Widely considered the most ambitious regional gallery in Australia, Bendigo Art Gallery will close in November 2025 to begin a transformational expansion and redevelopment project.
In what will be the largest-ever civic infrastructure project to be led by the City of Greater Bendigo, the $45m redevelopment will include a second level blockbuster exhibition space, a learning centre, theatrette and a Traditional Owner Place of Keeping for Dja Dja Wurring cultural materials.
The redevelopment will contemporise the external facade and internal gallery spaces whilst retaining the historic and iconic features of the original building design, including the Abbott, Bolton and Drury Courts.
The project has been made possible due to a $21m commitment from the Victorian Government, $9m from the City of Greater Bendigo and $4m from the Bendigo Art Gallery Board.
A philanthropic campaign led by the Gallery and a fundraising committee chaired by Andrew Myer AM, has raised a total of $9.35m to date. Two of Australia’s most respected philanthropic foundations – the Sydney Myer Fund and the Ian Potter Foundation – have contributed $4m and $3m respectively, together with a number of private donors.
Jessica Bridgfoot, Director of Bendigo Art Gallery said this was an unprecedented level of philanthropic support for the Gallery. “This extraordinary generosity is an acknowledgement of the transformative impact arts and culture can have on a regional community and we truly appreciate our donors’ investment in the Gallery and Greater Bendigo,” she said.
“This year marks 125 years of Myer, which started in Bendigo, and the Myer family have had a long connection to Bendigo and to the Gallery, including the Sidney Myer Work on Paper Gallery which was added in 2014. We are immensely grateful to Andrew Myer for the incredible enthusiasm he brought to the project and the legacy it will leave.”
“I would also like to gratefully acknowledge a significant pledge of $1.5m from arts philanthropist Dr Mark Nelson who also has connections to the Bendigo region,” said Jessica.
Recognised and celebrated as a key economic driver to the region, the Gallery will present a series of off-site exhibitions and activities while it is closed, beginning with a family-friendly exhibition staged in partnership with Bendigo’s Discovery Science and Technology Centre next year. Further details will be announced soon.
“Bendigo Art Gallery is one of the oldest, largest and most visited regional galleries in Australia, attracting visitors from across the country, and generating significant impacts on local businesses and the Bendigo economy,” said Jessica.
“This is an exciting next chapter in the history of our esteemed Gallery, and its central focus is to increase participation in creativity and culture and to create a space that is inspirational and welcoming to all, for now, and for generations to come.”
Currently on show at Bendigo Art Gallery is Frida Kahlo – In Her Own Image. Never before seen in Australia and direct from Mexico’s Museo Frida Kahlo, this major international exhibition features the iconic artist’s personal belongings including her fashion collection, make up, accessories and medical items.
The exhibition also features two celebrated paintings, and a series of drawings, archival photographs, letters and items from Kahlo’s cherished family home, the Casa Azul (the Blue House). Frida Kahlo – In Her Own Image continues to 13 July 2025.
For more information about Bendigo Art Gallery, visit: www.bendigoregion.com.au for details.
Image: Render of the redevelopment of the Bendigo Art Gallery (supplied)