The Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney is poised to host the first major Australian exhibition of Belgian surrealist René Magritte, running from October 26, 2024, to February 9, 2025.

This exhibition will be a retrospective, showcasing over 100 works, including notable pieces like 'The Lovers' (1928) and 'The False Mirror' (1929), highlighting Magritte's profound impact on modern art.

In conjunction with the Magritte exhibition, the gallery will also feature a showcase of works by Chinese contemporary artist Cao Fei, further enriching the cultural offerings this summer.

Both exhibitions are part of the Sydney International Art Series 2024–25, supported by the NSW Government and Destination NSW, aiming to enhance Sydney's reputation as a global cultural hub.

The Art Gallery has collaborated with the Magritte Foundation and the Menil Collection to present these major works, drawing from collections in Australia, Belgium, Japan, and the United States.

Accompanying the exhibition will be a publication featuring essays and reproductions of the displayed works, contributing to a deeper understanding of Magritte's innovative contributions.

Visitors will have the option to purchase joint tickets for both exhibitions, which will be available until February and April 2025, respectively.

This exhibition marks a significant moment for Australian audiences, as it is the first North American retrospective of Cassatt's work in 25 years, featuring over 100 pieces.

Curator Nicholas Chambers has noted Magritte's status as a 'painter of ideas,' emphasizing the relevance of his work across various contemporary fields.

Minister for the Arts John Graham highlighted Magritte's influence and the significance of Sydney as a cultural hub through this landmark exhibition.

The return of the Magritte exhibition follows extensive negotiations between the Art Gallery and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, which previously hosted the show.

The Cao Fei exhibition will occupy a 1300-square-metre interactive space and will include two Sydney-specific commissions by the artist.