Credits: © Canva As one of the oldest and largest regional galleries in Australia, the Bendigo Art Gallery is a national icon that has contributed significantly to the country’s evolving cultural landscape and played a major role in reconceptualising art as not only accessible but enjoyable for all. Founded in 1887, the Gallery has fast-earned itself a reputation as a leader in the field of fashion exhibitions, with its innovative international shows, public programs and events luring visitors from all over the world. Credits: (c) Leon Schoots Over the years, the Bendigo Art Gallery has played host to a multitude of high-calibre exhibitions and shows, attracting visitors in their droves yearning for a cultural experience that casts a spotlight on the fashion and contemporary wonders of the world. Over the last decade, the Gallery has hosted major exhibitions the likes of Elvis: Direct from Graceland, Mary Quant: Fashion Revolution, Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion and Marimekko: Design Icon 1951 to 2018, as well as a series of other exhibitions including Frida Kahlo: Her Portraits, Piinpi: Contemporary Indigenous Fashion, Tudors to Windsors: British Royal Portraits, Modern Love: Fashion visionaries from the FIDM Museum LA, and Grace Kelly: Style Icon amongst others. For the next few months, art-lovers can expect to take delight in the Paul Guest Prize biennial – a $15,000 non-acquisitive prize and exhibition highlighting contemporary drawing practice in Australia, as well as In Our Time – a group exhibition showcasing four decades of art from China and beyond, as well as Treasures of Dai Gum San – showcasing exquisite artistry across the renowned collection of Bendigo’s Golden Dragon Museum. Opening Hours and Tickets The Bendigo Art Gallery is open seven days a week, 10am to 5pm, every day of the year (including public holidays) with the exception of Christmas Day. Entry is free, with tickets to be purchased only for special travelling exhibitions. Experience a vibrant fusion of art and festivity at Fiesta Bendigo – a unique celebration that not only highlights Bendigo’s rich cultural tapestry but also pays tribute to one of the most talked-about exhibitions of the year. This event transforms the art scene into a dynamic party atmosphere, inviting you to immerse yourself in art, history, and cultural celebrations. Stay in Bendigo Ernest Hotel as you explore the beautiful gold rush city, visit Frida Kahlo: In her own image at Bendigo Art Gallery, and soak up the vibrant Fiesta atmosphere. After a day of culture and excitement, unwind in style before diving into another day of immersive experiences. Book your stay now and indulge in the best of Bendigo! Event Details: Location: Bendigo Art Gallery – 42 View Street, Bendigo VIC 3550 Credits: (c) Leon Schoots The Gallery’s modern and contemporary collection is a varied showcase that includes First Nations pieces, painting, sculpture, ceramics, decorative arts, photography and works on paper. This collection includes work by artists such as Patricia Piccinini, Bill Henson, Dale Frank, Jan Nelson, Fiona Hall, Ben Quilty, Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Kit Webster, and Ben Armstrong.
The Bendigo Art Gallery also houses a collection of 19th century Australian art depicting the wealth-imbued period of the country and with a focus on hard-work and new beginnings. Many of the oil paintings and sketches of this collection reflect the early landscape as it was transformed by miners, with iconic pieces such as Walter Wither’s The Drover, Thomas Wright’s Sandhurst in 1862, George Rowe’s Kangaroo Flat, and ST Gill’s Eaglehawk Gully – each adorning the walls and reflecting Bendigo’s initial gold rush period and beyond.
The Gallery also prides itself on its strong collection of 19th century international art including English and European landscapes, allegories and portraits reflecting European salon trends of the time. Featured British works include Homeless by Thomas Kennington, Too Late by Herbert Schmalz, and the stunning photo-realism of The Arab Blacksmith by Thomas Sheard. A substantial selection of French pieces also take pride of place on the Gallery walls.
