Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney

Yes, the MUSEUM of CONTEMPORARY ART is in a magnificent building in a magnificent setting on Circular Quay west looking across Sydney Cove towards the Opera House.

Now for a little more about the building itself. I remember when I lived in Sydney before going to college that is was the Maritime Services Board Building which is a 6 storey masonry clad building (at Quay level) with a central tower and flanking wings. The building exhibits characteristics of the Art Deco style: the use of vertical element to articulate the facades, the stepping up of the central tower (see my attached photo -click to enlarge) and in particular the detailing and materials of the major internal spaces. Its monumental characteristics, symmetry and use of sandstone still show that it was once a government building.

Hey, but what about the ART you're asking (& fair enough too!). Been here twice, once by myself then a week later with my 6 year old twin girls. We were fascinated & sometimes a little bit bewildered by the current exhibitions which are Le Bul a sculptor, Bridget Riley a painter &

Yes, it's interesting, sometimes challenges, definitely sometimes thought provoking & so worthwhile having a squiz at. If you're interested in Art at all you really have to see this & the Art Gallery of N.S.W. for an interesting comparison is buildings & collections/exhibitions.

The Museum of Contemporary Art is Australia's only museum dedicated to exhibiting, interpreting and collecting contemporary art from across Australia and around the world. With a continually changing program of exhibitions there's always something new, exciting and inspiring to see at the MCA.
Nestled between Sydney's busy Circular Quay ferry terminal and the historic Rocks precinct it is close to all forms of public transport: bus, train and ferry.
Admission is free and its open daily.

Check to see what show is on exhibit for the temporary installations at the MCA. I saw a remarkable exhibition of Tracey Moffatt's photography while I was there. For a quick idea of past shows, click on the 'past exhibitions' link in the 'exhibitions and events' menu at the top of the page that opens with the URL below.

Quite honestly, I have never entered this museum. Not a big fan of contemporary art. What I remembered most instead is the imposing presence of the architecture. You just could not ignore its presence.

If you like contemporary arts, well, here's a possible spot for you to wear a slow afternoon in Sydney away.

Open 10AM - 5PM Daily
(closed Christmas Day)

Oh no! Just missed your ferry to Manly, whatever shall you do until the next one!!?

Well, apart from the fact that Circular Quay is such a wonderful area to wander anyway, why not take a visit to the FREE Museum of Contemporary Art!

This large Art Deco style building is home to a combination permanent and temporary exhibitions, including a lot of Aboriginal art.

The temporary exhibitions are always though provoking, including John Pilger's harrowing 'Reporting the World' photographs of 3rd World conflict, and Ron Mueck's amazingly life-like sculptures that were showing when I was there...

As well as exhibitions, audiences are engaged through a variety of mediums including screenings, public forums, debates, education projects, events and new media technology.

Remember, if you miss your ferry - you know where to come... ;-)

Arguably the most important museum/gallery for contemporary art in Asia Pacific, the MCA is a must see. Spread over several floors in this Art Deco building, the gallery presents a mix of Australian and international artists.

Located as it is on Circular Quays overlooking the ferry terminal and with free entrance, it's an easy place to drop by.

On the other side of the dock is the Museum of contemporary Art. But if that is not your thing there are some really fine restaurants next to the International Terminal for Boat cruises. One such Restaurant is called "Cruise"

I've been here a few times now and I have to say there's always a lot of rubbish on show. In fact, if one was required to pay, I'd give it a miss.
However, despite this, sometimes there are some real gems on display. In October, 2010 I visited and saw a display of Olegas Truchanas' slides of Lake Pedder before it was dammed (see my Tasmania pages for the full story). The 20 minutes show was heart rending inasmuch as one saw what the world had lost.
There were a couple of other interesting exhibits and its location adjacent to Circular Quay gives you some nice aspects over the harbour.

I really enjoyed this museum. The collection and exhibits were interesting and exciting. I would definitely go back to this museum. The free admission is a bonus.