National Art School
National Art School is a free-entry gallery and courtyard café on the historic Forbes Street campus in Darlinghurst, set among sandstone buildings that were once one of Sydney's first jails. Café NAS is a courtyard stop between exhibitions, with outdoor tables and a chef-curated menu. Green Park is about a two-minute walk away.
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About National Art School
Food at National Art School
Café NAS serves a chef-curated menu with European flavours, including truffle mushroom toast and Spanish baked eggs. The eggs arrive on toasted bread with tomato, spinach and shaved parmesan on top, served on white plates. Ask staff about vegetarian or gluten-free choices before ordering.
Coffee and drinks
Two recent reviewers praise the on-site café. One calls it very good with reasonable prices, and another calls it a lovely coffee shop. The roaster is not named.
Free gallery exhibitions at National Art School
The campus gallery has free-entry exhibitions that reviewers say are well curated. Reviews from September and October 2026 mention a Margaret Olley exhibition, which two reviewers found bright and beautiful. Entry is free, so the exhibitions are a reason to visit even without a coffee.
Facilities at National Art School
What visitors say about National Art School?Summarised from recent Google reviews.
- 💬Reviewers praise the free gallery and its well-curated exhibitions.
- 💬Several reviewers say the historic sandstone buildings are worth walking around.
Near National Art School
Visitor tips for National Art School
- ✓Gallery entry is free, so you can see the exhibitions and stop for a coffee without paying for either.
- ✓Green Park is a two-minute walk away if you want to take a coffee outside and sit in the sun.
Getting to National Art School
156 Forbes Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010. One reviewer says it is easy to reach by bus or car and a short walk from the CBD. The café is step-free.
Open in Google Maps →FAQ
Is entry to the National Art School gallery free?
Yes, entry to the gallery is free, and reviewers say the exhibitions are well curated.
Does Café NAS have outdoor seating?
Yes, it is a courtyard café with tables outside.
Is National Art School step-free?
Yes, the café is step-free.