Past exhibitions

Australia’s most engaging art event

The Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes is an annual exhibition eagerly anticipated by artists and audiences alike.

The Archibald Prize, first awarded in 1921, is Australia’s favourite art award, and one of its most prestigious. Awarded to the best portrait painting, it’s a who’s who of Australian culture – from politicians to celebrities, sporting heroes to artists.

The Wynne Prize is awarded to the best landscape painting of Australian scenery, or figure sculpture, while the Sulman Prize is given to the best subject painting, genre painting or mural project in oil, acrylic, watercolour or mixed media.

Each year, the trustees of the Art Gallery of NSW judge the Archibald and Wynne, and invite an artist to judge the Sulman. The 2020 judge is Khadim Ali.

Visit the exhibition to vote for your favourite portrait in the ANZ People’s Choice award before voting closes on 13 December and see the work of budding artists aged 5–18 on display in the Young Archies.

For families, there are also children’s labels, a children’s trail and an activity sheet with ideas for creating your own portraits at home.