Partnership to bring Castlemaine Art Museum into a new era
Published on 03 June 2025
This media release was issued by Maree Edwards, Member for Bendigo West, on Thursday 29 May 2025
The project to bring the iconic Castlemaine Art Museum building into a new era has taken a step forward.
Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards today joined Mount Alexander Shire Council CEO Darren Fuzzard and Castlemaine Art Museum Acting Chair Mark Sheppard to announce that Council will lead the delivery of the redevelopment in partnership with the Museum and the Allan Labor Government.
The Labor Government has provided $6 million to support the redevelopment of the heritage-listed 1931 building, including improved all-abilities access to the entrance, safeguarding of sensitive heritage elements and critical building improvements.
This partnership will draw on Council’s infrastructure expertise to lead the redevelopment.
With the Shire team now on board to manage the project, the timeline will be finalised and announcements on the next steps will follow in the months ahead.
Originally known as the Castlemaine Art Gallery and Historical Museum, the Gallery was founded in 1913 and moved into its purpose-built venue in 1931.
It has one of the most important regional Victorian art collections including major and significant works from the 19th and 20th centuries, along with work by more recent modern and contemporary artists.
The museum also plays a significant role in caring for cultural objects on behalf of the local Djaara and Dja Dja Wurrung community. The operations of the museum are also supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.
Mount Alexander Shire Council's CEO, Darren Fuzzard, said the Castlemaine Art Museum is an iconic cultural institution in our region, and Mount Alexander Shire is thrilled to support this important re-development.
“The museum was established by seven trailblazing women in 1913, and has a rich history of working to represent women artists and support local artwork,” said Mr Fuzzard.
“The redevelopment will mean more sustainable operations, greater access to touring shows and a pre-eminent cultural institution right in the heart of Castlemaine.
“We look forward to seeing the museum and our artistic community thrive in the coming years, and we’re pleased to be involved.”
Castlemaine Art Museum Acting Chair, Mark Sheppard, said: "Castlemaine Art Museum is one of the focal points of artistic expression in Victoria through its vision of connecting people to art and ideas in history.
“The upgrade project is major step towards the full realisation of this ambition.”
Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards, said: “Castlemaine Art Museum plays a vital role in the creative life of our region and this redevelopment project will bring the heritage-listed venue into a new era and ensure more people can experience the art and events it offers.
“This project will benefit our creative community now and into the future. I am excited to have the Mount Alexander Shire’s expertise onboard.
“I have been proud to work with the Castlemaine Art Museum Board, staff and volunteers to secure this investment, and I’m looking forward to the next stage of this project getting underway.”
Castlemaine Art Museum is open Thursday to Sunday, entry is free.
To find out more and see what’s on, visit www.castlemaineartmuseum.org.au.