The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre has partnered with the Art Gallery Society of New South Wales to offer special tours of its artwork, one of Sydney’s best collections of contemporary Australian art.

The tours have been coordinated to mark the Centre’s 21st anniversary this year. While the Centre is well known for hosting major events, there is less awareness of its role as a home to major works of art. Yet its walls feature a diverse range of contemporary Australian art, including works by Lloyd Rees, Charles Blackman, Brett Whiteley, John Olsen, Charlie Tjapangati and Ann Thomson.

Charles Blackman’s Escape by Night at the Sydney
Convention and Exhibition Centre

Many of the pieces were specifically commissioned for the Centre’s 1988 opening and are on a monumental scale to match the building’s soaring walls, while their themes often reflect Sydney and its world famous harbour.

“One of the features of this building is the way that it embraces the city, from its waterfront location to its spectacular views through floor to ceiling glass windows,” said Centre Chief Executive Ton van Amerongen.
“The inspiration for our tremendous art collection is definitively Sydney – it really provides a showcase of the unique beauty and talent this city offers within our venue.”

John Olsen – Big Sun and the Sydney Summer
which is also displayed at SCEC

The Art Gallery Society tours of Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre will be held at 11am and 2pm on Saturday October 10, Sunday October 11, Saturday October 17 and Sunday October 18. Cost is $15.

Numbers are limited. Visit the events calendar by clicking here for more information.