The Museum of Contemporary Art (The MCA) Sydney is solely dedicated to exhibiting, interpreting and collecting contemporary art, both from across Australia and around the world. Housed in the Art Deco-style former Maritime Services Board Building on the Eastern edge of Circular Quay, the MCA is one of the youngest of the chief cultural venues in Australia’s largest city.

The MCA was established to fulfil the museum aspect of the visionary bequest of Australian expatriate artist John Power (1881-1943), who left his personal fortune to the University of Sydney to inform and educate Australians in the contemporary visual arts.

Contemporary Art can be defined in several ways: art which is of this time; art which is recent, new or existing now; or art which follows modern ideas or fashions in style and design. It can also refer to museum collections from 1970s onwards.

Located on the Sydney Harbour, nestled between Sydney's busy Circular Quay ferry terminal and the historic Rocks precinct the MCA captures commanding views of Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Opera House. Close to all forms of public transport and open 10am-5pm daily, with free admission; it continuously provides a pleasurable addition to any Harbour visit or wander; a commonplace weekend venture I enjoy.

As for its venues (with spectacular views) the luxury of enjoying alfresco dining with drinks and nibbles either pre- or post-viewings is available at the MCA Café. The MCA Foundation Hall, Harbour Terrace and Circular Quay Terrace each have spacious outdoor terraces overlooking Circular Quay, the perfect location for pre-dinner drinks and cocktails.

With a passion for contemporary art and a continually changing program of exhibitions there's always something new, exciting and inspiring to see at the MCA.