We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of New South Wales stands.

Queering the collection

A scene at an anatomy class: the model with a bared torso has their hand held by the teacher. Adult students sit and look at the model.

François Sallé The anatomy class at the École des beaux-arts 1888, Art Gallery of New South Wales

Take a self-guided tour of over 50 works on display by LGBTQIA+ artists in the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ collection.

Queering the collection showcases the breadth and diversity of queer histories at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. This self-guided tour takes in more than 50 artworks on display in our South Building, including both historical and more recent works.  

The important role that queer artists have played in the evolution of art-making is revealed as we rediscover and highlight artworks that have sometimes been hiding in plain sight. The labels also explore through a queer lens art whose subject matter invites queer readings. With a particular focus on Australian artists, this project is a testament to the significance of queer cultural voices and the fact that Australian art history is often much queerer than it first seems. 

Queering the collection is part of the Art Gallery’s Sydney WorldPride 2023 program.

Strategic sponsor

Presented by the Art Gallery of New South Wales in association with Sydney WorldPride