The National Art School is an arts campus in Darlinghurst, at 156 Forbes Street, just outside Sydney’s CBD. Its grounds occupy a former women’s jail, and the old cell blocks give the site a distinctive setting for art exhibitions, events and tours. NAS Gallery presents local artists, with several exhibitions free to visit. You can also stop for coffee or a drink at the on-site art bar. Go for a look at the historic buildings as well as the art on display.
A former jail turned arts campus
The National Art School occupies a site that was once a women’s jail. Its buildings now house an arts campus, and tours explore the site’s history and its different uses before it became the National Art School in 2005.
The campus brings together grand architecture and the remains of its former prison use. The old cell blocks are part of the visit’s historical interest, alongside the current life of the school.
Exhibitions and the cell block theatre
NAS Gallery is the school’s exhibition space, with shows by local artists. Several exhibitions are free to visit; check what is currently on before setting out, since the programme changes.
The former female prison wing has also been refurbished as a theatre. The campus hosts events, and its art bar is a place to stop for coffee or a drink.
Perguntas frequentes
What is the National Art School?
It is an arts campus in Darlinghurst, on the site of a former women’s jail. The school became the National Art School in 2005.
Are exhibitions at the National Art School free?
Several exhibitions are free to visit. Check the details of the current show before you go.
What can you see at the National Art School?
Visit NAS Gallery for exhibitions by local artists, explore the former jail buildings or join a tour about the site’s history.
Is the National Art School wheelchair accessible?
The entrance and parking are wheelchair accessible.
