See the Archibald Prize Exhibition at our regional gallery

With more than 150,000 visitors through the doors each year, Gosford Regional Gallery is one of the most visited regional galleries in New South Wales, and a treasure for our community. 

This year marks our gallery’s 25th anniversary, and as part of the celebrations, we’re hosting the 2025 Archibald Prize! 

Every year, Australians eagerly wait to see the finalists for this iconic portrait competition that engages the nation. 

Following its display at the Art Gallery of NSW, the Archibald Prize Exhibition will tour venues across NSW, and I’m excited that we’re bringing it to the Central Coast! The exhibition is open daily from 22 November 2025 through to 11 January 2026 with tickets available at the door. 

To celebrate, we’re hosting a special event called ‘Thursday Nights with Archie’ from 4pm until 8pm each Thursday (except public holidays). You can view the Archibald Prize, enjoy refreshments at the Archie Bar, stroll through the beautiful Japanese Gardens and listen to great live music. Bookings are essential and can be made through the gallery’s website. 

And to coincide with the tour, we’ll be holding a local Young Archie competition. Young artists between the ages of 5 to 18 are encouraged to create a portrait of a person who is special to them. Forms are available on the gallery’s website, and all entries must be submitted by 7 December. Our gratitude to Central Coast artist and Royal Art Society of NSW member Jocelyn Maughan OAM, who will judge the competition.

Five finalists in each age category will be exhibited at the gallery and online from 13 December to 11 January 2026. 

A visit to the Gosford Regional Gallery to see the Archibald Prize Exhibition and Young Archies is a must for your end of year calendar, especially if you have visiting family and friends for the holiday season. 

I’d like to acknowledge the Art Gallery of NSW for the work they do in touring the Archibald Prize and thank them for their ongoing support of regional galleries like ours. 

Mayor Lawrie McKinna