Sydney’s Most Playful Art Experience Enters the World’s Top 20 for 2026

Mike Hewson’s The Key’s Under the Mat

Sydney has officially secured its place on the global cultural map, with one of its boldest and most imaginative art exhibitions ranking among the world’s top attractions for 2026. Mike Hewson’s The Key’s Under the Mat, currently transforming The Tank at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, has been named number 15 in Time Out’s list of the 26 best things to do in the world in 2026.

A Global Honour for a Uniquely Australian Exhibition

Curated annually by Time Out’s global travel editors, the list highlights bucket-list experiences across continents, from Parisian architectural spectacles to Icelandic solar eclipse celebrations. Among this elite international company, Sydney’s immersive exhibition stands out for its distinctly Australian sense of humour, creativity and accessibility.

The only other Australian experiences recognised were Queensland’s Lamington National Park zipline adventure and this Sydney-based cultural phenomenon, underscoring the city’s growing reputation as a global arts destination.

Inside The Tank: Art, Play and Interactive Chaos

Mike Hewson’s The Key’s Under the Mat

For the first time, the Art Gallery of NSW’s subterranean Tank space has been fully illuminated, revealing a surreal, playful environment unlike any traditional gallery experience. The Key’s Under the Mat blurs the boundaries between art, play and everyday life, inviting visitors to explore, participate and linger.

Inside, visitors encounter a working laundry, a recording studio, a steam room with stained glass windows, a sauna lined with bespoke church pews and five fully operational public barbecues ready for communal use. Every element encourages interaction, conversation and shared experience, transforming the gallery into a living, breathing social space.

A Family-Friendly Cultural Wonderland

This exhibition is not just for seasoned art lovers. Children are actively welcomed, with monkey bars looping through concrete columns, giant swings, slides, climbing structures and waterfalls to run through. Soft recycled rubber flooring ensures a safe environment, allowing parents to relax while children explore freely.

The result is an inclusive cultural space where families, friends and solo travellers can all find something engaging, surprising and joyful.

Free, Accessible and Running Until 2026

Mike Hewson’s The Key’s Under the Mat

One of the most remarkable aspects of The Key’s Under the Mat is that it is entirely free to access. In a global landscape where major attractions often come with high price tags, this exhibition offers world-class cultural engagement without barriers.

Running until October 2026, it provides ample opportunity for both locals and international visitors to experience one of the most talked-about art installations in the world.

Why This Exhibition Matters for Sydney Travel

The global recognition of The Key’s Under the Mat reinforces Sydney’s status as one of the world’s leading cultural cities. It showcases how art can be immersive, playful and deeply connected to everyday life, making it appealing to a broad audience.

For travellers planning a visit to Sydney, this exhibition is now firmly positioned as a must-see attraction, offering a rare blend of creativity, accessibility and uniquely Australian character in the heart of the city.

For exhibition details and visitor information, visit
https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/

https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/mike-hewson/

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