4 September 2026

ARCHIBALD PRIZE 2026 OPENS IN SHEPPARTON THIS WEEKEND IN ITS ONLY VICTORIAN VENUE

SHEPPARTON ART MUSEUM
5 SEPTEMBER – 1 NOVEMBER 2026

Australia’s most celebrated portrait prize has arrived in regional Victoria, with Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) the only Victorian venue to experience the touring exhibition of the Archibald Prize 2026.

On now until 1 November, the exhibition brings the 59 finalist works to Shepparton, including the winning portrait by Melbourne-based artist Richard Lewer, offering audiences across Victoria the chance to experience one of the country’s most celebrated and anticipated art exhibitions close to home.

Established in 1921, the Archibald Prize is Australia’s oldest and most prestigious portrait award, presented annually to the best portrait painting “preferentially of some man or woman distinguished in art, letters, science or politics”.

SAM Artistic Director Danny Lacy said bringing the Archibald Prize to Shepparton was a major moment for the museum, the region, and art lovers across Victoria.

“It’s wonderful to see the Archibald Prize arrive in Shepparton, bringing together 59 portraits that reflect the people, personalities and stories shaping Australia today. We’re honoured to be chosen as the exclusive Victorian venue on the exhibition’s regional tour, and we know our community is equally thrilled to host such a beloved event in our nation’s cultural calendar. The artworks showcased in this exhibition exemplify the talent that abounds in the contemporary Australian arts scene, and we’re eager to welcome audiences from across the state to experience the exhibition and all the museum has to offer.

“Spring is a beautiful time to visit Shepparton and we encourage audiences to make a day, or a weekend, of it – experience the Archibald Prize 2026 and our wider program of exhibitions and events, and enjoy our region’s food, culture and landscape.”

City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said the arrival of the Archibald Prize 2026 was a significant cultural and tourism opportunity for the region.

“The Archibald Prize is a major drawcard for Greater Shepparton and we are delighted to welcome visitors from across Victoria and beyond to experience this remarkable exhibition at SAM. Events of this scale showcase the depth and diversity of our region, while supporting local businesses, accommodation providers, restaurants and tourism operators.

“We encourage everyone to come to Shepparton, visit SAM, see the Archibald Prize for themselves and stay a while to discover all that our great region has to offer.”

Art Gallery of New South Wales Senior Curator of Contemporary Australian art Beatrice Gralton said the Archibald Prize regional tour extends access beyond Sydney to this celebrated exhibition.

“The Archibald Prize holds a unique place in our cultural landscape, bringing together outstanding portraiture and offering a compelling snapshot of contemporary Australia. Following its presentation in Sydney, the regional tour gives communities across the country the opportunity to experience these remarkable works firsthand.

“We are delighted to partner with Shepparton Art Museum as the first venue on the Archibald Prize 2026 tour, continuing the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ longstanding commitment to ensuring greater access to one of Australia’s most loved exhibitions.”

The exhibition is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the Goulburn Valley, strengthening Shepparton’s reputation as a major cultural tourism destination. Visitors are encouraged to extend their stay and explore the region’s acclaimed food, wine, outdoor experiences and vibrant art and cultural offerings.

Visitors can engage more deeply with the artworks and artists of the Archibald Prize 2026 through a series of artist talks and workshops at SAM throughout September and October, beginning with an in-conversation event on Saturday 5 September at 10.30am featuring Archibald Prize 2026 winner Richard Lewer and Beatrice Gralton. More details about this event and other programs can be found at https://sheppartonartmuseum.com.au/events/.

Archibald Prize 2026 is on display at SAM from 5 September to 1 November 2026. Tickets available at sheppartonartmuseum.com.au.

Archibald Prize 2026 is an Art Gallery of New South Wales touring exhibition, and the regional tour is supported by major partner Optus. Find out more about each of this year’s Archibald Prize finalists at artgallery.nsw.gov.au/prizes/archibald/2026.

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About SAM:

Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is located on Yorta Yorta Country, Shepparton, Victoria.

Serving as a dynamic cultural and community hub for the Greater Shepparton region, SAM is one of Australia’s leading regional art museums and the newest purpose-built collecting institution in regional Victoria. SAM houses one of the nation’s most significant collections of Australian ceramics and regional holdings of South Eastern Indigenous Art, and presents an inclusive museum experience that inspires creativity, forges meaningful connections, and celebrates the unique stories of our region.

Through its programs, events, collection, and temporary exhibitions, SAM creates opportunities for artists and creatives to engage audiences with contemporary ideas and issues, allowing the stories of our country’s ancient cultures and contemporary multicultural Australia to be discovered and exchanged.

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Media enquiries, please contact: Ali Webb, House of Webb Publicity
p: +61 438 190 328 e: ali@houseofwebb.com.au