Ranter’s independent guide to what’s happening at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in early 2026

A look at what's happening in early 2026 at Sydney's Art Gallery of New South Wales.

After the excitement of the opening of Sydney Modern in 2022, recent news out of the Art Gallery of New South Wales has been grim - budget and staff cuts. That's a shame. The gallery is one of Sydney's most important cultural assets and an international tourism drawcard.

Big local and international crowds over the summer gave the gallery the thumbs up - flocking to its exhibitions.

The Minns government has other things on its mind it seems.  And it will face some big gallery and museum challenges in 2026 as the opening of the billion dollar Parramatta Powerhouse approaches.

We’ve checked out the two paid exhibitions currently running at the Art Gallery of NSW - Encounter by Ron Mueck (running till April) and Dangerously Modern (ending mid February). They’re both superb and drawing good crowds.

Check out our video below -

Dangerously Modern - ends February 15 2026

Featuring the work of Australian female modernist artists in Europe between 1890 and 1945, Dangerously Modern is a collaboration between the Art Gallery of NSW and the Art Gallery of South Australia. It takes us into the lives of a courageous collection of women who left our shores during the tumultuous pre-Federation decade of the 1890s, through to the end of World War II - a time when the very concept of a female artist was just gaining acceptance.

These Australian women were extraordinary artists - many well-recognised in their time - as well as women leading incredible, independent lives.

This is a wonderful Australian story and beautiful collection of work.

Ron Mueck - Encounter - ends April 2026

I wasn’t much interested in seeing this exhibition. I’d never heard of Mueck (my bad) and wasn’t drawn by the concept.

I went along anyway and was blown away. I love it when that happens.

Mueck is a genius.

Though Encounter is a disconcerting experience.

Mueck’s perfectly crafted sculptures capture fragility, emotion and simple struggles. No sculpture here is close to life size - either too big or too small. All somehow relatable. There are no smiles. Vulnerability and drudgery pervade them.

If scrutinising the emotion and character of portraiture interests you, Mueck’s hyper-ordinary sculptures will engage at another level.

The Mueck video outside the exhibition provides some insights into his creative talent and craftsmanship. Mueck's an Australian who's been living in London for decades.

Make sure you visit the Art Gallery of NSW soon - even if you don't visit these paid exhibitions, the free permanent exhibitions are outstanding and a great Sydney experience.