The Bendigo Art Gallery will close its doors at the end of this month to embark on a significant redevelopment project valued at $45 million. The renovation is expected to transform the gallery into a more expansive space, featuring a large exhibition area on the second level, a dedicated learning centre, and a cultural materials space for the local First Nations people, the Dja Dja Wurrung. The project is slated for completion in early 2028.
The funding for this ambitious initiative comes from several sources. The City of Greater Bendigo has contributed $9 million, while the Victorian government has provided $21 million. Additionally, the gallery’s board has raised $4 million, with philanthropic efforts yielding $9.35 million. Notable contributions include $4 million from the Sidney Myer Fund and $3 million from the Ian Potter Foundation. The gallery is also pursuing additional funding from the federal government.
Gallery Director Jessica Bridgfoot has emphasized the importance of the redevelopment since her appointment in 2019. She expressed both excitement and a hint of sadness about the closure, stating, “You don’t get to do this very often, so you’ve just got to knuckle down and enjoy it. You’re doing this for the next generation.”
The scale of the redevelopment will render the entire gallery and its grounds a construction site, making it impractical to remain open. Bridgfoot noted that the safety of both the collection and staff is a primary concern. “Like many cultural institutions, we’ve outgrown our facilities. We’ve got this incredible international exhibition program, but when the shows roll into town, they take over everything else,” she explained.
As part of the redevelopment, the gallery aims to focus on five key areas: enhanced gallery spaces, a learning centre, a children’s gallery, retail and hospitality options, and improved accessibility. As the gallery is operated by the Bendigo City Council, all staff will be redeployed during the closure, with some working alongside neighbouring cultural institutions.
The redevelopment represents a significant investment in the cultural landscape of Bendigo, aiming to establish the gallery as a year-round destination that engages a more diverse community. Bridgfoot envisions a future where the gallery can host a variety of exhibitions and programs, benefiting both residents and visitors alike.
In the coming years, as the Bendigo Art Gallery undergoes this transformative process, the community can look forward to a revitalized space that honors the region’s artistic heritage while embracing new opportunities for education and engagement.
