We recently visited the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW) to tour the gallery and experience one of its All Access Workshops first-hand. What we discovered was so much more than just a gallery visit. It was a genuine celebration of inclusion, creativity, and calm.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is not just a home for art. It’s a thoughtfully designed space that celebrates the many ways people experience the world. From its serene architecture and sensory-aware layout to a growing list of access and inclusion programs, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is setting a new standard for how major cultural institutions can truly welcome visitors of all abilities.

Our visit was part art-making and part exploration, a reminder that creativity flourishes best in environments built with empathy and understanding.

Here’s what we loved most about our experience and why the Art Gallery of New South Wales should be on every family’s list for an inclusive, art-filled day out.

Neurodiversity and Access at the Art Gallery of New South Wales

A Space Designed with Access in Mind

Across its North (Naala Badu) and South (Naala Nura) buildings, the gallery feels calm and open. Wide entrances, spacious lifts, clear pathways, and quiet zones make it easy for families with prams, wheelchairs, or sensory sensitivities to move around comfortably.

On our visit, the Naala Badu building stood out right away. The glass walls let in soft light and views of trees and outdoor sculptures, creating a gentle and inviting atmosphere. The large elevators could easily fit multiple prams or wheelchairs, and even for children who experience social anxiety, the space felt breathable and relaxed.

It struck me that here, accessibility is not an afterthought. It is part of the gallery’s design and purpose.

A Workshop that Met Us Where We Were

As part of our visit, we joined one of the Art Gallery of New South Wales' All Access Workshops. These sessions are created for children with disabilities or who are neurodivergent. The workshop took place in Meers Hall on the lower level of Naala Badu.

The space was calm and welcoming. There was no loud music or harsh lighting, just a peaceful environment where everyone could focus and create. The facilitators offered flexibility for each child. They could work at group tables, individual setups, or even on the floor if that felt more comfortable. 

My son, who is on the autism spectrum, chose the floor space and began building a robot sculpture from cardboard and fabric. He imagined it as a large public artwork, his creativity flowing freely in a space that understood his needs. My daughter built a 3D rainbow, surrounded by colour and quiet focus.

The workshop was inspired by the Kaldor Public Art Project, Thomas Demand: The Object Lesson, which is displayed in the same building. Children were encouraged to create their own three-dimensional sculptures from found materials, exploring how everyday objects can become art.

It was not about perfection. It was about imagination and inclusion. The facilitators moved gently between families, supporting without interrupting, allowing every child to work at their own pace.

A Touch of Gallery Magic: Touring the Collection

After the workshop, we joined a short guided walk to view artworks that linked to the creative theme.

The tour connected our hands-on experience to the wider world of art, showing how creativity can live both on the floor of a workshop and in a major gallery hall.

We got to see:

• The White Terrier sculpture by Jeff Koons: the inspiration behind his famous floral Puppy installation.

• Christo’s Wrapped Paintings: early examples from the artist known for wrapping monumental landscapes and structures, including Sydney’s own Wrapped Coast.

• Stone Line by Richard Long: a striking work of Land Art using natural materials to form simple geometric shapes inspired by the artist’s long walks.

My kids loved moving throughout the gallery and looking at the artworks; the whole experience felt incredibly calm and stress-free. 

A Gallery Leading with Empathy

The Art Gallery of New South Wales' Access Programs are a true reflection of inclusion. They embrace neurodiversity as something to celebrate, not just accommodate. Through sensory-friendly experiences and adaptive programs, the gallery opens its doors to everyone who wants to explore art in their own way.

Our visit reminded us that inclusion does not need to be complicated. Sometimes, all it takes is space, patience, and understanding. That is where real creativity begins.

If your family is looking for a day that values both comfort and creativity, explore the Art Gallery of New South Wales' Access Programs. They offer so much more than a gallery visit. It is an experience that celebrates difference and welcomes everyone to create and belong.

More Art Gallery of New South Wales Fun

Here’s Why the Art Gallery of New South Wales is One of ellaslist’s Favourite Places
Sundays at the Art Gallery of New South Wales
Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat at the Art Gallery of New South Wales

Have you signed up for our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!