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 photography.

The gallery exhibits photographs. The photos and images on display can range from historic black and white techniques to modern artistic use of colour and printing. You'll always find at least one photograph that is thought provoking. The exhibition changes around every 3 months. The MGA website provides details of the current and upcoming works. I like photography and applaud artists who put their work on display. Entry to the gallery is free. Thanks MGA. ps. There is a cafe within the complex that offers an opportunity to rest and enjoy a refreshment after touring the gallery. It makes for an enjoyable outing.

The gallery focuses exclusively on photography. The Harry Seidler designed building provides three main spaces to display temporary exhibitions. Some are good, some are meh, and some are excellent - current and future exhibitions are listed on the MGA website. Exhibitions cover all styles of photography, with an emphasis on Australian photographers. Entry to the MGA is free, although donations are accepted. There is plenty of free parking. The is also a small gallery shop selling photography books and gifts, and a café for the obligatory post-gallery flat white.

I have been a professional photographer overseas and i was delighted to see Australia have a museum for photography. We didn't have one where I came from. I have been planning to pursue my photography journey in Australia and this place gave me some hope. I am trying to keep up with the artistic style here so I can tell you it's not the same as from other parts of the world. I felt that i could see better photos but maybe that's just the art in me speaking. Good stuff
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

A dedicated photographic art gallery with changing exhibitions on different themes. There are a few permanent sculptures outside the gallery. There is a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating with a range of cuisine at reasonable cafe prices. A small range of items for sale in its tiny walk through shop. Spacious carpark at the rear with beautiful mature trees. A lovely garden with meandering brick trail outside with several Park benches. There is a lovely ground outside for picnics and a well cared for pond. Ducks wander around the grounds boldly.

Wonderful atmosphere with lovely patio overlooking the park outside the MGoA. There's also a lake with ducklings and seats around the place. The menu is western and Vietnamese fusion food. There's also pho on offer, the soup is nice although the noodles is not that great because it's not fresh (but unless if you're a pho-fan you're unlikely gonna be able to tell). Decent coffee, there's Vietnamese drip coffee as well as fresh young coconut juice.

Great free art gallery in the Monash city council. Lots of different art pieces to look through and read about, in a more intimate setting vs. the bigger galleries in the city. The gift shop at the front of the gallery had tons of different little bits and bobs related to photography including mini keychains and books. The MGA also has a café attached to it inside which had tons of seating. Ample parking and easy to get to.

Excellent Exhibitions are held here focusing on photography. The current Dombrovkis one is awesome. The cafe has good food and coffee. Recently we ordered salmon and rocket croissant which was made fresh with generous fillings. I love sitting out on the sheltered deck area overlooking a small lake. Short walks around the gardens are part of the experience. Well worth going. I go regularly and love it. Good gallery shop too

Great Gallery that supports photographers and photographic exhibitions. Entry tends to be free, or at least has been for the exhibitions that I have attended. They will gladly accept donations though. The building itself is worth visiting as it was designed by Seidler. There is also a great lake with native gardens for a contemplative walk. And a good little cafe for a refreshing coffee.

A good place for kids and adults but just check what's on before you go there. Also there is a library next to it and the cafe as well. You feel very calm nd peaceful. There is a shop before you enter and there are multiple carparks there. Also lake and it is located in the residential area. You will see lots of ducks and people who jog and exercise as well. There is a lake as well.

Amazing! After a few years of living close by, we finally stopped in to see an exhibition. We were both incredibly impressed by the gallery. The Anne Zahalka exhibit was nothing short of exquisite. Very nicely presented. We plan visit regularly, become members, and see all future exhibits.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

Not too impressed with the photo exhibition , especially the photos that portrayed two Aboriginal boys "attacked" by the police without mentioning why they attracted police attention. Won't even comment on the nude photos which to me were in poor taste. Most of the other photos were ok.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

A wonderful home for the home of Australian photography. The gallery is free to all, but a gold coin donation for each visitor is a small price to pay for the eclectic photographic exhibitions held there. It's well worth the 30 minute drive SE from Melbourne CBD. More information on current exhibitions can be found on their web site.

Lovely, small, intimate space. Showing the Bowness photography prize when I visited, photos are presented well, although some reflections from the lights on darker images were distracting. Free entry with a booking, a cute little gift shop on the way in and out, plenty parking, and a little Cafe right next door

Dropped in for a complete random visit as was very impressed by the current exhibition of 100 faces/portraits. Also has a small cafe in there. And it's free/or donate what you want to.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Fantastic hidden gem. Nicely layed out gallery with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The adjoining library has relaxing views over the lake and all this with a onsite cafe serving up great coffee and food. A wonderful place for a relaxing afternoon.

Stopped at the cafe for a bite to eat and a coffee... The coffee was delicious and then the eggs Benedict came out... Absolutely brilliant. The fresh, in house made hollandaise sauce was amazing. 5 star dining right there. Thank you very much.

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.

An excellent gallery of photography with a public library and cafe, all under the one roof. It is surrounded with well groomed parkland, a lake, and an established estate of architecturally designed homes. Well worth a visit on a day out.

Visited this beautiful hidden gem of a museum in Wheelers Hill on a Saturday. Was pleasantly surprised to easily find parking space. Great coffee shop and amenities. Loved the Anne Zaharia exhibit that was showing when I was there, very

The gallery is layed out in a good design, to best show off to photograph art works on display. With a delightful lake next to the gallery to saunter around
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Great gallery - we came here to see the wonderful and timeless photographs by Peter Dombrovski. Friendly staff, free parking and free exhibition. There's a cafe here as well to spend the afternoon.

