Newcastle Art Gallery

Newcastle Art Gallery presents a dynamic range of exhibitions and events for the local community and visitors alike, and is nationally recognised for one of the finest public collections in Australia. The nation’s first purpose-built regional gallery; Newcastle Art Gallery was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in March 1977. Black Totem II, one of only two large sculptures ever produced by the late Australian artist, Brett Whiteley stands 11m high in the Gallery forecourt, and John Olsen’s ceiling painting The sea sun of 5 bells, 1964 is on permanent display inside.

It’s collection continues to grow, through the support of the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation, the Newcastle Art Gallery Society, and the benefaction of countless individuals, artists, and companies. Founded on a 1945 bequest from Dr Roland Pope consisting of almost 200 major Australian paintings, it now numbers more than 6,200 works. Key artists include: Arthur Boyd, David Boyd, Rupert Bunny, Judy Cassab, Grace Cossington-Smith, John Coburn, William Dobell, Donald Friend, Emily Kame Kgnwarreye, Margaret Olley, Margaret Preston, Lloyd Rees, Brett Whiteley, as well as extensive Indigenous art and Japanese ceramics sub-collections.