Newcastle Art Gallery Unveils Three Major New Exhibitions
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If you're planning a visit to Newcastle, there's never been a better time to explore the reimagined Newcastle Art Gallery, which has unveiled three major new exhibitions as part of its 2026 program.
Newcastle Art Gallery 2026
Newcastle Art Gallery has unveiled three significant new exhibitions as part of its ambitious 2026 program, giving visitors even more reasons to explore one of New South Wales' leading cultural attractions.
Following its reopening earlier this year after a major expansion, Newcastle Art Gallery has already welcomed more than 80,000 visitors. The redevelopment has transformed the Gallery into the largest public art institution in New South Wales outside Sydney, creating new opportunities to present larger and more diverse exhibitions.
The latest exhibitions include a major survey of works by acclaimed Torres Strait Islander artist Brian Robinson, the first solo institutional exhibition by artist Tiyan Baker and The Mordant Family Gift, featuring works donated by leading Australian philanthropists Simon and Catriona Mordant.
Brian Robinson: Multiverse
Running until 30 August 2026, Multiverse is the largest solo exhibition ever presented by renowned Torres Strait Islander artist Brian Robinson.
The exhibition showcases more than 30 new and rarely seen works created over the past decade. Visitors can explore Robinson's distinctive artistic style, which combines Indigenous storytelling, mythology, astronomy, science fiction and contemporary culture.
A highlight of the exhibition is the New South Wales premiere of Robinson's immersive installation, Zugubal: The Winds and the Tides Set the Pace. The exhibition also includes a series of large-scale vinyl cut prints commissioned by Newcastle Art Gallery and inspired by objects from the University of Newcastle collection.
Tiyan Baker: Mouth Mnemonica
Presented until 6 September 2026, Mouth Mnemonica marks the first institutional solo exhibition by artist Tiyan Baker.
The exhibition centres on a newly commissioned multi-channel video installation exploring the endangered Bukar language spoken by Baker's mother and the Bukar Bidayǔh people of south-western Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo.
Combining moving image, sound and sculptural works, the exhibition examines memory, language and cultural inheritance. Through personal storytelling and artistic interpretation, Baker explores the role of language in preserving cultural knowledge across generations.
The Mordant Family Gift
On display until 8 November 2026, The Mordant Family Gift brings together 25 works donated to Newcastle Art Gallery by prominent Australian philanthropists Simon Mordant AO and Catriona Mordant AM.
The collection includes paintings, photography, textiles, sculptures, installations and prints by leading Australian and international artists. It represents the largest gift of artworks the Mordant family has ever made to a single institution.
The exhibition offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience these works together for the first time and highlights the important role philanthropy plays in growing public art collections.
More to Come in 2026
The new exhibitions are just the beginning of an exciting year for Newcastle Art Gallery.
Upcoming exhibitions include the first major Australian survey of internationally recognised Newcastle-based artist Angela Tiatia from September 2026, followed by a world-first solo exhibition by painter and author Anh Do later in the year.
With its expanded exhibition spaces and growing program of nationally significant exhibitions, Newcastle Art Gallery is fast becoming one of regional Australia's most important cultural destinations.
For visitors planning a Newcastle getaway, the Gallery offers a compelling addition to the city's vibrant arts, dining and waterfront precinct.
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