Mbantua Gallery and Cultural Museum

Explore Utopia and its 40,000 year old traditions at Mbantua Gallery and Cultural Museum, Australia’s leading aboriginal art gallery.

 

Gallery and Old Ice Works Building

Situated downtown, Mbantua Gallery is Alice’s largest art gallery with part of the gallery’s housing in the old ice works building, an historical heritage site in Alice Springs. You will be immersed with plenty of information on the hundreds of aboriginal paintings adorning the walls as you enjoy walking around. You can shop for Australian art and craft gifts as well. Original paintings range in size from small 5 x 10cm paintings to a massive 360 x 540cm.

Free entry.

The Artwork

More than a dozen small aboriginal outstations flank a 100km plus stretch of the Sandover River north east of Alice Springs. Referred to collectively as the Utopia Region, a large portion of this land was reclaimed by its traditional owners after over 50 years of pastoral occupation. Home to around 1,000 aboriginal people, a huge 25% of Utopia’s population are artists whereby art is the largest source of employment and income to this decentralized region. Utopia Art has become one of the most coveted art movements in Australia and its artists teach about their Dreamings and long-lasting traditions through their artwork.

Cultural Museum

On Level 2, you can explore the culture behind the art movement and the aboriginal culture of Central Australia at the Mbantua Cultural Museum. Learn about the Dreamtime, see real bush foods, ancient weapons, historical art pieces including ‘Earth’s Creation’ and more.

Entry fee applies.

Earth’s Creation – Australia’s most important painting

In 2007 ‘Earth’s Creation’ became a national icon after becoming the first Australian indigenous painting to be sold for over one million dollars. Aboriginal artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye from Utopia, who painted the piece in 1995 one year before her death, has been deemed by international critics as a more profound artist than New York abstract expressionists Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning and Mark Rothko. ‘Earth’s Creation’ conveys Emily’s exuberant celebration of her country and has been dubbed Australia’s most important painting. Don’t miss the opportunity to see ‘Earth’s Creation’ and soak in its immense size and engaging energy before you leave Alice.

Utopia Giftware

Visit the gallery to see the entire Utopia Giftware range designed and developed by Mbantua Gallery. These are the hottest Australian Aboriginal souvenir products on the market including drink holders, stylish journals and chic stationary all designed with colourful and vibrant Utopia art work that benefits the Utopia community. Prices range from $1.50 to $17.95.
 

Mbantua Gallery & Cultural Museum
71 Gregory Terrace, Alice Springs
Phone: +61 8 8952 5571
Email: mbantua@mbantua.com.au
Website: www.mbantua.com.au

Open: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9.30am-5pm