Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
ℹ️ Information
The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) is one of Australia's leading contemporary art museums. The MCA is located in Sydney and presents a constantly changing program of exhibitions and events. The MCA is committed to exhibiting, collecting and interpreting the work of living artists from Australia and across the globe.
The MCA was founded in 1989 and is housed in a stunning building overlooking Sydney Harbour. The MCA Collection contains over 4,000 works of contemporary art, including paintings, sculpture, photography, video, installations and new media. The MCA also has an extensive education program, which offers a range of workshops, talks and tours for all ages.
The MCA is open every day from 10am – 5pm. Admission is free for all visitors.
🕒 Opening hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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🗣️ Museum of Contemporary Art Australia: Reviews
This place is an institution of the Sydney art scene. The number of free exhibits alone keeps me coming back. If you're starved for inspiration, drop by at lunch and drink in the incredible collection on offer. Their staff are always courteous and friendly. I've never had a single complaint over the many times I've visited the MCA over the years. Have an inspiring time!
Was so pleasantly surprised that admission was free when I had a day to spend by Circular Quay. A very moving exhibition on Place and culture was in effect and the staff were informative and lovely. The art collection was really well thought out and I really enjoyed the visit. Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait … More
Great main collection and always a cool exhibition rotating through. Neat building and the best most creative gift shop around. Good spot for souvenirs or gifts for your quirky friend that are too gaudy.
Very beautiful art collections here, interpretation up to the mind of the viewer in most cases. There are 4 floors of galleries, the top most hosting a Cafe with an incredible view point of the harbour. It does have elevator services which allow wheelchair access to all floors, and gender fluid bathrooms. The gift store is also quite quaint and sells interesting bobbles.
It is a beautiful museum, in front of the boat station. It is surrounded by green areas. It has 4 floors and a cafe with a beautiful view of the bridge and the Sydney Opera House. The art in the galleries is beautiful, great artists.
The MCA is always good to visit. Both visiting shows and the standing collection are amazing. The top floor cafe has amazing views, definitely worth the admission price of $0.
Good place to check out modern art. Cafe has a very good view of Opera house. Not suggested for family with young children as they must be under close monitor not to touch exhibition stuff. Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No … More
This is a great museum in a lovely location - but it really is only for modern art lovers - those looking for more classical or traditional art will be disappointed. Regardless, its very close to public transport, at a beautiful spot and right next to great restaurants, well worth the day out.
always found something new to explore here. the gift shop also quite interesting. rooftop cafe have a nice view as well.
This place is my haven in Sydney. The art is always interesting, well displayed with engaged and informative staff. The cafe has the best location in Sydney with stunning views of the harbour and great food at very reasonable prices. Never been busy either when I’ve been here; go figure. I come here nearly every time I visit Sydney. A hidden treasure and a great way to spend our tax dollars.
Ultra unreal is a very thought provoking and shocking exhibition, uncanny and freaky displays on our future, reality and perception. The video screenings should have a bigger sign on flashing images, and I don’t think it’s quite suited for the younger audience. The permanent collection is well displayed with aboriginal influenced art. A recommended tourist attraction, close to Circular Quay. Free exhibition, entry to collection and free lockers. Water tap and parents room available
Good collection or Australian artists. Free. Some artworks can make you feel dizzy so be prepared for that. The shop downstairs is very good with many cute goodies to check out.
Highly recommend the guided tour which featured works by Indigenous artists. Our guide was engaging, informative and enthusiastic. Really opened my eyes to the depth and breadth of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Visited on Weekend Wait time No wait Reservation recommended Not sure … More
After visiting a couple of museums displaying old stuff, visiting a Contemporary Arts really made me appreciate the world we love in now and how far we’ve progressed. There were displays ranging from state of the art digital CGI videos to exhibits of environmental conservatism from the 1950s. Kids also just loved it. Perfect size for the whole family’s energy levels. Then a simple stroll outside and you’re in the heart of the tourist spot in the CBD and have so many options to eat.
The Cafe above the museum after viewing the latest exhibition was a great way to watch the harbour. It is in prime real estate
One of the best museums in Sydney where the entrance is free, while art works and professionalism of staffs seem to be the top level. This museum is a public opened, walking in distance, and welcoming place for travelers, local commuters, and even bystanders. Recommended.
