Back to museums
The sandstone exterior of the S.H. Ervin Gallery on Observatory Hill, Sydney

S.H. Ervin Gallery

ArtHistoryOpens 11amFrom $15Wynyard Station

Run by the National Trust in a converted 1856 schoolhouse on Observatory Hill, the S.H. Ervin Gallery focuses exclusively on Australian art. It has no permanent collection, instead mounting a rotating program of curated exhibitions, touring surveys, and prize shows such as the Salon des Refusés and the Portia Geach Memorial Award for women portrait painters. The building itself, designed by Henry Robertson, began life as Fort Street Model School before its 1978 conversion into a gallery.

More in Sydney

On nowAll of October 2026

What's On

Now
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Natasha Bieniek's winning 2026 Portia Geach portrait, The Folding

Portia Geach Memorial Award 2026

Australia's leading prize for portraits of distinguished figures painted by women, showing 60 finalist works across oil, acrylic, gouache and mixed media.

Now showing18 Sept – 1 Nov$15
Abstract landscape painting by Angus Nivison

Angus Nivison: Unfamiliar Territory

A five-decade survey of abstract landscape painter Angus Nivison, curated by Rachel Parsons and touring from New England Regional Art Museum.

Upcoming7 Nov – 20 Dec$15

Plan Your Visit

Getting there

Watson Road, Observatory Hill, The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000

Nearest station: Wynyard Station and Circular Quay Station

Show on map

Hours

MonClosed
Tue11:00–17:00
Wed11:00–17:00
Thu11:00–17:00
Fri11:00–17:00
Sat11:00–17:00
SunToday11:00–17:00

Admission

From $15

Concession $12; free for National Trust members and children under 5

Last verified

Get Directions Visit Website

Nearby

Sydney Observatory building on Observatory Hill with its time ball

Sydney Observatory

ArchitectureFree3 min walk
Exterior of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia building at Circular Quay, Sydney

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

Art8 min walk
Exterior of the Museum of Sydney building on the corner of Phillip and Bridge Streets

Museum of Sydney

Local HistoryFree11 min walk
Exterior of the Australian National Maritime Museum with its sail-shaped roof at Darling Harbour, Sydney

Australian National Maritime Museum

Military11 min walk

Visitor Information

How much does S.H. Ervin Gallery cost?
Standard adult admission to S.H. Ervin Gallery is $15. Concession $12; free for National Trust members and children under 5. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.
What are the opening hours of S.H. Ervin Gallery?
S.H. Ervin Gallery is open Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5pm. Closed Mondays and public holidays.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
Where is S.H. Ervin Gallery?
S.H. Ervin Gallery is located at Watson Road, Observatory Hill, The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000, in the The Rocks area of Sydney. The nearest stations are Wynyard Station and Circular Quay Station.
What can I see at S.H. Ervin Gallery?
Historic schoolhouse gallery on Observatory Hill devoted to Australian art, historical and contemporary. Current highlights include Portia Geach Memorial Award 2026 and Angus Nivison: Unfamiliar Territory.
Do I need to book S.H. Ervin Gallery in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.
When is the best time to visit S.H. Ervin Gallery?
Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.

Image credits

7

Your image? Ask us to correct or remove it.

Book tickets