Located on one of the most beautiful sites in the world at Sydney’s Circular Quay, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia opened to the public in 1991, reopening in 2012 following a major expansion. The redevelopment transformed the MCA, with spacious new galleries including an entire floor dedicated to its Collection; a new National Centre for Creative Learning; public spaces that embrace one of the world’s most famous locations; and a series of site-specific artists’ commissions.

Focusing on the work of living artists, MCA Australia's vision is to engage audiences with contemporary art and ideas through the presentation of a diverse program of exhibitions and special events. From major thematic exhibitions and surveys of established artists, solo exhibitions and artist projects, to new work by emerging artists, the MCA program covers the range and diversity of contemporary art. Connecting a broad and diverse public with the work of living artists, the MCA pursues curatorial excellence and innovation in audience engagement.

The MCA Collection contains over 4000 works by Australian artists that have been acquired since 1989. The Museum collects across all art forms with strong holdings in painting, photography, sculpture, works on paper and moving image, as well as significant representation of works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

The Museum was established by the University of Sydney through the J.W. Power Bequest with the assistance of the New South Wales Government, and is now an independent organisation with a board of Directors.