Australia’s most celebrated portrait prize, the Archibald Prize, returns for 2025, captivating audiences at the Art Gallery of New South Wales with its incredible portraits and powerful storytelling. First awarded in 1921, the prestigious annual prize celebrates the best in contemporary portraiture, showcasing faces familiar and fresh, from cultural icons to unsung heroes.
This year’s Archibald Prize was awarded to Julie Fragar for her work Flagship Mother Multiverse (Justene), a powerful oil on canvas portrait of artist Justene Williams. Monumental in scale and richly layered, Fragar’s winning piece explores motherhood, identity and multiplicity with emotional and visual depth. The coveted Packing Room Prize judged by gallery staff went to Abdul Abdullah for No mountain high enough, a vibrant and emotionally charged portrait of fellow artist Jason Phu.
Among the 2025 exhibition highlights are several conversation-starting pieces. Sisters, by Andrew Lloyd Greensmith, captures the deep bond between Nicole and Antonia Kidman in ethereal detail. Another standout is “I won’t wish, I will” by Yolande Gray, a moving portrait of acclaimed ceramicist Pippin Drysdale. Equally compelling is Peter Ke Heng Chen’s vibrant work depicting his comedian son Aaron Chen, titled “I’m a little fish in New York (ripples of ambition)” a colourful piece capturing both vulnerability and drive as the sitter navigates fame and identity.
Everyone can be a critic at the Archibald. Visitors are encouraged to vote for the People’s Choice award and explore the Young Archie competition, which showcases the next generation of Australian artists. What better way to round out this cultural feast than with a high tea inspired by the artworks themselves!
Just a short walk from the gallery, the recently refurbished Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is celebrating its role as Official Hotel Partner with a seasonal Archibald High Tea, running weekends until August 17.
Held in the richly furnished Velvet Room on Level 5, the immersive High Tea experience breaks from tradition with a table-spanning display in lieu of the usual three-tiered tower. The vibrant hues of the menu mirror the jacaranda palette seen across this year’s Archibald works and the natural beauty of nearby Royal Botanic Garden. Delicate sweets are styled like an edible garden, while cheese and charcuterie plates are carefully curated tableside from a trolley.
Priced at $69 per person or $89 with a glass of Pommery Champagne, this High Tea offers exceptional value for such a high-concept, limited-time event. Bookings must be made at least 48 hours in advance, with dietary requirements specified at the time of reservation.
High Tea at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is a must-do experience and makes for a great day out!
The Archibald Prize 2025 is on display at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney until 17 August 2025, before touring regionally to Geelong, Gosford, Muswellbrook, Mudgee, Shoalhaven and Coffs Harbour.
Make a weekend of it and browse our curated collection of luxury Sydney stays. Book your art-inspired escape now at alluxia.com.
Images: Supplied Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, Art Gallry of NSWThe writer was a guest of Sofitel Sydney Wentworth and Art Gallery of NSW
