FAQs
Where can I book tickets?
Tickets can be booked online via the tickets page on our website. Tickets can also be booked in person at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery (MPRG) either at the reception desk prior to the Archibald Prize exhibition or, once the exhibition begins, at the ticket booth on the Gallery forecourt. You will have an option to book a timed entry ticket or a flexible entry ticket. The flexible entry ticket allows you to enter the exhibition at any time between 10am-5.30pm on the day of your Archibald Prize visit.
To avoid disappointment, we strongly recommend that you book your tickets online in advance as times and dates can sell out.
Tickets booked online will be provided by email, which can be scanned from your mobile device or printed for entry into the exhibition. If you are having problems booking online, call 03 5950 1580 Tuesday – Sunday, 11am to 4pm.
Why do you have timed entry tickets?
We are anticipating that the Archibald Prize exhibition will attract 50,000+ visitors during the 7 weeks it is on display in Mornington. Considering this, we need to allocate eight entry times to avoid overcrowding and make the visit as enjoyable as possible.
What’s the benefit of a flexible entry ticket?
A flexible entry ticket is not a priority entry ticket, there may be some queuing if you arrive when it's busy, but you are not locked into an allocated time and can be flexible with your day.
What do I do if the session time I wanted to attend is sold out?
If a session time is sold out, it means the Gallery has reached its maximum capacity for that session. You can either select a new day to visit (when a time is available) or choose a different time on the day.
What happens if I miss my timeslot?
If you are more than 15 minutes late, please go to the information counter or the Ticket Booth on the Gallery forecourt for advice. If the session has space, you may enter at this time, however if it was fully booked our staff will place you in the next available session.
Is there a café and can I make a reservation?
Yes, we will have a 60 seater pop-up café on site. It is ‘walk-up’ style and due to the fast-paced nature of the event, we will not have reservations. An icon of the peninsula coffee and culinary scene, Commonfolk will be serving up great coffee, nutritious seasonal tucker and good vibes at MPRG. Open from 9.30am–5pm, Tuesday-Sunday.
How do I get to Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery (MPRG)?
The Gallery is situated on the Civic Reserve in Mornington. Our address is 'Civic Reserve', 350 Dunns Rd, Mornington, Victoria, 3931. Public transport is via train and/or bus, the Civic Reserve/Dunns Rd bus stop is a 300 meter walk from MPRG and is serviced by the 785 bus from Frankston Station. Click HERE to view transport options.
Where do I park my car?
There is parking on site at Civic Reserve and we have overflow parking available, if required. Please let the parking attendants know if you require accessible parking options. We have bike racks too!
Are there cloaking facilities?
Large bags or backpacks should be cloaked prior to entering the exhibition for safety of works and comfort of visitors. Free cloaking facilities are located in the ticket booth on the Gallery forecourt. Cloaking space is limited, so please keep bags and other items to a minimum when visiting, especially during busy periods.
How long can I spend in the exhibition?
We ask that you spend as close to the allocated ticket time as possible in the exhibition. In the morning, the timed entry tickets are for 45 minutes and in the afternoon, they are for 60 minutes. If you book the 4pm session, you may stay in the Gallery until 6pm, when the exhibition closes. Note the last entry time is 5.30pm.
If you book the 3pm session, you can join in on the 20-minute free Archibald Prize exhibition floor talk at 3.15pm.
Can someone else use my ticket?
There are no names on tickets so they can be used by anyone, regardless of who bought it. We will however ask to see a student or concession card at the exhibition entry (if applicable) so please make sure the ticket is appropriate to pass on.
Can I enter an exhibition more than once with my ticket?
Each ticket is valid for a single entry; however, staff may accommodate re-entry within a limited time, in certain circumstances.
What is a concession?
If you hold a Seniors Card, Health Care Card, Veterans Affairs Card, Pensioner Card, NAVA Membership Card or Full Time Student Card, you are eligible for a concession ticket. Please bring your card with you to show at the exhibition entry.
Does MPRG accept the companion card?
Yes. A carer or person who supports a visitor with disability or frailty is admitted free to paid exhibitions if they present their companion card at the ticket booth on the Gallery forecourt. Assistance animals are permitted entry into exhibition.
Access and Accessibility?
Accessible car parking directly opposite the entrance, no steps in or around building, ramps into café. Large print artwork labels in a booklet.
We have a limited number of wheelchairs available, please email apbooking@mornpen.vic.gov.au to book a wheelchair for your visit. Please note that there are quieter periods in the afternoon, usually after 2pm. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Gallery team if you require further assistance prior to arriving or speak to a member of our friendly team on arrival.
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What happens if I can’t attend something I have booked?
Tickets for Archibald Prize related events or programs cannot be exchanged, but if something unexpected happens that prevents you from attending, please email our office on mprg@mornpen.vic.gov.au or call on 03 5950 1580 to talk to one of our staff members. There may be a waiting list we can activate!
How do I book for a school or group?
Group bookings of 20 or more (including schools) need to book in advance with MPRG directly. Please email apbooking@mornpen.vic.gov.au to make your initial enquiry. Mondays are dedicated to group bookings only and we strongly suggest arrangements are made to visit then. You will be sent a form with dates and times to choose from. Each visit is an allocated 90 minutes with an option to book a guided tour ($20 for community/friend groups, free for schools)
Can I take photographs?
You are welcome to take photos or make videos or films if it’s for personal use only. We ask that you don’t use a flash, selfie-stick, tripod, or monopod and always be mindful of other visitors. Commercial use of images is strictly prohibited.
Can I bring a pram?
You are welcome to take a pram into the Gallery, and all our spaces are pram accessible. Perhaps consider booking one of the quieter session (usually the afternoon) so it’s not too noisy or busy for your bub! We have a baby changing table in our accessible toilet in the Gallery foyer.
Image: Visitor in the Archibald Prize 2023, at the Art Gallery of NSW, featuring Sally Ryan, Year of the Rabbit, sitter Claudia Chan Shaw, photo © the artist