From an art competition in the 1920s to the oldest metropolitan regional gallery in NSW, the 90 year milestone of Manly Art Gallery & Museum illustrates an enduring local community commitment to the Northern Beaches arts and culture.

Mayor Michael Regan said Manly Art Gallery & Museum (MAG&M) now boasts over 6,800 works, donated over a long period by the community, Council and artists.

“MAG&M is a true community facility and voice for arts and culture for Sydney and the Northern Beaches,” Mayor Regan said.

“The gallery was born from an art competition organised by the Manly Daily in the early 1920s. ‘Middle Harbour from Manly Heights’ by James R. Jackson was the much-loved winner, so loved that the local community successfully lobbied for its purchase by Manly Council.

“From there, artworks were donated by artists and citizens and in 1930, Manly’s West Esplanade Reserve bandstand was converted into a public art gallery.

“Thanks to the ongoing support and generosity of many, including the Gallery Society, MAG&M now has an incredibly diverse and unique collection encompassing paintings, ceramics, photography and objects relating to our beach culture.

“It attracts more than 100,000 visitors a year and exhibits the work of artists across all disciplines, as well as supporting young up and coming artists through the annual Art Express exhibition of HSC students artwork.

“It is an incredible local community asset of which we are all proud.”

MAG&M is currently featuring an exhibition of highlights from its extensive collections, providing rare insights into the collection history and stories of one of Sydney’s great art collections.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, visits to MAG&M are by free timed tickets.

Media Enquiries: media@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au 9942 2678