Art Gallery

Photo taken inside the Lake Macquarie Art Gallery
Installation shot: yapang marruma: making our way (stories of the stolen) featuring in foreground Cherie Johnson Lest We Forget 2008, fired and incised terracotta, installation size 10 x 595 x 107cm, courtesy the artist.

Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery is an exceptional cultural and tourist destination.  Located on the shores of beautiful Lake Macquarie, the gallery precinct consists of an award winning purpose-built gallery, sculpture park, mosaic pathway, expansive leafy grounds, and historic Awaba House Restaurant Cafe. 

Opening Hours: The Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm and selected public holidays. Admission is free.

Lake Macquarie is unique amongst regional galleries in Australian due to its location and quality of programming. The gallery has received many national, state, and regional awards in tourism and Indigenous programming.

The gallery prides itself on hosting an exciting and changing program of nationally significant touring exhibitions alongside exhibitions featuring the work of the Hunter’s finest artists. 

The contemporary craft outlet features many locally and nationally respected craftspeople. An ideal place to buy handcrafted ceramics, glass, textiles, art journals, books, catalogues, greeting cards, artist packs, and novelty items.

The major focus of the collection, including the works in the sculpture garden, reflect our unique location – Still Waters Clear Visions. We are also the custodians of a number of works by well-known Australian artists, including Sir William Dobell.

The café in Awaba House is an idyllic place to take in the view and enjoy lunch or a relaxing coffee. 

The gallery site is welcoming and visitor friendly with:

  • ample car parking
  • easy ramp access to the gallery for wheelchairs and prams
  • baby changing facilities.

The gallery shop specialises in high-quality craft objects as well as fun and funky novelty items for kids and grown-ups. Come and shop in comfort with a view and then enjoy a coffee next door!

Awards

  • 2009 Museums and Galleries IMAGinE Award for Education and Public Engagement
  • 2009 Museums Australia Multimedia and Publication Design Awards [MAPDA] for Best Catalogue (under 64 pages) for Adam Geczy: Concerts and High Commendation for Cold Front
  • 2008 NSW Local Government Cultural Award for Aboriginal Cultural Development
  • 2007 MAPDA for Gallery Program, and High Commendations for the cataloguesEarth cry and Found out
  • 2006 MAPDA for Best Catalogue (under 64 pages section) and Best in Show, with the Colour(less) catalogue
  • 2006 NSW Local Government Cultural Award for Aboriginal Cultural Development
  • 2005 NSW Local Government Cultural Award for Aboriginal Cultural Development
  • 2005 National Local Government Cultural Awards for Strengthening Indigenous Communities (commendation)
  • 2004 Hunter Regional Award for Excellence in Heritage and Cultural Tourism
  • 2004 NSW Local Government Cultural Award for Best Practice in Managing a Cultural Institution
  • 2003 Hunter Regional Award for Excellence in Heritage and Cultural Tourism
  • 2003 NSW Award for Excellence in Heritage and Cultural Tourism