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Best Art museums in Australia

Top Rated Art museums

Top Reviewed Art museums

Reviews

This is a very special place to visit over 2500 collected pieces of English and indian antiquities that are displayed in various Formats and themes. Different displays rotating. It is presented beautifully and the volunteers have a wealth of knowledge and make your tour entertaining and interesting. Please consider this on your visit to Melbourne
Fascinating antique collection with guided tours. Book online and hang round outside the Pullman hotel for the van pick-up. Limited appeal for children but wonderful for those who love an art gallery or museum
Really enjoyed the visit.
Lovely house with an impressive collection of French empire style furniture.
Lovely driver and guide
Had a great time visiting the Gallery and viewing the Archibald prize. It can get busy for major exhibitions so probably a good idea to buy tickets in advance. General entry is free for everyone, and it’s always got interesting stuff on.
Nestled in the heart of Sydney, this gallery offers a perfect blend of contemporary and classic art, showcasing both local and international artists. The layout is thoughtfully designed, allowing visitors to appreciate each piece without feeling overwhelmed.

The exhibition I attended featured a remarkable variety of media, from traditional oil paintings to innovative digital installations. Each piece was carefully curated, highlighting the unique styles and perspectives of the artists. The gallery staff were knowledgeable and approachable, enhancing the experience with insightful background information and engaging discussions.

The lighting and ambiance of the gallery create a serene and contemplative atmosphere, making it an ideal place to immerse oneself in the world of art. The space is well-maintained, and the amenities, including a charming café and a well-stocked gift shop, add to the overall experience.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is more than just a display of art; it’s a vibrant community hub that hosts regular workshops, artist talks, and interactive sessions. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or a curious newcomer, this gallery offers something for everyone. I highly recommend a visit – it’s a cultural gem that shouldn’t be missed.
Honestly breath taking, one of my fav art galleries I’ve been to. I love old - historical art and this gallery has plenty of it. Great collection and stunning building that feels like art itself. Definitely allow about an hour- 2 hours (or more) but to cover the floors and see all the rooms :)
On the rainy way of May 8, 2024, my wife and I came here after checking out from our hotel and waiting for our son to join us for a late lunch. We saw the art works being exhibited free of charge in both the new and old buildings. It was our first time here although we have been to Sydney many times.
A collection worth traveling for. They have all the greatest hits of traditional, modern, and contemporary Australian artists. Mixed with international superstars and emerging media work. It's a beautiful place that at the very least has an incredible view of the harbor. Don't miss the Ernesto Neto piece while it's up. The whole gallery smells like cloves. It's lovely.
Vahid Shahani
at 2024 Apr 30
on MONA
Vahid Shahani
on MONA
at 2024 Apr 30
Mona Museum is like stepping into a whole new universe of art. It's not your typical museum - it's more like a wild adventure for your senses. From crazy sculptures to mind-bending installations, Mona throws all the rules out the window. Whether you're an art geek or just looking for something cool to do, Mona is where it's at. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

Also, Mona Museum is the ultimate treat for Tasmanians because guess what? Admission is free for locals! Yep, you read that right. So if you're lucky enough to call Tassie home, you can explore this art wonderland without spending a dime. It's like having your own secret treasure trove of creativity right in your backyard. So why wait? Dive into Mona and let your imagination run wild!

At Mona Museum, forget about snapping a million photos because here's the deal: you need to be fully present to soak it all in. Instead of spending your time behind a camera lens, you'll want to be right there, experiencing the art up close. Plus, there's a cool twist - you can dive deeper into the stories behind the artworks using their app. It's like having your own personal tour guide in your pocket. So put your phone away, immerse yourself in the magic of Mona, and let the adventure unfold!
D. .M
at 2024 Apr 26
on MONA
D. .M
on MONA
at 2024 Apr 26
I get that art is subjective. I didn't love it. I really appreciated the architecture of the building more than the art which felt lost in the hype and lacking in diversity and imagination. Just one wackos perspective. Art intended only for shock value feels lazy? I get that's the point of it.

The building is spectacular and the ferry ride great.

