Your guide to knowing the best galleries in Australia to see contemporary art - from spaces for emerging artists, to the largest collections in the country.

We used google data to identify the most searched locations for art galleries, and found our top picks for each below. If you have any to add to this list, especially from other cities, please let us know in the comments section at the bottom of the article.

Jump to art galleries in...

• Sydney
• Perth
• Brisbane
• Melbourne
• Adelaide
• Canberra
• Gold Coast

Art Galleries in Sydney

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

140 George St, The Rocks, Sydney

Australia’s leading museum dedicated to exhibiting, collecting and interpreting the work of today’s artists. From major thematic exhibitions and solo surveys of established artists, to new work by emerging artists, touring exhibitions and community-led projects, MCA covers the range and diversity of contemporary art.

White Rabbit Gallery

30 Balfour St, Chippendale, Sydney

This is the private collection of Judith Neilson, showcasing 21st-century Chinese contemporary art with the world. The space is a converted former knitting factory near Sydney’s Central Station, has four floors of exhibition space as well as a theatrette, a library and a teahouse.  Even better, admittance is free.

Art Galleries in Perth 

PICA (Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts)

51 James St, Perth

Not just a gallery, the program includes changing exhibitions, seasons in contemporary dance, theatre and performance. PICA is one of the largest and most breath-taking exhibition spaces in Australia and has become known for the leading role it plays in the presentation of significant new work.

Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery

35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, Perth

Exhibitions feature contemporary and historical art by local, national and international artists, and are accompanied by a dynamic series of events. Many exhibitions feature artwork drawn from the University of Western Australia’s collections.

Art Galleries in Brisbane

GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art)

Stanley Pl, South Brisbane 

Houses a globally significant collection of contemporary art from Australia, Asia and the Pacific. GOMA is also home to a Children’s Art Centre, a cinema that celebrates film from around the world, plus gallery shops with cultural curios to take home. Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) is just next door too.

QUT Art Museum

George St, Brisbane City

One of Queensland's premier visual art galleries and custodian of the QUT Art Collection. With a focus on contemporary art, the program includes internally curated exhibitions, commissioned projects and touring exhibitions. Educational events include everything from book clubs and meditation to artist talks.

Art Galleries in Melbourne

NGV (National Gallery of Victoria)

180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne

The oldest and most visited gallery in Australia. NGV hosts a wide range of international and local artists, exhibitions, programs and events; from contemporary art to major international historic exhibitions.

ACCA (Australian Centre for Contemporary Art)

111 Sturt St, Southbank, Melbourne

The leading centre for contemporary art in Australia focusing on creating opportunities for artists and bringing the best international contemporary art to our audiences. ACCA promotes the exchange of ideas, to reflect and inspire positive change in people and communities.

Art Galleries in Adelaide

Art Gallery of South Australia

North Terrace, Adelaide

Founded in 1881, the Art Gallery of South Australia is home to one of Australia's great art collections, housed in one of Adelaide's most beautiful buildings. Located at the heart of Adelaide's cultural boulevard, North Terrace, between the South Australian Museum and University of Adelaide.

Samstag Museum of Art

Hawke Building, City West campus, 55 North Terrace, Adelaide

Samstag Museum of Art is one of the University of South Australia’s leading creative centres. Samstag presents a changing exhibitions program of contemporary visual art, and art of the past that has relevance for us today. The program is intended to be educational for the wider community.

Art Galleries in Canberra

Canberra Contemporary Art Space

19 Furneaux St, Forrest, Canberra

A centre of innovation, testing new ideas and directions for the contemporary visual arts. CCAS exhibitions and related public programs run over two spaces at Canberra Contemporary Art Space in Parkes and CCAS Manuka.

M16 Artspace

21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith, Canberra

M16 Artspace in Canberra runs 3 gallery spaces, manages 29 artist studios and houses five arts organisations that offer art classes. With three exhibition spaces that change exhibitions every three weeks, it is the ideal place to experience art in Canberra.

Art Galleries in the Gold Coast

Level Up

72-82 Marine Parade, Coolangatta, Gold Coast

The Level Up Gallery is a contemporary art space which showcases the works of young and emerging local arts practitioners. This space is designed to provide access to art experiences for young people and adults within the local community and beyond.

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19 Karen

19 Karen Ave, Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast

The 19 Karen Gallery is divided into six interconnected exhibition spaces in a 700 square meter converted warehouse. The gallery now represents approximately eighty international and Australian artists of various styles and genres from Urban and Street art to Pop art, Expressionism, Abstract, Surrealism and anything in between.