Central Coast Council is delighted to announce that Australia’s most prestigious portraiture award, the Archibald Prize 2025, will be showcased at Gosford Regional Gallery from 22 November 2025 to 11 January 2026.
The event which is an Art Gallery of New South Wales touring exhibition, will bring the iconic collection of portraits featuring prominent and emerging Australians to the Central Coast for locals and visitors to enjoy.
Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the arrival of the Archibald Prize marks a major cultural milestone for the region.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the Archibald Prize to Gosford Regional Gallery, one of the nation’s most loved art events. It’s fantastic that our community can experience this exhibition right here on the Coast,” Mayor McKinna said.
“Hosting this exhibition for another year highlights the Central Coast’s growing reputation as a hub for arts, culture and creativity.”
The Archibald Prize not only celebrates incredible artistic talent but also reflects the diversity and stories of Australians today.
The Gosford Regional Gallery will be extending their visiting hours on Thursday nights, with ‘Thursday nights with Archie’ held weekly during the Archibald Prize 2025 exhibition (excluding public holidays and Christmas).
Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said hosting the Archibald Prize 2025 will attract visitors and boost the local creative economy.
“Bringing such a significant exhibition to the Coast helps strengthen our local arts sector and showcases the region as a vibrant cultural destination,” Ms Smith said.
Visitors can also enjoy the award-winning exhibition in the main Gallery as part of their twilight market experience with the Make It Big Markets running at the same time on Saturday 29 November or explore the Moving Image Gallery (MIG), featuring renowned artist Todd Fuller’s exhibition Dear Christians.
Tickets for daytime exhibition entry can only be purchased at the gallery door. Pre-purchase tickets for Thursday nights with Archies through the Gosford Regional Gallery website.
For more information, search ‘Archibald Prize 2025’ at gosfordregionalgallery.com
View all Central Coast Council’s recent media releases at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
Keep up to date with Council’s breaking news by signing up to our enews at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/enews