Using the app took away from the experience. It's nice to have the head out of the phone on occasion but you can't here if you are interested at all in the artists or the context.

It's a 'once and done' for me and pretentious AF.
Josiah Condon
at 2024 Apr 26
on MONA
Josiah Condon
on MONA
at 2024 Apr 26
First of all the museum is Cashless venue which is a bad start before you even set foot in the museum - The art (if you can call it that) really shows how simple society has become and total lack of depth. Very provocative and not a place for children. The owner has some sort of sexual fetish which is evident in the installations present throughout the museum. Terribly disappointed with the visit.
Michael
at 2024 Apr 25
on MONA
Michael
on MONA
at 2024 Apr 25
One of the best places in Hobart. Although it is called MONA, standing for Museum of Old and New Arts, it is mostly contemporary. Mostly great art, and ingenious ideas. Pretty big too, and has an app. The app isn't so great though. However, it may be a bit inappropriate for kids. They have great toilets, because they are well facilitated and they are private. However, the food options around aren't very good. Overall, it is good.
One of my favourite places in Sydney. After a couple of delays, I finally saw the Louise Bourgeois “Has the Day Invaded the Night or Has the Night Invaded the Day?” exhibit. A must-see exhibit! The Day: every single piece spoke to me on some level that I totally was not prepared to feel. The Night: so-called anchor pieces from The Day were integral parts of this darker side of the exhibit. The Night hit me in a very different way though also emotionally. What an incredible exhibit.
Art Gallery of NSW has so many events and exhibits happening all the time, and many are free so everyone can experience and enjoy artworks. The grounds and surrounding areas are beautiful and well maintained. The Gallery also is a wonderful place to sit and look and absorb alone or with your peeps. There are a couple of choices inside and nearby to have a bite to eat and drink, and I’ve seen some people and school children eating their morning/afternoon tea outside near the most incredible giant sculptures. A phenomenal place for all ages!
katie mc
at 2024 Apr 12
on MONA
katie mc
on MONA
at 2024 Apr 12
Possibly the largest museum I've ever been too. Spent a total of 4hrs there. Went we friends and after discussing seemed we had each missed different parts. Very interesting concept and collection. The tunnels that connect different sections are also very cool.
Kim Norris
at 2024 Mar 25
on MONA
Kim Norris
on MONA
at 2024 Mar 25
Mona was fantastic. I took the ferry from the Brooke Street Pier. The ferry entry was easy to find and there were plenty of staff to help. I paid for the Posh Pit which was a lovely experience. The seated area is at the front of the boat with a drink and canapes included in the price. It made the trip really special. Mona itself was delightful. The location is stunning with beautiful sandstone everywhere. The staff were really nice and helpful - and easy to find. The art was set up perfectly - it was a real sensory experience. The grassed restaurant area was a little hard to find and the signage is a bit lacking. The food was great and there was live music to listen to which was really great. There's a lot of walking to see everything but there is an accessibility entrance for prams and people who can't make it up the stairs. The shop was lovely but a bit pricey.
Isabel Mason
at 2024 Mar 24
on MONA
Isabel Mason
on MONA
at 2024 Mar 24
Definitely creative and cheeky. A project of passion, with a lot of thought in to the space and challenging expectations, you'll definitely have feelings about what's exhibited. I loved the architecture and the curation. The app is a great addition to the MONA experience.

Food options are decent, although the general outside options did appear to wind up early.

The museum can be difficult to navigate, work out where you've been, where you haven't. For those who don't pay to get in, that might be less bothersome. For the rest of us it'd be nice to have a clearer idea, especially if you want to come up for air to the top and go back in.

It's also mostly underground. Won't bother most, but worth mentioning.

