The MCA is a building smack bang in the middle of The Rocks / Circular Quay - the building is beautiful and the location stunning with plenty of places for a meal or drinks in the area. The museum isn’t very large so can be explored in a couple of hours or less. I saw the Lindy Lee: Moon in a Dew Drop exhibition and it is well worth the visit as it has some really cool works. Entry is free but donations are appreciated. Entrance is via George Street only, exhibit on harbour side. Parking available at the Overseas Passenger terminal next door or easy transport links via ferry, train, light rail and buses as Circular Quay is a main transport hub.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Really loved this museum! Free entry and so much good stuff to see! I spend a couple hours here exploring and saw a good amount - everything was so lovely and thought provoking. Lots of care put into the labels with lovely little child friendly notes too, and there also was advertised a free guided tour if I remember correctly. The rooftop cafe was bustling and looked lovely but I just visited for the view - it was so lovely I can see why so many people mentioned it! Would definitely recommend if you’re in the area
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

For our daytrip, we decided to explore the Museum of Contemporary Arts near Circular Quay. The gallery entrance is free. They had lockers where you can safekeep your backpacks and not be bothered while you view the art pieces. Located on the 4th floor roofdeck is the MCA Cafe. We ordered 1. Pork Belly Roll 4/5 2. Fish and Chips 4/5 3. Lavender and Rose Mocktails 5/5 I highly recommend checking this place out for tourists who just want to enjoy sydney without spending too much.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A great place to go as a Sydney-sider on a weekend, if you're on a budget. This place showcases the work of great contemporary artists, and as people who don't really care much about art we've definitely learned a lot from local and international creators with interesting stories to share. The café is bustling with people all the time and for great reason - the views on this place is unparalleled. You're situated right in between the harbour bridge and the Sydney opera house, great photo-op access. The food is quite affordable as well as the coffees/teas.

I like the diversity of mediums displayed at this museum. What impressed me the most was the staff. We asked about one of the paid event there and the staff asked for our preference and helped us decide if it's worth paying for. The museum is 5 minutes walk to the Rock Market and 5 minutes walk from Circular Quay train station and wharf where you can get a ferry to go to Manly Beach. It's a spacious museum so you have plenty of space to relax and enjoy the arts.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Loved it. Free entry to some amazing pieces. We were there during NAIDOC Week, so the emphasis was on on a collection of outstanding pieces from Northern and Central Australia. Just so good. Staff are very friendly and helpful in relation to the exhibits. Definitely worth spending time at this well staged gallery. Ground floor gift shop and top floor cafeteria are well worth including in your time there.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
Not sure

The city's waterfront contemporary art space is always thrilling to explore this evening I played watermarked instruments befor experiencing the actual sound installation, followed by a trip through the Rio grande keep Mexico on my left & Texas as far right as they can go! After that I could only walk across Circular Quay to the Opera house
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

I visited this art museum during my trip to Sydney. It was a modern art exhibition that was difficult for me to understand, but I loved the colours that reflected the Aboriginal culture. I could feel their sense of loss as my country was also colonised in the past. It's a nice place to visit, and the best part is that it's free to enjoy!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Great museum. A lot of exhibitions in different formats - videos, pictures, painting and more. Got a nice kid section as well. Coffee place at the top floor with awesome views of the Harbour and the opera house, when the cruise ship isn't there:) definelty worth a visit if you are remotely into museums, free entry
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

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.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

Great 45 minutes stroll around the permanent exhibition. Great selection of contemporary work that was displayed very well. Discreet but useful information on each piece. One gallery of three were closed and the sculpture terrace was so hard to find I gave up. Worth a go definitely
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

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.

A fantastic art museum with a variety of art on display. Not to be missed on a visit to Circular Quay or The Rocks. A rooftop restaurant with fantastic views and a really nice gift shop on the ground floor. Staff are friendly and the Museum is really enjoyable and interesting.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I saw an excellent exhibition of works by contemporary Australian artists and particularly enjoyed those done by artists of the First Nation. I got a free guided tour which was very useful in understanding the background of the artists and their histories. Very beautiful work!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I'm not a lover of contemporary art, though this place does a wonderful job. I am a lover of great lunch cafes, and this may be one of the best. From the food, to the way the ordering is undertaken, efficiently and v cost effectively. This is a big winner, with great views.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

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.

