Castlemaine Art Museum — Attraction in Castlemaine

Visited today and heard that private benefactors had donated $250k+ and that this would enable the gallery to stay open for 2 years with reduced opening hours - still to be worked out.

Housed in an attractive art deco building just off the main street, this gallery was the result of a group of like-minded citizens to promote the arts in Castlemaine back in the early 20th century.

There are many excellent examples of Australias iconic names such as Williams, Bunny, McCubbin, the Fox's, Drysdale etc. Apparently only about 15% of their collection is on show at any one time.

There is also an excellent collection of pottery on exhibition including several by Shigeo Shiga.

Don't miss downstairs as it contains some excellent locally made enamels and a rather interesting history of the area in particular regarding the goldfields.

They have apparently have a very good Koori collection some of which is currently at NGV.

Lovely lady at the front desk gave us an excellent...

Founded in 1913, the Castlemaine Art Museum has a unique collection of Australian art and fascinating historical artefacts reflecting the early history of the district.

The beautiful art deco building, dating from 1931 with several extensions since then, is a work of art itself, with purpose-built galleries.

The Gallery and Museum is fully accredited by Museums Australia. It is governed by private trustees and managed by a Board elected by subscribers. State and local government support is provided, and the Gallery has a strong tradition of support from benefactors, local families, artists...

I was on my bucket list and I visited today because of its uncertain future, not mine. The building is awesome in itself and as for the paintings, the impressionists that it contains are brilliant. I do not think it needs to be re-invented, its own history and contents hold far more than many small regional galleries. Without it becoming a flag for the women’s movement, the women who supported its creation and the works by little known women it houses could easily be celebrated as an exhibition in itself. Lovely gallery, this closure should not be...