Splurge, take the ferry, go standard, because sitting on a sheep in cattle class is way more of an experience.
If you just want to visit one museum in Sydney you should pick this one. There’s a large and diverse collection to be found from different eras. There are some big pieces that are really worth looking at. The building itself is also great. You walk easily into the botanical garden next to the museum. Had a great afternoon even that the weather wasn’t great.
Admission is free except from the special collection.
V K
at 2024 Feb 17
V K
at 2024 Feb 17
Closed until March 1, 2024 😞
Rosa Tu
at 2024 Jan 21
Rosa Tu
at 2024 Jan 21
Facilities are a bit old, compared to WA’s brand new one. But kids still enjoyed.
It's been years since I've been here & it's still amazing thoughly recommend looking through the Adelaide Museum 👍👍👍
This was a great place to visit! Very generous that it costs nothing to visit. Very informative and interesting exhibits.
email name
at 2023 Dec 27
email name
at 2023 Dec 27
Great variety of art on offer, always a great day out
Free entry (I saw some "experience" on Booking who tried to sell tickets for this museum).
Great place to discover the aboriginal culture (even if Australian society has a weird way to respect it), earth history, australian fauna, flora and geology. The old gallery is still open, now presenting artifacts from the islands and oceanic territories.
If you like history (natural or human), this is a must-see in Adelaide.
Areej
at 2023 Nov 26
Areej
at 2023 Nov 26
I recently visited a museum in Adelaide, and it was an amazing experience! The museum has four levels of fascinating exhibits, which made the exploration and discovery process very exciting. The best part is that it's completely free for everyone! The exhibits range from ancient Egyptian artifacts to beautiful natural displays and ancient civilization exhibits, making the experience both educational and entertaining. If you're in town, I highly recommend checking it out.
The city's waterfront contemporary art space is always thrilling to explore this evening I played watermarked instruments befor experiencing the actual sound installation, followed by a trip through the Rio grande keep Mexico 🇲🇽 on my left & Texas as far right as they can go!
After that I could only walk across Circular Quay to the Opera house
Must-visit art gallery when in Sydney!! didn’t even plan to go here prior to coming to Sydney but I’m very happy I did go because the exhibition was absolutely beautiful.
Entrance to the permanent exhibition is also free which was a really nice add on, only the special exhibitions are of charge.
Definitely recommend you coming here when visiting Sydney!
Not a large gallery but worth a visit. Some interesting exhibits and lovely prints. If you're looking for a longer more expansive visit I'd say the Gallery of NSW Archibald is probably a better bet.
Enjoyed a relaxing light meal on the patio, then toured the collection. Lovely views and entry area. An interesting but modest collection displayed by subject rather than artist.
A beautiful addition to the art gallery, entry is free of charge, and the gallery is very tastefully laid out. There are plenty of food options, and there are public toilets on site.

The artwork is of varying quality but is all quite unique and interesting. Accessibility is very good with elevators available and wide dooways. There are staff on hand to help and to answer questions. Highly recommended.
Very beautiful art gallery with a range of art types ans styles to admire. The new building has a new room called The Tank which is very dark but necessary to enjoy the performance videos. I love looking at the older part of the museum and my favourite room was the photography room. lots of unique stories to experience. It really opens your mind.
We’ve been to this museum a few times and never fails to entertain. The fact that it is free for everyone is just too tempting. The collection from ancient Egypt, natural earth beauty, ancient civilisation is educational. A place for youngsters to see, touch and be mesmerised by earth’s wonders. The museum is perfectly laid out. The best part of the museum was the giant squid which few times of visit still gives me the hibby jibbies. It’s everyone’s a must list of places to visit in Adelaide. A place to learn how everything we do in this planet has a cause and effect.
I saw an excellent exhibition of works by contemporary Australian artists and particularly enjoyed those done by artists of the First Nation.
I got a free guided tour which was very useful in understanding the background of the artists and their histories.
Very beautiful work!
Very unassuming building that doesn't have a hero presentation but rather a sequence of spaces and thresholds integrated with the landscape. Very enjoyable to meander around the grounds and gallery exhibits for FREE.

They have been exceptionally concious to present aboriginal arts and culture at the forefront theme throughout their murals, sculptures, animations and interactive pieces.

The best installation at the time of my visit is the one we get to play with clay. Long queues at times and definitely the highlight for the young ones and the young at heart.
This was a great art museum more than I thought. I didn't expect it would be this big and have extensive collections.

The entrance fee is free, which is nice. I was able to taste Australian culture for the first time.

