The Bendigo Art Gallery is one of the oldest and largest regional galleries in Australia, founded in 1887 with money that flowed directly from gold rush wealth. The permanent collection spans Australian and European art from the nineteenth century to the present, with particular strength in colonial-era works and contemporary Australian painting and sculpture.
What sets Bendigo apart from other regional galleries is its reputation for blockbuster touring exhibitions. The gallery has hosted major shows on subjects ranging from Venetian art to David Bowie costumes, drawing audiences that would fill a capital city institution. Check the program before your visit — there is a good chance something genuinely significant is showing.
The building itself, a mix of the original Victorian-era structure and later extensions, sits at the edge of Rosalind Park on View Street, within easy walking distance of the main Pall Mall strip. Entry to the permanent collection is free; touring exhibitions charge admission.
Address: 42 View Street, Bendigo
Hours: Daily 10am–5pm
Admission: Permanent collection free; touring exhibitions vary