1000s of visitors to descend on Shepparton
By Deanne Jeffers
AUSTRALIA’S most celebrated portrait prize has arrived at Shepparton Art Museum (SAM), the only Victorian venue to host the touring exhibition of the Archibald Prize 2026.
On display now until November 1, the exhibition brings the 59 finalist works to Shepparton, including the winning portrait by Melbourne-based artist Richard Lewer, offering audiences locally and across Victoria the chance to experience one of the country’s most celebrated and anticipated art exhibitions close to home.
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.
“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,” he said.
“People might have seen some of the imagery; they might know who the winner is, but when you actually see the works on the wall, there is a real power to them, like the colour and the scale.
“That’s what I get blown away by, and I think by having conversations with people, people are going ‘Wow, I didn’t think that they would be that big!’”
Mr Lacy is certain the exhibition will offer something for everyone.
“The Archibald Prize is really the biggest brand name in Australian art. You don’t have to like art or know about art to have heard about the Archibald Prize.
“It’s great that anyone can come in and are drawn to certain works, don’t like other works, but at least they are having a response, at least they are engaging with art, and in a way, there’s no wrong answer,” he said.
“There’s 59 paintings. You might like 20 of them, you might like all of them, or just one, but there’s something that you’re going to like.”
The exhibition features many familiar faces including media personalities and even the governor-general, as well as some locally-recognisable personalities with young people from the community submitting their portraits to the Young Archies.
“One of the great things about the Archibald Prize is that running parallel is the Young Archies project … so at each touring venue, the venue can have their own Young Archies,” Mr Lacy explained.
“We worked with a lot of local schools and big a big call out, and we have 26 finalists on display from primary to high school kids. They’ve made artworks of their parents or grandparents, or people they look up to or admire.”
Beyond the artworks, visitors can engage more deeply with the artists and the works through a series of artist talks and workshops at SAM throughout September and October.
For a limited time, you can visit SAM and catch the end of the Facing Modernity: Degas to Picasso exhibition, which closes September 20, and explore the Archibald Prize 2026, situated on Level 2.
The exhibition is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the Goulburn Valley, strengthening Shepparton’s reputation as a major cultural tourism destination.
For tickets and program information, visit sheppartonartmuseum.com.au