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.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
No

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 enjoyable experience where calmness and tranquility, meshes well with visually appealing regional art. The second floor exhibits were free to peruse and helped me gain an appreciation of Australian artists. I'm glad I found this place, as it was a great escape.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Busy on Friday lunch with locals and tourists. The menu has definitely improved since my last visit years ago. Portion is generous and great value for price. Gets a bit noisy when it’s busy and music choice can be better. But staffs are friendly, smiley and courteous! Would come back.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min

Allow 1-2 hours to visit the whole building, love the exhibition about Aboriginal art. Seats are available around the entire building, so there is no worry about losing too much energy. .mGift store can have mode products that relate to the exhibition. Nice experience overall.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait

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 …

Modern art museum located centrally in the iconic Sydney harbour. Free entry with lots of interesting art pieces spanding over 5 levels. Must visit the cafe on the upper level with paranomic views of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Considering the views and the location the cafe is excellently priced as well.

Fabulous views over the harbour. Delightful sitting on the sunny terrace, but indoor seating also available. My roasted cauliflower salad was lovely and my friend enjoyed the trip of dips with bread and crudites. I'll be back.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A wonderful museum to visit and experience Great artworks and installations. It is free of charge and accessible. On the top floor there is a restaurant and top view over the harbor and the massive cruise ship.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I am not really a big fan of contemporary art so, I’m not really the best judge. Most of the times when I saw the artwork I only ask “why”, but really appreciate the effort. Love the view from the rooftop cafe.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Great location and great views of the city. It's free to enter, but some specific exhibits may cost you extra. It's closed Mondays. The Australian Museum is also free and VERY engaging. Check out Frog ID there!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

An excellent and unexpected suprise as visitors to Circular Quay. No charge for entry. So good we went back two days later. Though provoking, we'll set out, lots of willing assistants and a great cafe with fabulous food on the top level.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait

Beautiful art museum, worth a visit. Don’t miss the stunning view on a Friday late afternoon or night as it opens until late only on Fridays, which we didn’t know. We would’ve visited twice during the trip then
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Free entrance to access the museum’s collections. Very nice and helpful staff, great website to scan the artworks’ info, listen to audio description and save the ones you liked. Definitely worth a visit!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

We visited the café on a Sunday lunchtime. Service was friendly and fast, food was pretty and delicious. The view would have been better if there wasn't an enormous cruise liner docked, but it was pretty impressive anyway
Visited on
Weekend
Reservation recommended
Not sure

An alternative to art. It is contemporary art. It won't be to everyone's tastes. If the Museum doors are open then open your mind and enter. Pictures featured are from the Yoko Ono solo Sydney show plus other pieces from the museum's other free entry floors.
Visited on
Weekend

Not a large gallery but worth a visit. Some interesting exhibits and lovely prints. If you're looking for a longer more expansive visit I'd say the Gallery of NSW Archibald is probably a better bet.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

MCA cafe is a nice place get spectacular views. You go here for the views and coffee. The food wasn't anything exciting. The chicken in the wrap was cold but overall was well seasoned. Great fries.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

From a venue perspective: If you want a quintessentially Sydney venue, this is one of the few legitimately awesome ones. The night orchestrates itself. Food is on point. Accessibility is as you can expect at an established place like this. Sydney parking is Sydney parking though.

Great free activity to go and visit. I almost wasn’t going to go, but I am glad I did. There were so many interesting exhibits. They have the largest bark painting collection. The art showing the pain aboriginals have gone through was so moving and informative.

As a museum I hoped to find a bigger gallery. There are four levels, just one has art, other one a caffe and that's it. However I liked the gallery about aboriginal art and the room for sensorial experience.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

I guess it depends what you’re into. A few exhibits of rocks with microphones strapped to them I didn’t quite get, but some awesome print works too. A nice free day out.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

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 …

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.

