10 of the best art galleries in Australia
While Australia is still a relatively young nation, it has a rich, cultural history that is explored in a range of galleries around the country. We’re going to take a look at 10 of the best art galleries in Australia you have to visit down under.
Scroll through the image gallery above to see each one. As you’ll see, sometimes the exterior is just as fascinating as the works that are featured inside!
1. National Gallery of Australia
Founded in 1967, the National Gallery of Australia has some of the best local and international are work in the country with over 160,000 works to admire.
2. National Gallery of Victoria
With a history dating back to 1861, the National Gallery of Victoria is Australia’s oldest public gallery and features some 68,000 artworks to discover and enjoy.
3. Museum of New and Old Art (MONA)
Australia’s largest privately-owned museum, MONA is home to a range of exhibits spanning everything from Egyptian antiquities to contemporary art.
4. Art Gallery of South Australia
With an incredible collection of Australian, European, North American and Asian works, the Art Gallery of South Australia truly is a special place to visit.
5. The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art
Arguably the number one space for contemporary art in Australia, the Australian Centre for Contemporary art has a range of fascinating pieces.
6. Art Gallery of New South Wales
Sydney’s main art gallery has been around for a while (since 1874) and in that time has been able to build up one of the best collections of art in Australia.
7. National Portrait Gallery
While still one of Australia’s youngest galleries, Canberra’s National Portrait Gallery features an impressive collection with 400 portraits of influential Aussies.
8. The Queensland National Art Gallery
With big plans for expansion in the works, the Queensland National art gallery already features an impressive collection including pictures, engravings and busts.
9. Centre for Contemporary Photography
This Melbourne institution was founded in 1986 and has since grown to become one of Australia’s pre-eminent galleries for exhibitions of contemporary photography.
10. Art Gallery of Western Australia
With a strong focus on art from Australia and the Indian Ocean Rim, the Art Gallery of Western Australia also features a strong collection of Indigenous art.
Have you been to any of the art galleries on our list? Do you agree that they’re some of the best in Australia? Let us know in the comments.
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