The Mario Finlayson National Art Gallery was inaugurated in June 2015. Since the formation of the Calpe Artists Society in 1954, the local art fraternity had dreamed of the setting up of a Gibraltar National Art Gallery to exhibit and celebrate the work of highly talented local artists. Gibraltarian artist Mario Finlayson BEM was for a very long time, a lead and staunch campaigner in the quest for a National Art Gallery in Gibraltar.
The announcement to name the National Gallery after Mario Finlayson was made prior to the opening of the venue by the Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo QC MP. This coincided with the launch of a retrospective exhibition, produced by Gibraltar Cultural Services in January 2015, dedicated to Mario’s artistic life, and works. Mario had campaigned tirelessly for years for the opening of a National Gallery to showcase the works of local artists. Mr Picardo explained Mario was most deserving of this honour not least as his work had inspired so many generations of artists.
On Tuesday 3rd of June 2025, the gallery celebrated its 10th anniversary after a short closure for refurbishment and re-curation. This milestone marks a new chapter for the gallery, including a refreshed exhibition layout featuring recent acquisitions to the Government’s art collection and the exciting addition of works by acclaimed Gibraltarian artist Christian Hook. Hook, a Freeman of the City becomes the seventh artist represented at the Gallery. His works are now displayed at Gibraltar’s National Gallery, alongside; Mario Finlayson, Gustavo Bacarisas, Elio Cruz, Jacobo Azagury, Rudesindo Mannia and Leni Mifsud.
The Gallery is housed on the ground floor of the centrally located City Hall, a venue chosen due to its historical significance, beauty, and grandeur.
Winter hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm
Summer hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 3pm
On Fridays the Gallery closes half an hour earlier.
Free Entrance.
For more information, please visit the following link:
https://www.culture.gi/art_galleries/mario-finlayson-national-art-gallery/
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