Beautifully designed 'wave' gallery with excellent Malaysian Cafe next door. Cool with good lighting, and a series of well curated photography exhibitions. Enthusiastic staff. Highly recommended.

One of the best exhibitions I've seen, and I've been a regular for years. Love the little shop out the front, so many unique gift ideas, and can't wait for the Cafe to be open again

This is a small specialised art museum displaying mainly fine photography of Australian artists. It is attached to a local library and has a lovely shop and cafe. Parking is easy

Quiet outdoor setting with great food and coffee. Dogs allowed note: if you get there at an early time then enter from the back otherwise from the front it appears as closed.

This is a very good gallery with adjoining library overlooking well groomed native gardens. A cafe is between the two and have a variety of light meals and good beverages.

Popped in quickly on the way home & cafe was pumping. Nice little spot. Gallery was small but the exhibition that was on was quite interesting. Free entry I think too.

Always a relaxing and inspiring place to visit. Happened across an artist pannel (last day of Leave only Footprints exhibition, I think), we well hosted and engaging.

Awesome place with a nice Cafe and brilliant exhibitions thay are laid out beautifully. The staff members are also very friendly and know a LOT about the exhibitions.

Love this gallery. Good parking, excellent air conditioning, a cafe, a small but excellent gallery shop, and a wide variety of exhibitions. I thoroughly recommend it.

Great place to visit, interesting photography exhibition on at the time.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Lovely cafe with friendly staff. Interesting photography displayed in the gallery. Great plane to go to catch up for lunh or just a coffee.... coffee was great!!

Actually went to the library. Free black and white movie screening. Wonderful old films. But the gallery has terrific exhibitions of contemporary photography.

What a ressource. This is a completely underrated jewel hidden in monash. Beautiful exhibitions usually free of charge. Nice cafe!, a little lake and park.

Hidden cafe in Wheelers Hill area. Food was suprisingly good and pricing very reasonable. Pho soup very good, try the spring roles also. Good coffee.

Wonderful little gallery focusing on photography, with a decent cafe/restaurant and pleasant garden surrounds, including a lake with friendly ducks.

Agreed! This is a secret hideout to dive into a beautiful and sophisticated environment for a read, a watch and a fantastic hour of leisurely time.

Great little gallery, specializing in photography exhibitions, located in a wonderful serene location with a cafe adjoined by the local library.

Great exhibitions held here. Exhibit lighting is appalling poor, no attempt made to control glare that sometimes obliterates a hanging.

Saw The photographic exhibition and it was absolutely awesome........oh the colours and closeups.....it's absolutely worth seeing.

Great gallery with ever changing art, featuring the best photography in Australia. Worth coming back to see every exhibition.

A lovely, clean cafe. The food was great and so were the staff. They explained the menu and were prompt with the food.

Very powerful exhibitions are inspirational,showcasing atonement with nature and the mother earth all beings More

Lovely local gallery featuring photography especially. The gallery is surrounded by excellent gardens and a lake.

Great place to take the little ones and have a look at the ducks on the lake and also gallery with a cafe inside

Very nice gallery, free entry with donation, awesome cafe on site. We saw the 100 faces exhibition, quite cool.

The restaurant besides is great value for money... professional chef at cafe price with personalised service

A really great gallery dedicated to Australian photography. A unique and under-appreciated destination.

Gold coin donations to enter wonderful photographic exhibitions & great coffee and food at the cafe.

Love this spot. Good exhibition currently. Suitable for kids, some interactive aspects. Lovely cafe.

Have seen a few exhibits here and it's a fantastic place to visit. Free entry and all are welcomed

Nice exhibition of photography. Beautiful little shop with unusual items and on top a good Café.

Delicious morning tea at the gallery cafe followed by a fascinating look into VCE photography.

It's a great small museum in Wheelers Hill. Beautiful presented artwork and no crowds. Perfect

Great location. Clean family environment. Menu not very extensive but all good quality meals.

Fabulous local gallery featuring Australian photographers. Tamara Dean currently exhibiting.

Grand kids love it when we go there then to the library and off to see the ducks …

Always impressed with the display of art. Well worth a visit. Love to de-stress here

Always good to have a wander around the local gallery. So lucky it's in my backyard.

Set among truly beautiful landscaping, this three room gallery is so very inspiring.

They don’t allow u to bring coffee and enjoy art but allow wine … human bigotry

Great space, free gallery, cafe and library in a beautiful location, recommend

Kids love the children's Day events, story time etc. Good collection of books.

Good variety of artwork and photographs but even better is the attached cafe.

The free exhibitions have never disappointed. Always a great space to visit.

Very noisy but a beautiful collection of some very important pieces of art.

Such a great exhibition - really nice day and time together was brilliant

Nice and big gallery, always interesting to see. But cafe was excellent

Lovely walk, I suggest to come in spring and you can see the ducklings!

Surprisingly open and inviting space. Friendly staff. Well maintained

My fav spot to chill and get lost in the talent. Cafe is good too

Stargazing exhibition and Salt exhibition were amazing and free!

Love this venue and lovely cafe. Food and service was great

Always good. Interesting, provocative at times, innovative.

Great place to hold a function. Great paintings. Good food.

Great cafe with added bonus of art gallery and library!!

Nice coffee, good place to enjoy a few quiet minutes.

Great photography exhibitions and beautiful location.

Good Library and art gallery and beautiful out door

Great little gallery and free entry is a bonus!

Always great exhibitions and the cafe is fab.

Excellent exhibition on landscape photography

Wonderful photography exhibition in jan 2023

Outside and inside design and on exhibition.

Excellent venue, great art, wonderful staff.

VERY GOOD ARTWORK AND NICE FOOD AT THE CAFE

Great photography exhibition currently

A nice little peaceful sanctuary!

Best location library