About

Bendigo Art Gallery is one of Victoria's leading cultural institutions. Founded in 1887 and now proudly owned and operated by the City of Greater Bendigo, it has evolved into a cultural destination with a reputation for presenting a diverse program of exhibitions with local, national and international content.

In addition Bendigo Art Gallery develops thought provoking programs and events to accompany exhibitions including guided tours, lectures and workshops, as well as education programs designed specifically for schools and educational institutions.

Our collection

Bendigo Art Gallery Collection (1887)

Bendigo Art Gallery was founded in 1887 by the Citizens of Sandhurst. In the late 1880s, distinguished Bendigo architect WC Vahland supervised the conversion of the former Bendigo Volunteer Rifle’s orderly room in View Street into a new home for the Gallery’s collection.

The revamped Gallery opened in 1890, and occupied the building now called Bolton Court. Drury Court was added in 1897, then Abbott Court just eight years later following a plan devised by another leading local architect, William Beebe. These rooms were designed in the grand European tradition (notably the Tate Gallery, London) with polished wood floors, ornate plaster arches and cornices, and diffused natural sky-lighting through rooftop lantern towers. The historic courts continue to delight visitors and remain dedicated spaces to showcase British and European academic pictures which were collected in the gallery's early years.

More than a century later, the collection is recognised for its diverse contemporary representation including a selection of work by the very best artists in the country and now comprises of over 5000 works, including paintings, sculpture, works on paper, new media and decorative art objects.

Its growing contemporary collection, innovative programming, inspirational education and public programming, and the establishment of an international exhibition schedule that links Bendigo with the world reinforces its capacity and reputation as the largest and most progressive museum of art within regional Australia.

Themes: Building Victoria's industries and workforce, Building towns, cities and the garden state, Building community life, Shaping cultural and creative life