Looking for a great reason to start planning your next adventure? In this series, we share the hottest events, attractions and experiences that will have you booking a trip to one of the world’s most exciting destinations.
Summer in Sydney immediately conjures up images of vibrant sunshine, pristine beaches, and copious amounts of sunscreen. But the arrival of good weather this year has also heralded the completion of an ambitious artistic and architectural project. New Sydney Modern, the expansion of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, promises to provide a world-class facility for the best in contemporary art, opening on Friday, December 3.
Set out from the oasis of the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domaine precinct, the expansion almost doubles the art gallery’s current exhibition space. Renowned Japanese architectural firm SANAA designed the building, and aware of the abundant natural beauty surrounding the extension, the glass-paneled exhibition spaces respond to the topography of the site.
A unique aspect of the project is the repurposing of a decommissioned naval fuel bunker at The Tank into an underground exhibition space. There will also be a public art garden, accessible at all times of the day.
To celebrate the opening of Sydney Modern, nine artists have been commissioned to create works in and around the project. Wiradjuri artist Carla Dickens was recently featured in the winning portrait of the 2022 Archibald Prize. His work will connect Sydney’s modern extension to Vernon’s existing building, which is being installed into the sandstone facade of the original building. The installation work by Taiwanese-American artist Lee Mingwei interacts with the physical structure of the building, transforming the exterior wall into an intimate and introspective space.
A number of events are planned for the opening week of the new gallery. Highlights include a series of talks with the exhibiting artists, and a performance by Djinama Yilaga to open the new Yeribana Gallery, which showcases Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art.
Admission to the gallery is free for public collections. If you are planning to visit the new building during the opening weekend, you will need to book a free time and date ticket.
24 free things to do in Sydney
eat
If you want to sample some food without leaving the premises, Sydney’s modern expansion will introduce new dining facilities. MOD Dining by Clayton Wells offers a modern sit-down dining experience, and the takeaway kiosk focuses on local ingredients, with each menu item selected by Gamileroi Elder Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo. The Art Gallery Restaurant, designed by Matt Moran, and the Gallery Cafe have opened in the existing building. A variety of dining options will keep you fueled throughout a day of art viewing, but can get crowded around lunchtime, and the galleries are closed when they are.
Sydney’s best neighborhoods to enjoy the Harbor City
To reserve tables or treat yourself to dinner, you’ll have to cast your net a little wider than near the gallery. Fortunately, the adjacent suburbs of Chippendale and Glebe are favorite havens for Sydney creatives, and are just a short bus ride from the Art Gallery of New South Wales and Sydney Modern. While you’re in the area, take time to visit the White Rabbit Gallery, which has a world-class collection of Chinese modern art.
Chippendale Restaurant Automata — also from Clayton Wells of The Gallery’s MOD Dining — offers a fine dining experience without the prohibitive price tag. Wells aims to reveal the depth hidden within seemingly simple ingredients. The six- and eight-course tasting menus change regularly, so you can plan to visit Automata again.
Gleb is known for its cafe culture, especially the institution that is Safe boxes, cafes and bars. At the front you’ll find a charming and well-stocked second-hand bookshop, with many rare and out-of-print titles. Above is Da Capo Music which offers a wide selection of second hand sheet music. Once you’ve chosen your reading material, you can head to the courtyard cafe. It offers a large vegan menu, great coffee, and regular poetry and live music events.
The bus is across the street. Lily Pad Cafe, Conceived by husband and wife duo Nyoka and Laszio Hrabinsky as a slice of Far North Queensland in inner-city Sydney. The menu reflects Nyoka’s Yidinji culture, incorporating local ingredients and flavors into many dishes. The Wild Country Platter and Wattle Seed Coffee are the perfect prelude to a visit to Sydney Modern’s Yeribana Gallery.
drink
Sydney’s historic Rocks area promises everything from Sunday brunches to luxury evening drinks, all within walking distance of Sydney’s other major gallery, the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Co-owners Ciara Doran and Eoin Daniels Rocks, the Doss House And Frank Max. Both bars have an intimate, old-world feel, perfect for whispered conversation at the table. Once a boarding house and opium den, the historic sandstone building of Doss House is now home to more than 150 varieties of whiskey, including many rare varieties. Gin lovers should head down the street to Frank Mac’s, where you can choose gin neat with a soda, or in one of their carefully crafted cocktails.
If you want to take advantage of the summer sun, choose bright. Maybe Sammy. The retro design of the bar pays homage to the classic Hollywood era, which continues in the name of their favorite cocktails. Dramatic drinks range in price from their $13 minis (which drop to $7 during happy hour!) to a luxurious $330 from the Premium Pour List.
For those of you looking for a no-nonsense pub that just serves normal beer. Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel Are you covered? The Lord Nelson is Sydney’s oldest continuously operating pub, and they brew their award-winning beer on site.
hold on
New Sydney modern extension centrally located. Many international hotel chains are located in the CBD and Darling Harbour, both of which are well connected by public transport. Potts Point also offers luxury accommodation options and is close to the gallery but has fewer public transport options. If you want to live amongst Sydney’s creative community, look for accommodation in Surrey Hills, Chippendale, Darlinghurst and Paddington – the last two are close to Sydney’s major fine arts universities.