2025 Archibald Prize: Geelong Gallery

Next date: Thursday, 30 October 2025 | 07:30 AM to 04:45 PM

The Archibald Prize is Australia’s most prestigious portrait award, capturing the faces and stories of our time through the eyes of leading and emerging artists. Each year, it sparks conversation, admiration and debate, offering a fascinating snapshot of Australian culture and identity.

Meet at MPRG at 7.30am for a 7.40am departure to catch the 9am Sorrento–Queenscliff ferry. On board, enjoy morning tea in the Portsea Lounge whilst we talk to Jaq Grantford about her personal insights and creative processes in the 2025 Archibald Prize selected work, Sisters . Jaq tells me she has some tea-to-spill about the sitting process too!

At 11am, we will view the Archibald Prize exhibition at Geelong Gallery, giving you 90 minutes to explore the extraordinary portraits of this years showing.

Afterwards, relax over lunch (at your own expense) at Rebecchi’s Café, a vibrant hub in Newtown’s creative Rutland Street Design hub & precinct. If you would prefer a simple takeaway option, that's fine too. The Barwon River is a short 5 min walk away.

Back on the mini bus to Queenscliff & we will return on the 3pm ferry, arriving back to MPRG by approx. 4.45pm.

Seats are limited (to 24 guests) so don’t miss your chance to see Australia’s most celebrated portrait prize with exclusive insights from a finalist artist.

NOTE: If you would prefer not to travel to MPRG in the morning of the tour, you may meet us at the Sorrento ferry terminal (foot traffic lounge). Please indicate your meeting point in the booking process.

Image: Jaq Grantford with her 2025 Archibald Prize portrait, Sisters.