Giant Art Summer at the Art Gallery of New South Wales

When the weather gets hot, keep cool and have a GIANT art summer at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Enjoy major exhibitions, the Hive Festival, kids' workshops, and plenty more. Plus, general entry to the Gallery is FREE!

Open daily 10 am – 5 pm
Wednesdays until 10 pm (except 24 and 31 December)
Closed Christmas Day (25 December) and Good Friday

Learn what's on for kids and families at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Have a Giant Art Summer at the Art Gallery of New South Wales

Check out these incredible EXHIBITIONS:

Ron Mueck: Encounter
Enter the extraordinary world of Ron Mueck, the internationally acclaimed Australian artist whose lifelike sculptures are more real than real. From the minute to the monumental, Mueck's hyperreal figures offer a powerful reflection on the universal theme of connectedness. Don't miss it!
On now until 12 April 2026
Ticketed, children under 12 are FREE

Dangerously Modern: Australian Women Artists in Europe 1890-1940
Explore the art and lives of 50 trailblazing women artists who travelled to Europe to pursue international careers at the turn of the 20th century. There are over 200 works across painting, prints, drawing, sculpture, and ceramics by now-famous names such as Nora Heysen, Margaret Preston, Grace Cossington Smith, and others.
'A beautiful, thought-provoking exhibition. ★★★★★' – ArtsHub
On now until 15 February 2026
Ticketed, children under 12 are FREE
 

Mike Hewson: The Key's Under the Mat
Experience the Tank like never before! Artist Mike Hewson has reimagined the Tank as a combined park, playground, construction site, and commons – where visitors of all ages can meet, dwell, play, make, perform, explore, and more!
Planning a party? Early and exclusive-use sessions in The Tank can be booked for groups. Visit artgallery.nsw.gov.au for details.
On now until 26 August 2026
FREE entry
 

Raquel Caballero: The Patchwork Portal
Visitors of all ages are invited to collaborate on a massive patchwork installation. Created by artist Raquel Caballero, the artwork takes inspiration from the artist's favourite childhood book, L Frank Baum's The Patchwork Girl of Oz, and the psychedelic textiles of the 1970s.
On now until Sunday, 8 February 2026
FREE entry

But wait, there's more family-friendly EVENTS AND PROGRAMS:

Hive Festival 2026
The Art Gallery's much-loved Hive Festival 2026 is back! Taking over the entire campus with a huge program just for kids, with art-making activities, music, storytelling, interactive exhibitions, family tours, and more. Featuring specially designed workshops and colourful activations by artist Kate Mitchell, you'll find a surprise at every turn.

Highlights include Zindzi & the Zillionaires, Studio Ghibli films, story time with Ursula Dubosarsky and Christopher Nielsen, festival playlist with ABC Kids Bangers & Mash-Ups, and more.
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 January 2026
FREE entry
 

Ghibli Fest
Head to the art Gallery during Hive Festival for a weekend-long celebration of the extraordinary artistry of Studio Ghibli. Encounter a cast of characters, including young witches (Kiki's Delivery Service), flying pigs (Porco Rosso), cute goldfish (Ponyo), sprites and spirits (My Neighbour Totoro), plucky heroines (Spirited Away) and a magical cat (Whisper of the Heart). Films will be screened in English-dubbed versions.  
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 January 2026
Ticketed

These DROP-IN ACTIVITIES are fun and FREE for all ages:

Plushie Pals Workshop by Kate Mitchell
Make your own plushie pal in this hands-on textile workshop designed by artist Kate Mitchell. Use your imaginative flair to create a special soft friend that represents something you want more of in your life: love, silliness, courage, calm or comfort.
Daily 10 am – 5 pm, Wednesdays until 9 pm
5-26 January 2026
FREE, no bookings required

Indian Illustrations
Drop in to the Asian Lantern gallery and draw an imaginative scene inspired by the vibrant Indian paintings of animals, people, and nature on display in the Elemental exhibition. Let the patterns and details in the fantastic paintings of deities, lions, tigers, snakes, and birds fire your imagination.
Daily during opening hours
FREE, no bookings required

Interactive art: Aula grande (outlined) by Amalia Pica
Visit the exhibition It Takes a Village and make your mark with chalk in the interactive artwork Aula grande (outlined) by Amalia Pica. Step into Pica's large installation, where every object and surface has been covered in green chalkboard paint, and draw on the objects and furniture.
Daily during opening hours
Until 18 January 2026

Visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales for the complete list of events and to plan your visit.

Where:   Art Gallery Rd, Sydney
When:    Throughout the summer school holidays
Cost:      FREE entry and activities 

More School Holiday Fun

Where to Go Cherry Picking in NSW
School Holiday Activities in Sydney: The Best for Summer
FREE Water Parks in Sydney

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!