My recent visit to the art museum was an enchanting experience that left me in awe of the world of creativity and imagination. From the moment I stepped into the grand entrance, I knew I was about to embark on a captivating journey through

I love Museums and art and it was disappointing that a Museum in the hart of a city like Sidney be so empty. 4 floors but space is wasted. Aboriginal art, Maria's Garden (ink on paper) and the view from the cafeteria is all that is worthy.

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.

Truly remarkable place to visit where you can see contemporary arts and paintings that represent every day life whether from Australia or outside of the world. Highly recommended everyone to visit and enjoy the collection. More

Very cool experience the cafe on top has very nice views. Entrace to the museum is free and easily accessible for people with disability
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A great contemporary art gallery with a lot of works by indigenous artists which is great to see. Most of the gallery is free exhibitions. Make sure to check out the rooftop for gorgeous views of the Sydney harbour. More

it was nice, although I couldn't understand the meaning of some arts there. but I am not an expert ! nothing too interesting.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

One of the places I love going to on the weekend! There's always something new to check out and best part is, it's free!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Worth a visit! The museum is not very large so it can be squeezed in a busy few days. Additionally, the entry is free.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The MCA is the contemporary art gallery located at Circular Quay. Now open on Friday nights till 9pm. I really loved the MCA Collection:Eight Artists - enjoy these photos from this exhibit on Level 1.

sydney modern contemporary art museum .general excibition is free.but special excibition is charged
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Had an amazing time with the help of Bridgette who gave us a free guided tour. Artworks on display not that expansive but very interesting if youre able to really immerse in them. More

Great exhibits, lovely lunch spot (as long as there isn't a cruise ship docked blocking the view).
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Lots to see and a great variety of exhibitions. Cafe was cleans and efficient. Very nice coffee and view. Staff all very friendly :)
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Excellent museum with a very rich collection. Entry free of charge. I recommend definitely
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No

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.

Extraordinary museum free of charge but wonderful managed! You need to put this on your list!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Great building but the spaces are not used properly. Innovation and interactivity are key to attract everyone. Make sure you visit the cafe in the last level, stunning views.

Often amazing. I say 'often' as enjoyment is dependent on what artists are showing. Always, however, worth a visit even if sometimes the art work may not be to your taste.

There is always something interesting on the exhibits. Never fails to shake you up and question things. Love this place
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Fun quirky contemporary art museum with a great cafe and fantastic views of the circular quay and the Opera house up top, unless the view is blocked by a cruise ship

Staff were informative, works were well presented and with great connotation
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Amazing museum, every time I go to Sydney I try to make time to get here. The restaurant /cafe at the top level is great and has an amazing view. More

Beautiful view from Cafe. Great atmosphere in museum
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Had a great day at the museum with my son and his class for their workshop, staff are most lovely warm and welcoming, great location and art. More

Met for lunch at Graze, they always have fine dining and this was up to their usual standard. The heaters made up for the lack of sun. More

A great, free gallery with great contemporary arts. I’ve enjoyed revisiting this space over the years and it never disappoints.

Open and spacious place and easy to access right near the harbour. There isn’t a lot in here but the stuff in there is class.

Perfect location and a nice quiet place to spend time while enjoying lovely displays. Great views from the cafe balcony too!

Awesome free museum. Highly recommend.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

THE ARTS “Lovely Cafe + Creative Works”, value adding, lifestyle, splendid
Visited on
Weekend

I recently performed the sax at this venue for a stunning wedding. The room, food, and staff were all amazing!!

The exhibition was very nice and it's free! It was smaller than I expected but still nice experience it was.

A museum for post-modern art and culture. Really nice exhibits and persons with a taste to art wil love it!

Wonderful layout. Lovely exhibition. Relatively child friendly. Great addition to Sydney

It’s stunning tonight-first night of Vivid Sydney 2023!Highly recommended♥️ …

Great food and waiters were patient and answered all my questions ie friendly staff

Beautifully positioned on the harbour. Great exhibitions and friendly staff.

Great free exhibitions, small but mighty. A good place to visit.

we had a beautiful view to Sydney Opera house and Habour bridge