If you've ever wondered what would happen if a kid's drawing of their wildest dream utopia suddenly came off the page and into real life, you're in luck, because that's pretty much what's happening right now beneath the Art Gallery of NSW.
Artist and professional disruptor Mike Hewson has taken over the weird subterranean world of The Tank with his one-of-a-kind new exhibition, Mike Hewson: The Key's Under the Mat, where for the first time ever, all the main lights in the normally pitch-dark Tank will be switched on, revealing a weird wonderland of interactive art pieces and play equipment that have to be seen to be believed.
We're talking: A steam room with stained glass windows that you can actually sit in, a functioning sauna with bespoke church pews, five actual operating public barbeques that you can cook on, rushing water to play in (seriously, bring your swimmers), a working laundry, and a free-to-use recording studio, plus a whole plethora of bright and delightful surprises that are all about getting community together, to do cool stuff, for free.
Basically, break your imagination and delete all adult expectations. This is unlike anything we've ever seen.
Kids who aren't afraid of some risk are also one of Hewson's big targets with this show (although parents, rest easy, the floor is specially made out of recycled soft rubber that's rated for use in public playgrounds), with the space also home to a wild children's playground.
Intrepid kidlets can test their...
There's a cloud of grief over Sydney right now, shared and held by our whole community. If you're looking for ways to help the victims of the Bondi Beach attack, this article should help.
Despite the heartbreak, there are a lot of good things going down in Sydney this week.
Beat the sweat with cool air con and check out two fabulous new exhibitions at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. First up is Mike Hewson’s The Key’s Under the Mat, a giant interactive playground for the young (and young at heart). It’s free – bring your swimmers. Next up is Ron Mueck’s Encounter – a stunning sculptural exploration of the human condition.
If you want to get into the Christmas spirit, check out our guide to the best Christmas markets in Sydney for festive food and shopping – we’ve also got a fab round-up of all the top markets in the city. Plus, there’s festive fun for the family happening right now in both Darling Square and South Eveleigh.
Booking a catch-up? Sydney's best restaurants and best new restaurants are a good place to start.
Calling all movie buffs – Laneway Cinema is back, transforming The Rocks’ historic cobblestone laneways into an open-air cinema every Wednesday night. Think beanbags under the stars, cult flicks – and it’s free. Want to buy popcorn? Proceeds go to a new charity every month – how good’s that? Find out more here.
In the mood for a show? You can check out our guide to the best theatre shows and musicals on in Sydney right now over here. If you’re in need of a laugh, The Comedy Store runs comedy shows every week, Thursday to Sunday – and tickets are cheap. It’s a great date night idea, too.
Plus, summer is upon us – so you can wash away your worries at one of Sydney’s best beaches, get your sweat on with a pretty bushwalk, or pack drinks and snacks and throw out a rug at one of our fave picnic spots.
Scroll on for our full list of the best things to do in Sydney this week.
Mapping out your weekend? These are the best things to do in Sydney this weekend.
