The collection display includes a wide selection of portraits that tell extraordinary stories of encounter, exploration, independence, individuality and achievement in Australia.

The Darling Portrait Prize is a biennial national prize for Australian portrait painting honouring the legacy of Mr L Gordon Darling AC CMG (1921-2015). The winner receives a cash prize of $75,000.

The exhibition is selected from a national field of entries, reflecting the distinctive vision of Australia's aspiring and professional portrait photographers and the unique nature of their subjects.

Little Darlings is for primary and secondary students, with four separate categories across Kindergarten to Year 12. Responding to the theme ‘identity’, students painted, drew, photographed, printed or combined all of these to make their portrait.

Join us in the Gallery as we share the stories behind the photographs and paintings in the National Photographic Portrait Prize, Darling Portrait Prize and Little Darlings.

Our popular art cart is back for the school holidays! This is where you can get all creative during your visit if the mood takes you, responding to our latest exhibition the National Photographic Portrait Prize.

Featuring 130 works across painting, film, photography, screen printing, sculpture, and then some – it explores our inner worlds, outer selves, intimacy, isolation, celebrity and more.

Join us in the Gallery for this free 30-minute tour exploring the exciting new exhibition WHO ARE YOU: Australian Portraiture.

Explore portraits through drawing and creative activity in the galleries.

Join Darling Portrait Prize 2022 finalist Caroline Zilinsky in a deep dive into drawing, focussing on the importance of line in creating a portrait.

Join Darling Portrait Prize 2022 finalist Caroline Zilinsky in a deep dive into drawing, focussing on the importance of line in creating a portrait.

Explore the main collection before our usual opening hours. We welcome anyone of any age who would benefit from a more relaxed gallery experience. We’ll have low sensory spaces, quiet areas and a creative activity for families to enjoy together.