Amazing view and relaxing mind opening art
Free access, Nice cafe on the 4th fl. With Stunning view. Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No … More
On a whim I joined the free guided tour of "Perspectives on Place". I'm so sorry I don't remember the name of our most wonderful guide. She was so knowledgeable and respectful. I could have listened to her for hours. It was an intimate and detailed view of this gallery and I recommend it to every visitor to the MCA. The cafe was wonderful too.
One of the best museum in Sydney <3
Nice and friendly staff, can put away your coats and bags and stuff at the counter before you visit. Some weirdly nice artworks here. Nice rooftop cafe where you can enjoy your meals and sunshine and the view over the harbour at the same time.
Everytime I vist Sydney, I visited this museum. New existing and inspiring contents eveytime. And rooftop cafe has best view to Opera house.
Absolutely splendid way to spend a few hours in circular quay! Fantastic art installations to stoke the mind and spirit and a wonderful cafe/bar on the roof with a phenomenonal view and decent food and beverages available definitely recommend
Good museum, some very thought provoking exhibits Visited on Weekend Wait time 1 hr+ Reservation recommended No … More
Great location, recently attended a work function there and it was amazing. The views were breathtaking and the location beautiful and easy to get to.
This place is on point, if you're keen to check out some obscure, contemporary art This is definitely the place. If you're up for a feed after checking out the museum this place offers good fair at unbelievable prices for a waterfront Cafe I was blown away by the cheapest prices I've seen on a menu in the CBD. Easy 5 stars
Great museum at great location, often featuring indigenous art, which is fantastic. Absolutely superb gift shop and rooftop cafe with views of the bridge and Opera House. Members get free coffee and discounts at gift shop and cafe. The modern addition sits well with the old building. Surprisingly small exhibition space given the size of the building.
Located on Sydney’s iconic Circular Quay, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia offers a wide range of exhibitions and events. It’s more suitable for people who are more interested in modern art. Amazing coffee shop on rooftop with astonishing views over opera house, harbour bridge, and circular quay. Free entry and easy access by public transport.
...an absolute go-to when in Sydney. The art never ceases to fill me with awe and excitement. So exciting to see the products of individual artist's concepts combined with technical skill. The staff are gorgeous, enthusiastic, genuine and friendly. Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No … More
+Many themes in one place. +It is near the Rock and Darling Habour +4 level to explore +they have a small coffee shop which helps to view the city Will come back for another theme
Went to see the Biennale “Rivus” was very interesting! Always a pleasure to visit the MCA :) Visited on Weekend Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No … More
A great museum offering free admission (every time I visited, there was an exhibition that was open to public free of charge). Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended Not sure … More
Lots of free exhibitions and great views of the city if you visit the top MCA cafe on level 4 Visited on Public holiday Wait time No wait … More
An interesting and fun museum. Cool modern art, with a mix of canvas, sculpture and audio/visual works. Entrance is free (donation boxes abound), and you can easily spend more than an hour perusing the various pieces over the three levels. When you're done (or need a break) head to the top floor cafe for commanding views over Sydney Harbour.
I had a lovely afternoon at the museum of contemporary arts. I highly recommend this place!
An amazing place to browse if you get the chance! Some time-limited exhibitions may require entry fees, but the free exhibitions are worth the visit. The store in particular was the highlight of our visit, as they stock merchandise and card games from The School of Life! The staff here are very friendly and welcoming, plus knowledgeable about the exhibitions.
Quiet place for the artistic folks to enjoy the various art pieces. There are four levels inside the building, with lift available for easy access. There is a cafe on the 4th floor which has great view of the harbour and the iconic Sydney landmarks. Free entrance just steps away from Circular Quay. Good to spend half an hour to stroll through the halls.
Worth a quick visit if you’re in the neighborhood. Not the best art museum in Sydney, but that’s just my opinion. You may love the artwork there. The cafe on the top floor has awesome views of the harbor. The glass elevator is also a fun ride.
Have seen some really good exhibitions here!! The cafe at level 4 is quite nice with awesome views. No booking required, apparently it is just a walk in.
