The Archibald Prize 2025 is the right excuse for a household day trip!
We love Geelong Gallery and there’s one thing really particular about seeing Australia’s most celebrated portrait prize up shut. The 2025 Archibald exhibition is bursting with color, creativity, and tales that may spark conversations.
The portraits are daring and thought-provoking, and there’s usually one thing new that catches our children’ consideration. This 12 months’s present options 57 finalist artworks, every chosen for its capability to seize the essence of its topic, whether or not a well-known face or a neighborhood hero.
A Family-Friendly Experience of the Archibald Prize Geelong
First up, don’t miss the Kid’s Trail, a free exercise booklet out there on the entrance. We choose one up for our youngest and it turns the exhibition right into a enjoyable artwork treasure hunt — encouraging them to look carefully, rely particulars, and discuss what they see.
The Archibald Prize exhibition takes us about an hour to get by means of.
For toddlers and preschoolers, the Gallery Tots program (Fridays, 9.30–10.00am) is a beautiful option to introduce artwork by means of storytelling and play-based actions. It’s free however bookings are important, and kids should be accompanied by an grownup. It’s a mild, interactive begin to exploring the gallery setting with none strain to remain nonetheless for lengthy.
Families preferring a quieter go to can e book a Relaxed Session, held earlier than common opening hours. These classes are excellent you probably have kids who profit from a calmer setting with fewer crowds and softer lighting.
Related put up: 39 Best Things to Do in Geelong with Kids
Accessibility and Visitor Comfort
Geelong Gallery has gone the additional mile to make the Archibald accessible for all guests. Large print labels can be found to obtain onto your gadget, and there are audio and Auslan excursions through the Art Gallery of NSW web site — simply carry your individual headphones. We discover the audio descriptions a good way to deepen our understanding of sure portraits, particularly with older children eager to know extra in regards to the artists’ tales.
Timed entry tickets assist maintain the gallery snug and crowd-free. We suggest arriving 10–quarter-hour earlier than your session — you’ll want about an hour to discover at a relaxed tempo.
Extend Your Visit — Eat, Drink, and Play Nearby
Geelong Gallery is completely positioned within the metropolis’s vibrant arts precinct, so it’s straightforward to make a full day of it. You’ll discover loads of family-friendly locations close by for lunch or a deal with. If you present your Archibald ticket, you too can get pleasure from particular gives at native venues, equivalent to:
- Tutti Café – a lunch menu impressed by Archibald artworks and a $10 espresso and cake particular.
- Caruggi – Archibald-themed cocktails and mocktails.
- Anther Distillery – 10% off all merchandise and complete invoice (for the grown-ups).
We seize lunch close by, then spend a while in Johnstone Park— it’s the right spot for teenagers to run round after being indoors.
Making Faces
Geelong Gallery can be internet hosting Making Faces — Beci Orpin (till Monday 9 February 2026), an interactive set up within the Gallery’s Learn Space.
Bright, playful, and filled with hands-on creativity, this vibrant exhibition invitations kids and households to discover portraiture in imaginative new methods.
Entry charges apply, but it surely’s nicely price including to your go to, particularly in case you’re bringing little ones.
Getting There
The Geelong Gallery is at 55 Little Malop Street, proper by Johnstone Park.
- By Train: Just a 3-minute stroll from Geelong Railway Station.
- By Car: Around 60 minutes from Melbourne CBD.
- By Bus: A brief stroll from Geelong Railway Station or the Moorabool Street interchange.
- By Ferry: If you need to make a day journey of it, Port Phillip Ferries runs weekend providers from Docklands to Geelong. The gallery is a 15-minute stroll from Cunningham Pier, and ferry + gallery ticket packages can be found.
We’ve carried out the practice and ferry choices earlier than — it’s such a enjoyable option to journey with children and makes the day really feel like a mini journey.
Tickets and Entry Details
The Archibald Prize 2025 runs from Saturday 30 August to Sunday 9 November 2025.
- Adult: $24
- Concession: $20
- Child: $13
- Members: $17
Tickets are timed and needs to be booked on-line at to keep away from queues. You also can purchase tickets in individual, however on-line is way simpler — particularly on weekends.
AGNSW Members obtain free entry upon exhibiting a sound membership card.
Don’t Forget to Vote!
Before you permit, don’t miss the prospect to forged your vote for the People’s Choice Award. You can scan the QR code on the exit to have your say — it’s at all times enjoyable to see whether or not your favorite portrait matches the favored vote.
Archibald Prize Exhibition FAQs
When is the Archibald Prize 2025 exhibiting at Geelong Gallery?
From Saturday 30 August to Sunday 9 November 2025.
Do I have to e book a time slot?
Yes, tickets are timed to handle customer numbers and keep away from lengthy waits. Book on-line prematurely to safe your most popular time.
How lengthy ought to we enable for our go to?
Most households will spend round an hour exploring the exhibition.
Can I carry a pram?
Yes, the gallery is pram-accessible and has lifts.
Are the Wynne and Sulman Prizes on show too?
No, Geelong Gallery is just internet hosting the Archibald Prize 2025 finalists.
Is there a People’s Choice Award?
Yes — you may vote as soon as per individual through QR code on the exit.
Are there any particular packages for teenagers?
Yes! Pick up a free Kid’s Trail for self-guided enjoyable, or be a part of Gallery Tots on Fridays (ages 18 months–4 years).
Is it price visiting with children?
Absolutely. The exhibition is vibrant, participating, and filled with portraits that spark questions and dialog. The kid-friendly actions make it accessible and enjoyable for all ages.