Credits: (c) Leon Schoots In order to honour the city’s commitment to art and culture, the Bendigo Ernest Hotel merges voguish interior design with an intentional showcase of exquisite art, thereby fashioning a unique experience where guests are truly surrounded by the wonders of creativity. Credits: (c) Leon Schoots The Bendigo Art Gallery is located only a stone’s throw away (100 metres, to be exact) from the Bendigo Ernest Hotel, ensuring your cultural escape is as convenient as it is relaxing, slow and enriching. Take your time as you wake amidst the comfort of your luxury suite before making your way to the iconic arts destination that awaits a few steps yonder. Travelling from Melbourne The Bendigo Art Gallery is located approximately 150 km north-west of Melbourne. The journey is a 90-minute drive up the Calder Freeway by car, or via V/Line train. Travelling from Ballarat The Gallery is located 120 km north of Ballarat along the Midland Highway. Public transport is via the V/Line coach service and takes just over two hours.
Bendigo Art Gallery
Bendigo Art Gallery
Also featuring gilt-framed Australian art from the 1850s to the present day, 19th century European paintings, sculptures, indigenous works and decorative arts – this attraction is without a doubt the jewel in the city of Bendigo’s crown.
A brief history
The Bendigo Art Gallery was first built at McCrae Street as the Sandhurst Fine Art Gallery. In 1890, it was decided that the art collection required a building with a more commanding presence, and so a revamped Gallery was opened on View Street.
Over the next decade, the building saw further expansion, with its original polychrome red and white Victorian brick facade and heritage galleries largely intact until 1962. The Gallery has since seen a number of multimillion dollar redevelopments, bringing it to the landmark status that it holds today.
Exhibitions
A Fiesta Celebrating Iconic Art
Where to stay in Bendigo
Dates: 15 Mar 25 to 13 Jul 25
Cost: All tickets – $20.00 to $35.00
Children under five are free. Family Ticket (two adults and two children): $90
Permanent Collections
Where to stay in Bendigo?
A stay at the Bendigo Ernest Hotel will perfectly round off your Bendigo arts-based itinerary, not only because of the hotel’s close proximity to the Art Gallery, but because of its commitment to celebrating arts and culture.
Create yourself an entire cultural experience with a ticket to one of the current exhibitions, or simply take a wander through the permanent collections before finding your place amidst the creative surrounds of the Bendigo Ernest Hotel itself where you can while the rest of the day away in a calm and restorative space.
How to get to Bendigo Art Gallery?
Both the V/Line train and coach services end at the Bendigo Railway Station which is a 15-minute walk to the Bendigo Art Gallery. Buses also run from the Station to the Gallery (look for bus number 50, 52, 53, 54 or 55).
For Bendigo train timetables, fares, maps and travel information visit the V/Line website or phone V/Line on 1800 800 007. For Bendigo bus timetables, visit Public Transport Victoria regional buses.
SUITES
Bendigo Ernest Hotel is an immersive experience that combines historic grandeur with modern features. Boasting 10 individualised suites, each room is adorned with alluring Australian art and swept with contemporary aesthetics, luxurious bedding, and designer furnishings – combining to forge a memorable and bespoke stay and perfectly complementing one’s visit to the Bendigo Art Gallery.
Hotel check-in is after 2pm. To ensure a smooth and personalised experience, Bendigo Ernest Hotel provides each guest with a unique check-in service complete with a building tour, porter service and a guide of their suite. Complimentary off-street parking is also available at the rear of the building. To view booking terms and conditions click here.
Suite 10: Patrick Henigan
Suite 9: Richard Birmingham
Suite 8: Pilven Triptych
Suite 7: Michael Georgetti
Suite 6: Grand Parkview
Suite 5: James Meldrum
Suite 4: Heather B Swann
Suite 3: The Arts Project
Suite 2: The Writer’s Room
Suite 1: Robin Wallace-Crabbe
Hotel Ernest acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands upon which we work and live on, The Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Peoples. We pay our respects to the Elders past and present of our region, and of Australia. Hotel Ernest is a proudly inclusive stay and an ally of the LGBTIQA+ community.
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