I highly recommend visiting this place. This art gallery will blow your mind.
An alternative to art. It is contemporary art.
It won't be to everyone's tastes.
If the Museum doors are open then open your mind and enter.
Pictures featured are from the Yoko Ono solo Sydney show plus other pieces from the museum's other free entry floors.
Awesome. I visited Sydney museum in February and was completely disappointed, BUT the difference between the two is astounding, Adelaides museum is chock a block full of very interesting exhibits, from opelised fossils and an excellent range of contemporary animals to my favourite, the Egyptian period. It was a great experience and loved every minute.
I visited the Art Gallery of New South Wales recently, and it was an outstanding experience. One of the highlights was the free entry, which made it accessible to everyone. What impressed me even more was the absence of long queues during my visit, allowing me to explore the gallery without any hassle.

Inside, I found a treasure trove of historical paintings and sculptures. The collection was truly remarkable, featuring works that spanned various artistic movements and time periods. It was a journey through art history, from classic masterpieces to contemporary creations.

The diversity of the artworks on display made this gallery a very interesting place to visit. Whether you're an art enthusiast or just looking for a culturally enriching experience, the Art Gallery of New South Wales has something for everyone. I would highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Sydney, as it offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of art, and the fact that it's free is a wonderful bonus.
taya
at 2023 Sep 21
taya
at 2023 Sep 21
so much fun! if you’re someone who wants to see Everything you can easily spend 4 hours here :) and if you like to speed through then it’s still worth it as it’s Free! we went on a wednesday afternoon and it was super quiet and lovely
Eliza R
at 2023 Sep 13
Eliza R
at 2023 Sep 13
What an awesome museum so interactive and so many facts. I went with my husband and baby and it was awesome you probably need at least and hour to look at everything but you can definitely spend so much more time in there just reading the info. Such awesome display of minerals too it's amazing how rock can be so beautiful. 100% worth visiting when in Adelaide
I like the diversity of mediums displayed at this museum. What impressed me the most was the staff. We asked about one of the paid event there and the staff asked for our preference and helped us decide if it's worth paying for. The museum is 5 minutes walk to the Rock Market and 5 minutes walk from Circular Quay train station and wharf where you can get a ferry to go to Manly Beach. It's a spacious museum so you have plenty of space to relax and enjoy the arts.
An enjoyable experience where calmness and tranquility, meshes well with visually appealing regional art. The second floor exhibits were free to peruse and helped me gain an appreciation of Australian artists. I'm glad I found this place, as it was a great escape.
Archibald Prize
Fantastic entrants this year again worthwhile event in a lovely art gallery.
Plenty of other collections too.
The lovely thing about the gallery is also the outside surrounding location. Good place to visit in daytime and walk around trees and garden.
Short walk from St James train station.
Good for families, solo, couples and
friends.
The gallery is a must do for Sydney
Love your local guide-❤️

Paid parking available. Bathrooms inside gallery.
A great contemporary museum currently closed for renovations due to a burst water pipe. Don't miss it when it reopens
This is a fantastic, free museum that has a diverse collection. I especially enjoyed the collection of opals but was bummed the Virgin Rainbow was not on display. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Adelaide!
Great building but the spaces are not used properly. Innovation and interactivity are key to attract everyone. Make sure you visit the cafe in the last level, stunning views.
A great afternoon out with my boyfriend so much to see we're going back Next week for the Lego desplay as we wanted to sit down and have lunch aswell. Highly recommended day out
The museum is free, no need to buy tickets. Beautiful collection of natural history. The polynesian exposition is really cool! Recommend checking out!
My son loves coming to the museum and seeing all the cool exhibits. His favourite is the full sized giant squid that goes from ground level up to the third floor. This was a special Lego exhibit that was on during our last visit
I recently photographed a wonderful wedding at the Art Gallery of New South Wales and it was awesome.
We were able to walk through the art gallery after hours and do some wedding photos of the couple. It was closed to the public so we had the place to ourselves which was great.
The wedding reception took place in the restaurant which was modern and sophisticated. Overall it was a wonderful wedding and a great experience.
Such an interesting museum with a good variety of displays over four levels. The taxidermy displays are especially well presented and clearly labelled. Children and school going students can see the displays up close for educational purposes.