I love the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and it's a place I visit all the time. I meet lots of clients there, love the cafe and even today have become a paid member of theirs. I love the art they have on display and the staff there are really nice. They are very good with me and go the extra mile. LOVE IT and highly recommended!
Very beautiful museum. The art Inside is incredible. You can spend the whole day in this place. At the roof there is an amazing view and a coffee...
Loved the place. Despite some of the art is hard to understand without reading what was it about, pretty nice museum - 3 floors and 4th cafe with panoramic view to Opera
The Museum of Contemporary Art is a great place to visit. It is free to go in and it is just next to Circular Quay station. There is a cafe at the top on Level 4 which has great views of the harbour.
went and viewed the Lindy Lee: Moon in a Dew Drop exhibit, which was totally awesome, also the other exhibits that were running were equally interesting and inspiring. the weather was extremely in the highs and it was a good place to spend time with friends, walking around viewing the exhibits. always an exciting place to visit! also dont forget to check out the books and postcards at the MCA STORE! sometimes when i'm in the area, i just visit the store because of all the nicely weird, cute and different things you can find. this place is also conveniently located from Circular Quay station and close to many restaurants, bars and cafes. general entry is free, although some exhibits hold a ticket price be sure to check out their rooftop sculpture cafe!
This gallery is one of my favourites. It is intimate enough so a visit doesn't seem overwhelming and it usually has an awesome exhibition to see. I went to the Lindy Lee Moon in a Dew Drop exhibition and loved it! The space is great and the location fabulous! Right next to the Rocks.
Great exhibition today the famous UK artist Cornelia Parker . An amazing survey of her work since the 80's. The installations will astound you evoking all manner of senses. You can consider from afar or you are able to look up close at much of the details. There is also a great one hour documentary on her early life and major works. The museum has four levels open and also a terrific eatery and coffee shop. The staff of the museum are efficient, young and polite. To visit the toilets you have to return all the way to ground floor. There is a large lift that has a glass wall showing the great view across Circular Quay. Special feature exhibitions such as the one we visited and mentioned above require purchase of a ticket usually $25. There are discounts for students and pensioners, etc. If you have cash you can only buy tickets at the main entrance not at entry to the exhibition where you can buy tickets with debit or credit card.
It’s a pretty good contemporary art museum although the exhibition I went to see when I was in Sydney by Cornelia Parker was quite small and very busy. It was amazing and I really enjoyed it but wished it had more art. Overall still a very nice museum.
A simply magnificent space and I’d recommend the view from the rooftop cafe. Service is fantastic and there’s some great product on the MCA shop. Take your kids, it’s just a wonderful space to introduce any age to the wonder, and human value, of art.
I've been here so many times and the staff is always helpful and friendly. They'll also store your bag for you for free. If you want something to do this is a great place to go. There are free exhibition as well as paid ones and if you go to the learning centre upstairs they always have something you can try out. I went with a friend a few months ago and they had this great photogrophy set up and we took some great pictures. They always have a free segment of amazing Aboriginal art on display.
This free museum may or may not have something you like. However, the space is well done and you can't argue for the price! The New Australian Art exhibit I viewed on the third floor in May 2019 was wonderful, while the other floors were less evocative. Lovely location. Many eateries, the wharf, gardens, and opera house! Be sure to check out the cafe on the 4h floor, though the view was not quite as great as I expected since architectural features obscure a full view.
Great museum with interesting exhibitions on pretty much all year round. Certainly worthwhile stopping by their giftshop plus their amazing rooftop cafe. Make sure to go through all the levels as there is lots of variety and toilets are easily found along with friendly staff who are happy to help and answer questions.
Always interesting! Free tours daily, the tour guides are knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The permanent collection changes regularly so it's with visiting over and over. The fourth floor cafe is good with nice views
Very nice and clean museum. The staff are friendly and accommodating. There is a scheduled free tour just check their website. I joined their free Mystery Tour that scheduled every Wednesday and starts at 7pm, the tour takes about an hour. Only wednesdays that they are closing at 9pm. The rest of the days are 5pm. Just check their website for any updates.