The Biennale of Sydney Is Returning to White Bay Power Station for 2026 After the Venue Proved a Hit in 2024
Around 174,000 Biennale attendees hit up the historic power station last year, making it the event's most-visited non-museum site ever.
Whether a big citywide festival is all about art, film, music or a combination of some of the above — or more — the program itself isn't ever the only reason to head along. A great location can be a drawcard all by itself, as the Biennale of Sydney capitalised upon in 2024. Last year, it added the Inner West's White Bay Power Station to the mix. The move was a success, so the same will now happen again in 2026.
In fact, bringing the Biennale to the historic spot was such a hit in 2024 that around 174,000 folks went along at that location alone, which is almost a quarter of last year's total 777,000 attendance figure. In the process, White Bay Power Station became the festival's most-visited non-museum site ever.
"The Biennale of Sydney was the first cultural organisation to bring White Bay Power Station to life, transforming this iconic and historic landmark into a dynamic hub for community events and exhibitions of international calibre. The overwhelming success of the Biennale's 24th edition showed the incredible potential of this space to inspire, engage and connect people through a festival of contemporary art, music and ideas," said Biennale of Sydney Chief Executive Officer Barbara Moore, announcing the first part of 2026's plans.
"We are proud to return to White Bay Power Station in 2026 for the 25th edition in one of the city's most exciting new creative precincts."
2024's Biennale saw art lovers wander through the Rozelle building for the first time in a century, following a lengthy process of being revitalised and transformed into an arts, culture and community hub as part of the Bay West precinct.
For 2026, put Saturday, March 14–Monday, June 14, 2026 in your diary for the Biennale. The event has also announced Bruce Johnson McLean as next year's Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain First Nations Curatorial Fellow, with more details about the Biennale set to be revealed closer to next year's festival.
The 25th Biennale of Sydney will run from Saturday, March 14–Monday, June 14, 2026, including at White Bay Power Station. Head to the event's website for more details.
Images: Toby Peet / Brett Boardman / Fancy Boy Photography.
