Art All Around You in Sydney
Sydney is a real treat for art lovers. There are so many stunning galleries and beautiful architecture, but you might not realise that art is literally all around you. Take the Sydney Arts Discovery Trail to see some of the beautiful spots the tourists often miss.
Image source: Sachman75 @ Flickr
Naturally our walk starts at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. With five floors of Aussie, European, indigenous, and Asian art, not to mention nearly 40 travelling exhibitions every year, it’s a must for art lovers. You’ll find it on Art Gallery Road, The Domain, which is a short walk from Macquarie Street.
Image source: Doc Ido @ Flickr
Behind the gallery there is Brett Whiteley’s Almost Once, a massive matchsticks sculpture.
Once you’ve seen this mammoth work head along Art Gallery Road to Hyde Park to admire the art deco Archibald Fountain. The fountain was sculpted by France’s Francois Sicard to commemorate the Australian-French alliance during the First World War.
Image source: Superciliousness @ Flickr
Head back along Macquarie Street to Hyde Park Barracks. It was built in the 1800s to house convicts, but you’ll be more interested in Francis Greenway’s fine colonial architecture. If you’ve got the time to spare take a guided tour or enjoy a coffee in the courtyard.
Image source: Superciliousness @ Flickr
You can see more heritage buildings as you make your way along Macquarie Street towards the Opera House. Be on the lookout for the bronze boar Il Porcellino. It’s a copy of a medieval Italian statue, but even though it’s not the genuine article it’s still thought to bring good luck. Toss a coin and rub his nose and fortune will smile upon you!
Image source: Nomad Tales @ Flickr
Cross Macquarie Street to enjoy the grand buildings at Martin Place. I also love Passage, a water sculpture created by Anne Graham. Make sure you don’t miss the ANZAC Cenotaph at the bottom of Martin Place. It pays homage to the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who lost their lives in World War One.
Image source: Superciliousness @ Flickr
From Martin Place walk north along Pitt Street. You’ll come across Bert Flugelman’s Pyramid Tower, a fantastic mirrored structure known as the Silver Shish Kebab by the locals. From Pitt Street head down Bridge Street to the Museum of Sydney. It will give you a history lesson with its collection of artefacts and documents. While you’re there make sure you take a look at the Edge of the Trees sculpture out front of the museum.
Image source: Betta Design @ Flickr
When you continue towards the harbour you’ll come across Customs House. This is one of the city’s finest heritage buildings. There is a complete scale model of the CBD beneath the glass floor, and you can enjoy a meal in one of the cafes or browse the Customs House Library.
Image source: Charlie Brewer @ Flickr
Walk along Alfred Street towards George Street and you’ll stumble upon Stephen Walker’s Tank Stream Sculpture. Cross Alfred Street head towards The Rocks’ Museum of Contemporary Art. Sydney’s premiere modern art venue has an exciting collection of permanent works and exhibitions from around the world.
We’re nearly there, I promise. From The Rocks head up Argyle Street to Observatory Hill. Here you’ll find the S.H. Ervin Gallery. It showcases Australia’s rich art traditions, with a particular focus on female artists. It’s also housed in a National Trust building which should please architecture enthusiasts.
Tags: , Almost Once, ANZAC Cenotaph, Archibald Fountain, Art-Gallery-of-New-South-Wales, Brett Whiteley, Customs House, Hyde Park Barracks, Il Porcellino, Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum of Sydney, Passage, Pyramid Tower, S.H. Ervin GalleryRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Art, Tours - Guided or Self-Guided
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