Art Gallery of New South Wales’ new building Credit: Iwan Baan
Aerial view of the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ new SANAA-designed building, 2022
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There’s inspiration in the balmy air as summer’s jam-packed events calendar lights up every stage and stadium across the harbour city. The Art Gallery of New South Wales’ transforms with a new building and world-class festivities from December 3-11. Find out everything you need to know about this extraordinary nine-day program of art, music, performance and talks that will leave you feeling inspired throughout summer and beyond.
Ring in art’s bold new era
With its curious heart and inventive spirit, Sydney is a cradle of creativity – and the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW) has long been its revered cultural epicentre, firing up imaginations for more than 150 years. Now, its hallowed spaces are unveiled as works of art themselves, with the once-in-a-generation transformation of the flagship institution into a two-building art museum. The Art Gallery of New South Wales’ new building almost doubles the gallery’s exhibition space to allow more people to enjoy even more art. And, along with the stunning new building, public art garden and landmark galleries, there’s a host of celebrations to usher in AGNSW’s brand new era. Refresh your perspective as a range of events extend well beyond the gallery’s walls and grounds; think: a concert in the Domain headlined by pop legend Ellie Goulding; a nightly drone show, and a range of tours, workshops and perspective-bending conversations with incredible artists and thought leaders. At every event, innovation meets inspiration to set the scene for your best Sydney summer yet.
Art Gallery of New South Wales’ new building Credit: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Zan Wimberley
Yayoi Kusama Flowers that Bloom in the Cosmos 2022 c-o-p-y-r-i-g-h-t Yayoi Kusama
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Art Gallery of New South Wales’ new building Credit: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Zan Wimberley
Yayoi Kusama Flowers that Bloom in the Cosmos 2022 c-o-p-y-r-i-g-h-t Yayoi Kusama
Art Gallery of New South Wales’ new building Credit: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Zan Wimberley
Installation view of the Yiribana Gallery featuring (left) Ronnie Tjampitjinpa Tingari fire dreaming at Wilkinkarra 2008 and (top) Yhonnie Scarce Death zephyr 2017
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Art Gallery of New South Wales’ new building Credit: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Zan Wimberley
Installation view of the Yiribana Gallery featuring (left) Ronnie Tjampitjinpa Tingari fire dreaming at Wilkinkarra 2008 and (top) Yhonnie Scarce Death zephyr 2017
Free your inner artist
Follow your curiosity down unexpected paths of artistic expression as AGNSW’s new facilities spring to life. Held on December 10 just opposite the gallery at The Domain, the Art For All free, ticketed concert celebrates music as a universal artform, bringing not only the legendary Ellie Goulding to the stage, but also Australian singer Meg Mac and electronic duo Electric Fields, led by Aṉangu artist and singer Zaachariaha Fielding.
At the Art Exchange events, you’ll explore not only your own ideas, you’ll also have your perceptions challenged by renowned thought leaders, acclaimed artists and cultural pioneers. Join the conversation as great minds come together for a series of public talks, with panellists including artists Jeffrey Gibson and Lisa Reihana; chefs Adam Liaw and Matt Moran; comedians Steven Oliver and Gretel Killeen; former Australian Governor-General Quentin Bryce, and more. Get carried away by multi-disciplinary storytelling at special performances including GABAN by Brooke Andrew; RITUAL by Maria Tran, and Animate Loading – a site-responsive, disability-led choreographic work by Riana Head-Toussaint. Keen to get hands-on? Learn the art of weaving in a workshop led by acclaimed artists from northeast Arnhem Land.
Plus, at 8.30pm each night, Art Up takes the artistry to dizzy heights as Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie’s astounding 400-strong drone show soars above the Art Gallery, Botanic Gardens and Woolloomooloo – literally filling the air with a breathtaking display.
Immerse yourself in next-level inspiration
While the opening celebrations officially conclude on 11 December, AGNSW’s new era is just getting started, with its architectural significance set to be celebrated for decades to come. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects SANAA and built by Richard Crookes Constructions, the upgraded museum brings together design, art and landscaping to showcase dynamic galleries and site-specific works by leading Australian and international artists. Not only is the $344 transformation of the AGNSW the most significant cultural development in the city since the Sydney Opera House opened nearly half a century ago, the new AGNSW has been awarded the highest rating for sustainable design – ensuring it’ll remain the stronghold for Sydney’s art and soul for generations to come.
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Firedoor, SydneyCredit: Nikki To
Chef Lennox Hastie in the kitchen at Surry Hill's Firedoor restaurant.
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Renowned for the sparkling harbour and balmy evenings, Sydney reveals a slew of new flavours as the hot days turn to cool and colourful nights this winter. Where comfort food reigns supreme, from fine dining takes on classic dishes to cult-status budget friendly eats – refuel with some delicious winter warmers in the harbour city.
