Archie 100 A Century of the Archibald Prize
Celebrating 100 years of Australia’s most renowned portrait prize
In 2021, Australia’s oldest and most-loved portrait award, the Archibald Prize, celebrated its 100th birthday.
Arranged thematically, Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize unearths fascinating stories behind more than 100 artworks carefully selected from every decade. It reflects not just how artistic styles and approaches to portraiture have changed over time but, importantly, the changing face of our nation.
Since 1921, the prize has attracted entries from both prominent and emerging artists in Australia and New Zealand, and featured people from all walks of life, from famous faces to local heroes.
Resulting from many years of research for lost portraits, this landmark exhibition features works from the Art Gallery’s collection as well as works from libraries, galleries and museums across Australia and New Zealand, and private Australian and international collections. Some of the works have not been seen since first being exhibited in the Archibald.
Discover the stories
All the themes, portraits and text from the exhibition along with behind-the-scenes articles, videos and more
Buy the book
Includes photographs and text for each portrait, an essay about the quest to find the artworks, a timeline, and facts and figures
More about the prize
Find out about the Archibald and its related prizes, including competition entry conditions, and explore past winners and works
See this exhibition for free
Art Gallery of NSW members can see this for free at the touring venues, just by presenting their current membership card.
Become a member
Note: This display includes works that are protected under the Protection of Cultural Objects on Loan Act 2013. Find out more information