Collective vision: 130 years

Bendigo Art Gallery celebrates 130 years in 2017 and to mark the occasion will present a dynamic new exhibition of historic, contemporary, curious, significant, and much-loved favourites from the gallery’s renowned collection. 

Founded in 1887, the gallery was officially launched in refurbished Volunteer Rifles orderly rooms in 1890.  Two new courts were added eight years later, designed in the grand European tradition with polished wood floors and ornate plaster arches and cornices.  Since then, two contemporary wings have also been added, including a major new $8.5 million extension in 2014, which more than doubled the gallery’s exhibition space. 

Today, Bendigo Art Gallery is Australia’s largest regional galleries, known for delivering an ambitious exhibition program as well as significant cultural and economic benefits for the city.

Considering 130 years of collecting in the context of social, artistic and community change as well as the evolution of the gallery itself, the curatorial team will take a fresh approach to presenting the immense variety of items acquired, purchased and donated throughout the gallery’s long history.

Visitors will see new acquisitions by leading contemporary Australian artists including Hany Armanious, Michael Cook and Polexini Papapetrou alongside some of the first ever works acquired by the founders of the gallery in 1887. These will be joined by long-time favourites and lesser-known gems from the collection.