S.H. Ervin Gallery

The S.H. Ervin Gallery, Observatory Hill (The Rocks) While visiting the Gallery find the perfect gift in our shop Located on Observatory Hill, just a short walk from Circular Quay

About the Gallery

The S.H. Ervin Gallery is one of Sydney ’s leading public art institutions housed in the historic National Trust Centre on Observatory Hill, The Rocks in Sydney. The Gallery’s exhibition program is designed to explore the richness and diversity of Australian art, both historical and contemporary, and present it in new contexts. The Gallery is renowned for encouraging research and promoting scholarly appraisal of artists from all periods of Australian art history. In addition, the S.H. Ervin Gallery has developed an excellent name for presenting important exhibitions and programs that recognise the valuable contribution made by Australian women artists.

The Gallery building dates from 1856, when it was designed by Henry Robertson as additional classroom accommodation for the expanding Fort Street School (which later became Fort Street Girl’s School in 1916).The school operated on the site until the early 1970s. Around this time, philanthropist and collector, Samuel Henry Ervin offered a bequest for the establishment of a public art gallery committed to the display of Australian art. The National Trust secured the lease of the former Fort Street Girls’ School buildings from the NSW Department of Public Works. Following restoration of the buildings, the S.H. Ervin Gallery was officially opened in May 1978, by NSW Premier Neville Wran, with an exhibition of works by Conrad Martens.

Collection

The Gallery's collection includes the S. H. Ervin Bequest, the Alan Renshaw Bequest, the Mavis E. Cope Bequest, as well as many other gifts and acquisitions. Among the artists represented are many significant figures from the 19th and 20th centuries, including Conrad Martens, Eugene von Guerard, Arthur Streeton, Donald Friend, Nora Heysen, Thea Proctor, Margaret Preston, Lloyd Rees, James Gleeson and Jeffrey Smart.

Exhibitions

The S.H. Ervin Gallery hosts seven exhibitions each year, including travelling exhibitions, which focus on the work of Australian artists. The Gallery has presented major survey exhibitions of artists including Clarice Beckett, Albert Tucker, Violet Teague, Kathleen O'Connor, Margo Lewers, Jean Bellette, William Robinson and John Coburn. The S.H. Ervin Gallery also hosts popular annual shows including the Salon des Refusés : The alternative Archibald and Wynne Prize, and the Portia Geach Memorial Award for women artists.

Public Program 

The Public Program of guest speakers is hosted every second Sunday at 3pm in the gallery exhibition space. Exhibition floortalks are held on Tuesdays at 12 noon. Talks are free with exhibition entry. Special group bookings and school tours as arranged.

Education

Talks for groups and schools can be arranged by contacting the Gallery. All groups must fill out a group or school booking form prior to their visit. Students can investigate artworks, explore different interpretations of art and relationships between artists, their work and the audience. Many exhibitions are accompanied by an education kit.

The Trust Cafe

While at the S.H. Ervin Gallery, visit the Trust Cafe.
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11am-3pm | Saturday & Sunday 1pm-5pm | Closed Mondays.
PH: (02) 9258 0175. Bookings strongly advised.

Shop
The S.H. Ervin Gallery shop stocks a variety of art books and products. 
Phone (02) 9258 0173 for more information.

Accessibility

Wheelchair users and people with limited mobility
A wheelchair ramp allows access to the Cafe and Gallery. A wheelchair is available on request for the duration of your visit. Printed information on exhibits is at wheelchair height.

Blind and visually impaired
Braille and audio tours are not currently available.

Guide/hearing dogs
Guide dogs are welcome. Please contact the Gallery for handling requirements.

Deaf and hearing impaired
No induction loops are fitted in the Gallery.

Parking
A designated parking space is available in the National Trust car park, next to the wheelchair ramp.

Accessible toilets
Available inside the National Trust Centre, next to the wheelchair ramp.