Vivid Sydney at The Australian National Maritime Museum

In collaboration with Torres Strait artist Brian Robinson - of the Maluyligal people of Western Torres Strait and the Wuthathi people of Shelburne Bay, East Coast of Cape York Peninsula - the Australian National Maritime Museum will present a trilogy of light-based installations across rooftop, harbour, and heritage architecture, transforming the precinct into a surreal realm where mythology, marine life, and pop culture collide.

Friday 22 May – Saturday 13 June
Daily from 6pm – 11pm
Free

Vivid Light displays are shown daily from 6pm until 11pm. We encourage viewing from nearby vantage points – Pyrmont Bridge or King Street Wharf.

Cosmic Chase transforms the museum rooftop into a looping, animated battleground where ancient mythology collides with pop culture and arcade-era fantasy. Drawing on the graphic language of Torres Strait artist Brian Robinson, the projection unfolds as a playful pursuit across a glowing field of geometric flowers, marine motifs, and bold patterning.

This work features the art of Brian Robinson and was developed in collaboration with S1T2.

Vivid Light displays are shown daily from 6pm until 11pm. We encourage viewing from nearby vantage points – Pyrmont Bridge or King Street Wharf.

Floating Realm unfolds across the harbour and lighthouse as a sculptural landscape of LED-lit forms, hovering on the water’s surface and suspended in the sky. Monumental tentacles curl and rise from the harbour, joined by drifting fish, a glowing moon, and other forms drawn from Robinson’s visual world where marine life, mythology, and pop culture collide.

This work features the art of Brian Robinson and was developed in collaboration with Junior Major.

Vivid Light displays are shown daily from 6pm until 11pm. We encourage viewing from nearby vantage points – Pyrmont Bridge or King Street Wharf.

The museum will transform into a vibrant harbour-side meeting place for one luminous night during Vivid Sydney.

Move freely across a rooftop lookout, waterfront boardwalk and illuminated installations. There’ll be live music, hands-on artmaking inspired by marine mythology and sci-fi futures, digital play, and informal artist talks. Explore First Nations exhibitions after dark and enjoy native-ingredient dining overlooking the harbour.

Part night festival, part exhibition, part community celebration, Sea Gathering invites audiences to participate, create and connect - weaving tradition and technology into a shared contemporary cultural experience.

Tuesday 2 June
6pm – 9pm
Free

Vivid Light displays are shown daily from 6pm until 11pm. We encourage viewing from nearby vantage points – Pyrmont Bridge or King Street Wharf.

Explore a universe of light in this immersive, awe-inspiring and interactive adventure for young children and their families, travelling across worlds of colour and imagination. Suggested for ages 4-10, Wonderverse encourages exploration, play and creativity as children meet mesmerising fireflies, explore a forest of light and contemplate the vastness of the universe.

Created by acclaimed Australian childrens’ theatre company Patch Theatre, Wonderverse’s vibrant worlds are brought to life with engaging guides, interactive lighting designs by Geoff Cobham and epic tunes by Elisha Umuhuri from Aboriginal hip-hop sensation DEM MOB.

Making its NSW debut, this innovative 40-minute adventure blends theatre, visual spectacle and play for a memorable and educational experience.

Friday 22 May – Saturday 13 June
Tickets $25

HarbourWatch will be open for the duration of Wonderverse with a limited food and beverage menu.

To view the entire Australian National Maritime Museum schedule of events, follow the link below;