One of Australia’s most anticipated art exhibitions is heading to regional Victoria, with Shepparton Art Museum confirmed as the only Victorian venue to host the Archibald Prize 2026.
Fresh from its annual showing at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the exhibition will make its first regional tour stop at SAM, giving Victorian audiences their sole chance to see the celebrated portrait prize without leaving the state.
The exhibition brings together portraits of well-known cultural figures alongside lesser-known Australians whose stories reflect the breadth of contemporary life.
The Archibald Prize has long been a fixture of the national arts calendar, sparking debate and drawing large crowds each year. For Shepparton, hosting the exhibition marks a significant moment, reinforcing the museum’s growing reputation for presenting major touring exhibitions and expanding access to high-profile art experiences outside capital cities.
SAM Artistic Director Danny Lacy said the opportunity was highly anticipated. “We are honoured to be the exclusive Victorian host of the Archibald Prize 2026. As the first destination on the national tour—and the only opportunity for Victorian audiences to experience these works in their home state—we look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to SAM and celebrating the extraordinary talent showcased in this iconic exhibition,” he said.
The Art Gallery of New South Wales acting director of collections and exhibitions Wayne Tunnicliffe said the partnership continued a strong relationship between the institutions. “The Art Gallery of New South Wales is thrilled to be partnering with Shepparton Art Museum for the Archibald Prize 2026, the only interstate venue on next year’s regional tour.”
The Archibald Prize 2026 will be on display at Shepparton Art Museum from 5 September to 1 November 2026, alongside a program of talks, tours and community events.
