The National Art School has been a vital contributor to the arts and cultural sector in New South Wales for over 150 years, preparing more notable and successful professional artists than any comparable institution in Australia. The National Art School is the longest established public art school in Australia.

The former Darlinghurst Gaol site houses dedicated studio accommodation, study centres, project spaces, a gallery, a theatre and a specialised arts library, as well as the National Art School Archives and Collections.

NAS delivers a broad and dynamic range of visual arts education programs, including short courses for children, short courses for adults from beginner to advanced, courses for high school teacher professional and renowned degree programs that have supported the development of many of Australia’s most recognised and respected artists.

The former Darlinghurst Gaol is the oldest surviving large gaol complex in Australia. It is constructed entirely of sandstone, well designed and largely intact. The standard of work is extremely high, and the chapel is considered one of the finest examples of the stonemason’s art in Australia.