Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh) — Attraction in Melbourne

MGA, the Australian home of photography, is one of Australia’s leading public galleries. The mission is to collect, preserve, present and interpret Australian photography in order to provide cultural enrichment to our audiences through innovative engagement, entertainment and education.

An initiative of the City of Monash, MGA opened in 1990. MGA's vision is for Australian photography and MGA to be valued locally and respected internationally.

The intent of the collection and exhibitions is to create opportunities for members of the community to come together, share knowledge and increase their passion for the arts.

Located in Wheelers Hill, MGA is a key cultural facility and a popular destination for art and photography enthusiasts from across Melbourne.

The original part of the building was designed by internationally renowned architect Harry Seidler. It remains the only formal art gallery space designed by Seidler. With subsequent additions to the building by Cox Sanderson Ness (2000), MGA is a fine example of contemporary Australian architecture.

Situated in landscaped grounds with stunning views of the Dandenong Ranges, MGA is located on a landmark site once occupied by an early homestead. A sculpture park enables visitors to enjoy their art experience both inside and outside the gallery.

MGA holds a collection of over 3 100 nationally significant Australian photographic works. The growing collection aims to provide a cogent and refined account of Australian photographic practices from the perspective of an art museum. As a result of our efforts to date, MGA is the only cultural institution in the country whose collection is focussed solely on Australian photography.

On average, MGA stages four large exhibition seasons and one art prize each year. MGA’s exhibitions vary in style and size but always relate to the practice and appreciation of photography. The William and Winifred Bowness Photography Prize was established in 2006 and aims to promote excellence in...

There are three cultural gems not necessarily on locals' or visitors' radar thst I consider MUST SEES in Melbourne; McClelland Sculpture Park & Gallery in Langwarrin, the indigenous collection at NGV Fed Square (oh, and while you are there ANOTHER MUST SEE is the Australian Centre for Moving Image or ACMI), and the third/fourth one is this place, the Museum of Australian Photography. This place always has outstanding exhibitions - always - has a great cafe, and I think they have THE best gift shop of similar ilk, so congratulations to whoever curates it. The gifts are aesthetically exquisite, range in value from modestly affordable to "I-don't-care-what-it-costs-I-want-it" and a dangerously desirable collection of books. I love this place and I hope it continues to get support from its funding bodies because it is punching well above its weight. Congratulations to the curatorial staff and everyone...

The gallery offers a high standard of photographic exhibitions, and the main gallery space is often utilized to dramatic effect e.g. backlit works in subdued light and creative, integrated installations. MAPh Staff are friendly and helpful. It hosts the Bowness Prize, one of the top contemporary photography prizes in the land, and it's always worth a visit to view the diversity of the finalists' photographic art - which is often innovative, thought provoking and sometimes confronting. The surrounding environment is pleasant, with a small lake and grassed areas, and the cafe is spacious with indoor and outdoor seating. In true Banksy style you exit and enter through...