UNPACKED! The Mosman Art Collection Project offers viewers a rare glimpse into the 'behind the scenes' activities of a professional regional art gallery. During this gallery maintenance period works from the Mosman Art Collection will be displayed in a changing, temporary exhibition on Level 1 of the Gallery as staff attend to art collection audit, documentation, digitisation and conservation of works. Expect to see a wide of range of artworks from the unusual and quirky, to those works considered to be jewels in the crown of the Mosman Art Collection, ensuring its enviable reputation. 

The Mosman Art Collection is an historically important and unique collection of paintings and works on paper which have been collected since Mosman Municipal Council’s commencement in 1897. The collection’s primary focus is Australian painting, and the core of the collection has been formed through the annual, acquisitive Mosman Art Prize, first established in 1947 by the artist, architect and arts advocate, Alderman, Allan Gamble.  The resulting collection of modern and contemporary paintings reflects developments in Australian art practices. The Mosman Art Collection also includes many significant works by Australian artists which have been acquired through several generous donations, including a major donation in 1945 by Alderman Keith Cowlishaw of 15 works from his personal collection of Australian Colonial and early twentieth century paintings including artworks by Conrad Martens, William Henry Raworth, William Whitney, William  Lister Lister, James Howe Carse and Valentine Delaware among others.

The Mosman Art Collection also includes the major donation of Australian impressionist and early twentieth century paintings by Mr Neil Balnaves AO, The Balnaves Gift.