02 Sep 2025

Discover Public Art at The Rocks

The Rocks is more than cobblestone streets and historic laneways — it’s an open-air gallery where art and storytelling coexist. This art and culture month, embark on a self guided art tour and experience Sydney's creative spirit in unexpected ways.
From vibrant murals splashed across brick walls to bronze sculptures that honour local stories, every corner holds a piece of art waiting to be discovered. These artworks aren’t just beautiful backdrops, they form an evolving tapestry of culture and community. They tell stories of people, place, and heritage while sparking curiosity and connection. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, the perfect photo moment, or a deeper appreciation of Sydney’s artistic landscape, The Rocks’ public art invites you to explore with fresh eyes. Take a wander, and let the laneways surprise you.

The Public Art Trail

Jack Mundey Mural — The Green Bans and the Battle for The Rocks

On Globe Street, Portuguese artist Alexandre “Vhils” Farto has chiselled a striking mural of activist Jack Mundey, whose leadership of the Green Bans movement in the 1970s helped save The Rocks from large-scale redevelopment. Emerging directly from the brick wall, the portrait honours a man whose fight for community, heritage, and affordable housing is literally carved into Sydney’s history.

Lindy Lee — Secret World of a Starlight Ember (2020)

At the harbourside entrance of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Lee’s egg-shaped stainless steel and LED sculpture reflects the harbour, sky, and passersby by day, highlighting our connection to the natural world. By night, it shimmers like stardust, casting light and shadow into the surrounding space. Lee describes it as a meditation on life’s finite beauty and the ripple of every individual existence — how our lives quietly shape and are shaped by the world around us.

Rocks Discovery Museum Door Mural — A Trick of the Eye

What looks like an ordinary doorway is actually a clever trompe l’oeil mural by Colombian-born artist Leonardo Uribe. Once the entrance to the men’s toilets of the 1909 Observer Hotel, the painted door now guides visitors toward The Rocks Discovery Museum. Peek closely and you’ll spot a cheeky cartoon rat slipping through the crack — a playful nod to the 1900 Bubonic Plague. Don’t miss this hidden gem and its perfect photo moment as you wander the laneways.

Biggles the Dog — A Local Legend

On the corner of Atherden Street sits the bronze statue of Biggles, a miniature Schnauzer and beloved icon of The Rocks. Loyal companion to local contractor Trevor Kelly, Biggles was famous for his motorbike rides, playful antics, and charm with tourists — even receiving fan mail from around the world. After his passing at age 14, the Sydney Cove Authority commemorated him with this sculpture, ensuring Biggles continues to “wait” faithfully in the very spot he once called home.

What Lifts You Mural

The What Lifts You campaign has brought vibrant murals to streets across New Zealand and Australia, and one of the highlights can now be seen on the corner of Playfair and Atherton Streets. What began as a simple idea quickly became a movement. After just a week in New York City, the first set of wings drew lines of people eager to step into the artwork and share their personal inspirations. The campaign celebrates the joy of becoming a “living work of art” while connecting with others through stories of hope, passion, and creativity.
Step into The Rocks and experience the art trail for yourself. A journey where history, creativity, and community meet around every corner. From hidden murals to striking sculptures, each piece invites you to look closer, linger longer, and see Sydney in a new light. Whether you come for the culture, the stories, or simply the joy of discovery, The Rocks’ public art is waiting to be explored. 

Find out what else is on during Art & Culture Month at The Rocks.