Arts & culture

5 ways to experience the Biennale of Sydney

Explore bold contemporary art, global perspectives and cultural must-sees.

Lights On, opening night of Biennale. Image: Jordan Munns. Courtesy of Phoenix Central Park.

Sydney's most ambitious contemporary art event is back.

The Biennale of Sydney runs from 14 March to 14 June, taking over the city's most celebrated cultural spaces with bold works and global perspectives.

This year’s edition, Rememory, explores how histories are reclaimed and retold. The theme unfolds across large scale installations, performances and community events presented mostly free to the public. With 5 major exhibition sites and dozens of programming locations, the Biennale continues to enrich Sydney’s cultural life and support our creative sector.

Here are 5 standout ways to experience it.

Biennale Lights On. Image: Ravyna Jassani
Biennale Lights On. Image: Ravyna Jassani

1. Make White Bay Power Station your weekend destination

White Bay Power Station sets the tone for this year's festival in one of Sydney’s most atmospheric heritage spaces. Wander through the turbine hall, explore interactive installations and enjoy a relaxed day out with food stalls and plenty to see. One Saturday each month is dedicated to Family Funday.

Free
Closed Monday, 10am-5pm Tuesday to Thursday, 10am-9pm Friday, 10am-5pm Saturday to Sunday
White Bay Power Station
Rozelle NSW 2039

Biennale Lights On. Image: Ravyna Jassani
Biennale Lights On. Image: Ravyna Jassani

2. Experience Art After Dark

On select Friday evenings, White Bay Power Station opens late for Art After Dark – a chance to experience the Biennale in a new light. Enjoy extended access to exhibitions, atmospheric lighting and live performances. These sessions offer a more intimate way to see the works and get an evening cultural fix. Sessions run from Friday 20 March to Friday 5 June.

Ticketed: from $35
From 6pm
White Bay Power Station
Rozelle NSW 2039

Live at the MCA
Live at the MCA

3. Witness live performances at the MCA

The Museum of Contemporary Art hosts several Biennale events, including Live at the MCA: Inspired by Sham El Nessim – a night of music, performance and cross cultural celebration. Alongside the MCA’s exhibition spaces, these events offer another way to connect with artists and performers from around the world.

Tickets from $28
6-9pm
Thursday 2 April
Museum of Contemporary Art

Bankstown Poetry Slam. Image: @lightnavigatingstudio
Bankstown Poetry Slam. Image: @lightnavigatingstudio

4. Catch Bankstown Poetry Slam

As part of artist Chen Chieh Jen’s shared stage project, the Biennale has partnered with Bankstown Poetry Slam for a free spoken-word event celebrating community voices. Expect powerful performances and storytelling showcased by local talent. It’s a reminder that the Biennale embraces creativity in all forms, not just visual art.

Free, registration required
3-4pm
Sunday 29 March
White Bay Power Station
Rozelle NSW 2039

The Prince of Redfern. Image: John Janson Moore
The Prince of Redfern. Image: John Janson Moore

5. Enjoy a bingo night like no other

First Nations creative talent meets bingo meets drag performance for a special one night only event. Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay artist Dennis Golding brings back the spirit of childhood memories of lively bingo nights hosted by his aunty and grandmother in the abandoned terraces of Eveleigh Street during the 1990s.

Tickets from $20, free tickets for Mob
7pm-9:30pm
Thursday 9 April
Redfern Town Hall
Redfern NSW 2016

The City of Sydney is a major supporter of Biennale of Sydney. The festival exemplifies the kind of cultural investment we’re proud to back, playing a vital role in shaping Sydney’s creative identity and connecting local audiences with artists and ideas from around the world.

For more experiences, visit the full program of events.

The Biennale is on 14 March to 14 June.

Published 13 March 2026, updated 17 March 2026