Firedoor
The hottest seat in town is the counter at Firedoor. Literally. Escape the winter breeze and be warmed by the heat of the wood-fired oven, which can reach 1600C, as you watch Lennox Hastie and his team cooking over charcoal, embers and open flames. Everything is kissed by smoke, from fat oysters to fresh vegetables and memorable steaks - dry aged for around 150 days, it’ll thrill your taste buds in a way you never thought possible.
Fred’s
The crackling fire over the open hearth is a sign of what’s to come at Fred’s. From a daily changing menu featuring freshly caught seafood and mouth-watering steaks - you can see and hear the chefs prepare your meal so that it feels as if you’re part of the kitchen. The rhythmic chop of the knives, the bubbling water as it boils and the hiss of the hot grills makes you forget bustling Oxford Street is just behind you as you immerse yourself in the theatre of a fine dining kitchen that has the rustic charm of a country farmhouse.
Ester
The concrete walls and woodfired oven at Ester create the sensation of stepping into a bunker, albeit one with deliciously scorched food. The modern Australian menu is peppered with native ingredients and while it’s not bush tucker, it is a unique taste of this land of sweeping plains. Think handpicked mud crab with claypot rice, king prawns with fermented shrimp butter and dry aged pork chop with a flavourful native spice rub cooked over charcoal.
Margaret
Retreat from the cool wintry nights with a heartwarming dining experience at acclaimed chef Neil Perry’s first solo restaurant – Margaret. Named in honor of his late mother, the 170 seat fine-diner combines the homestyle heart of mum’s cooking with a surprise twist of a chef at his peak. The chicken is done over a wood rotisserie, the fish has a gremolata crumb and the baked pear and raspberry pudding with vanilla sauce is just the thing to warm you up from the inside out.
Margaret, Double Bay, Sydney Credit: Petrina Tinsley
Margaret by Neil Perry AM, presents modern Australian cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian flavours with a large focus on fresh local produce.
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Margaret, Double Bay, Sydney Credit: Petrina Tinsley
Margaret by Neil Perry AM, presents modern Australian cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian flavours with a large focus on fresh local produce.
Margaret, Double Bay, Sydney Credit: Petrina Tinsley
Margaret by Neil Perry AM, presents modern Australian cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian flavours with a large focus on fresh local produce.
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Margaret, Double Bay, Sydney Credit: Petrina Tinsley
Margaret by Neil Perry AM, presents modern Australian cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian flavours with a large focus on fresh local produce.
Bennelong
Set inside the iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House, Bennelong’s curated menu offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Peter Gilmore’s dishes are as whimsical, memorable and quintessentially Australian as the restaurant’s setting. His lamington has all the nostalgic flavours of the beloved classic, with the addition of cherry jam, coconut cream ice-cream and chocolate ganache.
Chaco Ramen
For a delicious soul-soothing dish on a cool winter eve’, pay a visit to Chaco Ramen for one of their cult-status dishes - The Fat Soy ramen. The equivalent of a big, warm hug on a chilly day – this delectable velvety mix of broth, pork, chicken and fish, made rich and thick by the addition of pork fat is a true crowd pleaser, so pack a jumper and get in line.
The Duke of Clarence
A roaring fireplace, cozy Chesterfield couches you can sink into and wall-to-wall bookshelves make The Duke of Clarence a place to linger. Hidden in the centre of the harbour city, this 18th-Century inspired London Tavern is renowned for wholesome British eats ideal for cooler days – from home-cooked pies, to bangers and mash. Warm up your weekend with a memorable roast, and pick from one of four options every Sunday, each served with delicious Yorkshire puddings to soak up the rich gravy.
Restaurant Hubert
Descend the curved, wood-paneled staircase to Restaurant Hubert and lose yourself in a world made for bon vivants. Time is irrelevant here; this is the kind of place that makes you want to stretch your night out. Martinis in the bar turn into a dinner of French bistro classics with a twist, think roasted snails with XO butter, and live jazz that will convince you to linger a little longer over a digestif.
Aalia
Reveal a world you didn’t know existed at Aalia as you take your taste buds on an adventure through the lands of the Levant and Northern Africa. With chef Paul Farag at the helm, Middle Eastern food is elevated to fine dining status. He combines tradition with modern techniques to offer diners a time-travelling odyssey. Discover the old-world flavours of molokhia, geymar and kabsa as Farag spins his new-world interpretation of classic dishes.
Bennelong Restaurant, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Bennelong Restaurant chef prepping in the kitchen. Bennelong Restaurant, Sydney.
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Bennelong Restaurant, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Bennelong Restaurant chef prepping in the kitchen. Bennelong Restaurant, Sydney.
Restaurant Hubert, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying food and drink at French restaurant Restaurant Hubert, Sydney.
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Restaurant Hubert, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying food and drink at French restaurant Restaurant Hubert, Sydney.