created by native bees in their hives and by what different pollens look like under a microscope. Learn how to fold the triaugmented hexagonal prisms and join them together to form modular structures complete with Braille and scratch-and-sniff ink for a sensory experience the whole family can be part of. Take part anytime between 11am and 3.30pm. Materials and instructions are provided. Suitable for all ages. Children under 12 must be supervised by…

by jay

Inspiration, School holidays, What to do

Nine days of free art, music, performances and talks to celebrate the opening of our new building.

December 8, 2022

Join us for a free program of exciting events and cultural experiences as we celebrate the opening of Sydney’s newest landmark – the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ stunning new building, designed by award-winning architects SANAA. A huge range of performances, talks, tours and workshops is set to bring many forms of art to life. Highlights include a concert in the Domain headlined by Grammy-nominated international pop star Ellie Goulding, supported by Australian artists Meg Mac and Electric Fields; a nightly drone show over Woolloomooloo Bay created by Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie; and a series of conversations with artists, creatives…

by jay