About Bendigo Art Gallery
Bendigo Art Gallery is one of Australia's oldest and largest regional art galleries, located on View Street in central Bendigo, Victoria. Established in 1887, it holds an extensive collection of Australian art from the 19th century to the present, alongside European and contemporary works. The gallery is renowned for hosting major international touring exhibitions, including fashion and art blockbusters, within its heritage and contemporary gallery spaces.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a blend of heritage and contemporary gallery spaces in central Bendigo overlooking Rosalind Park. The gallery displays its permanent collection of Australian paintings, works on paper, sculpture and decorative arts, alongside rotating temporary exhibitions and major international touring shows. Visitors can explore multiple gallery levels, view curated exhibitions, join guided tours, browse the gallery shop and use accessible facilities in a central city location.
Key highlights
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One of Australia's oldest regional galleries founded in 1887 with extensive Australian collection
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Major international touring exhibitions including fashion, art and design blockbusters
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Heritage building on View Street with contemporary extensions
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Permanent collection spanning 19th-century to contemporary Australian and European works
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Free general admission with curated temporary exhibitions and public programs
History of Bendigo Art Gallery
Founded in 1887 by citizens of Bendigo during the gold rush era, Bendigo Art Gallery is one of Australia's oldest and largest regional galleries. It was established to bring art to the regional community and has grown through civic bequests and acquisitions to hold a significant collection of 19th-century Australian, European and contemporary works, housed in a heritage building expanded with contemporary additions.
Culture & Context
A major cultural institution for regional Victoria, the gallery plays a central role in Bendigo's arts precinct on View Street. It is known for its Australian art collection and for presenting major international exhibitions that attract national audiences, contributing to the cultural life and tourism of Greater Bendigo.