Entry is free to the various displays, but there are special exhibitions held occasionally which are chargeable. Walking here from Rundle Mall is barely 5 minutes at normal pace.
Really loved this museum! Free entry and so much good stuff to see! I spend a couple hours here exploring and saw a good amount - everything was so lovely and thought provoking. Lots of care put into the labels with lovely little child friendly notes too, and there also was advertised a free guided tour if I remember correctly. The rooftop cafe was bustling and looked lovely but I just visited for the view - it was so lovely I can see why so many people mentioned it! Would definitely recommend if you’re in the area
They regularly host modern arts exhibitions. Quality varies but there is usually something interesting to see.
Brilliant, worth a look for everyone, cheers
Such a great experience! The current exhibition is amazing, Rebecca Belmore's show is profound and a must see!
Wonderful intimate Art Gallery, welcomed with a smile together with innovative artworks. Thank you for brightening my day.
Excellent space, fantastic exhibitions and staff!
Gorgeous space. Amazing works, so well curated and artist talks that are both engaging and inspiring. A must see when in the area!
An excellent gallery space with thoughtfully curated exhibitions all year round. Often has artist talks and tours throughout the exhibition program that are not to be missed. Well worth the visit!
A hidden gem. A really great gallery that consistently support QLD artists and art students. Always a show to look out for! Definitely recommend popping in for a visit.
A little gem of a gallery with some great progressive and thought provoking exhibitions.
Michelle
at 2020 Jun 07
Michelle
at 2020 Jun 07
Fascinating place, highly recommend. Certainly don't see the need have food etc as there are numerous options nearby.
Samstag exhibitions interesting, however i was only person there and nothing whatsoever to eat or drink within 100 mile radius, OR thats what it feels like!
In a quiet corner of adelaide is this gallery. I always visit it when here in adelaide as it always has something to see that is interesting. Highly recommended
Thanh Hảo Lê
at 2019 Jun 23
on MONA
Thanh Hảo Lê
on MONA
at 2019 Jun 23
I just got back from MONA in Tasmania, and let me tell you, it's an experience unlike any other museum I've been to. It's like stepping into a whole other world, quite literally – most of the exhibits are displayed in this underground labyrinth, with no natural light and quirky signs everywhere.

I have to admit, it was a bit disorienting at first. I downloaded their app like they suggested, which helped me navigate the darkness and find interesting pieces, but it definitely added to the "choose your own adventure" feel of the place.

The art itself? Well, it's definitely not for the faint of heart. There's a mix of ancient artifacts, modern masterpieces, and some truly bizarre stuff that will leave you scratching your head. But that's kind of the point, I think. It's meant to challenge you, make you think, and maybe even offend you a bit.

Overall, I had a blast at MONA. It's not your typical museum experience, and that's what makes it so memorable. If you're looking for something different, something that will stay with you long after you leave, then I highly recommend checking it out. Just be prepared for a wild ride!
Dean Le
at 2018 Aug 29
Dean Le
at 2018 Aug 29
Free entry, why not? Anyone interested in ancient Egypt should definitely visit, but be prepared that the Ancient Egypt gallery is a bit dated, small and a bit overloaded with replicas rather than authentic artefacts (still can’t miss seeing the mummies and shabti dolls though). There’s a cool column from an ancient Egyptian temple out in the main foyer!

The rest of the museum is quite interesting too and is also much more modern/renovated (decor wise, compared to the Ancient Egypt gallery), the animals section is quite good for kids. Pacific stuff, stuff from Australian Antarctic expeditions, Aboriginal stuff, and definitely a nice collection of minerals, opals, and fossils.

Visit: November 2023
Awesome place to go, inside the University of South Australia. Fine Art Gallery, collections and exhibitions. Reproducing the e-brochure: "The Anne & Gordon Samstag Museum of Art is one of the University of South Australia’s leading creative centres; it aims to stimulate, challenge and engage its audiences with a program of diverse and innovative exhibitions, publications and associated public activities.

The Samstag Museum of Art presents a changing exhibitions program of contemporary visual art, and art of the past that has relevance for us today."