The Benalla Art Gallery is undergoing a significant redevelopment to ensure it continues to shine as a leading cultural and artistic destination for decades to come. Gallery programs continue to operate at a temporary site during the build, ensuring that art and educational workshops remain accessible to schools and the public throughout the construction phase. The Pop-up Benalla Art Gallery is located at 75 Bridge Street East, Benalla.

These updates will enhance the Gallery’s capacity to host nationally significant exhibitions, improve amenities, and preserve its iconic heritage, all while laying the groundwork for exciting future developments.

Project Update – May 2026

Work is well underway on the Benalla Art Gallery redevelopment. We have finished the early site preparation and major internal demolition, making way for a modern, accessible gallery that honours our local history.

What we have completed

Since project commencement in April, we have reached several important milestones to get the site ready for the next stage of building:

■ Site preparation: We have finished the initial groundwork and planning to give the project a strong and safe start.

■ Internal demolition: The inside of the building has been carefully stripped back to its framework. This major step removes the old interior to make room for the new, improved gallery spaces.

■ Heritage protection: We completed a heritage review to ensure the unique architectural and cultural features of the original building are protected. This review will continue to guide our work on areas like the skylight, ramp, and deck.

■ Safe asbestos removal: As part of the planned early works, licensed contractors safely removed anticipated asbestos from the site. This was done following strict safety rules to protect our workers, the community, and the environment.

What we are working on next

The project is now moving into an exciting new phase as we start to build.

Over the coming weeks, our focus will shift to installing the building’s new foundations. This is a major step where you will start to see the new structure take shape. We will also continue to carry out all building work with a careful focus on preserving the gallery's proud history while preparing it for the future.

Looking ahead

The Benalla Art Gallery redevelopment will give our community better exhibition spaces, improved visitor facilities, and easier access for everyone. It will strengthen the gallery's reputation as one of regional Australia’s leading cultural destinations.

We will continue to keep this page updated as construction progresses. Please check back regularly to follow the journey of our new gallery.

The redevelopment will be delivered in two carefully planned stages, funded by the Regional Cultural Infrastructure Program (Stage 1A) and the Growing Regions Program (Stage 1B). Together, these works will modernise and enhance the Gallery while maintaining its connection to the community and natural surroundings.

This project builds on engagement with key stakeholders undertaken during the planning phase. These conversations have informed the design, addressing the needs of the community while honouring the heritage of the iconic architecture of Munro and Sargeant.

To allow the works to be completed efficiently, the Benalla Art Gallery is temporarily closed until the works are completed. This closure will accommodate construction for both Stage 1A and Stage 1B. We understand the temporary closure will cause some inconvenience. A temporary Pop-Up Benalla Art Gallery site at 75 Bridge Street East, Benalla, was launched in mid-November 2025 and will continue to operate until works are completed.

The pop-up space supports the Benalla Art Gallery’s ongoing commitment to delivering quality exhibitions and community-focused programs.

The pop-up features a dedicated gallery space, providing a flexible and engaging environment to continue showcasing significant works. The Benalla Art Gallery Shop continues to operate from this new, central location in Bridge Street East (Benalla CBD), offering its full program of shop-based exhibitions by artists from northeast Victoria and maintaining its valued partnership with Arts Project Australia.

A core focus of the design process has been ensuring that the heritage-listed Munro and Sargeant designed building is preserved and celebrated.

Council engaged respected firm, William Boags architects, who have carefully designed the new café extension to respect and celebrate the heritage of the existing gallery building. In line with Heritage Victoria’s principles, the design balances modern upgrades with an appreciation of the architectural design.

The new structure comprises materials in a natural palette that contrast gently with the original concrete blockwork and allows the views of the landscape and surrounds to feature.

The existing west wall will become an internal point of interest, showing the connection between old and new.

Large windows and carefully designed architectural details ensure the extension does not block important views of the original building, keeping the Gallery’s striking design clearly visible.

The project also includes improvements to environmental performance, air quality, and climate control. These upgrades will be discreetly integrated, ensuring they do not impact the building’s external appearance while improving its long-term functionality.

The café extension follows key Heritage Victoria principles, which ensure changes to heritage-listed buildings are respectful and appropriate. These principles include:

• Understanding the Building’s Significance – The Gallery’s history, architecture, and cultural value were carefully considered in the design process.

• Minimising Change – The new extension is designed to enhance, not overpower, the existing structure.

• Respecting the Surroundings – The building’s relationship with its natural setting has been preserved, with key sightlines maintained.

• Complementary Design – The extension is modern yet sympathetic, ensuring a cohesive and respectful addition to the site.

• Supporting Long-Term Use – The upgrades will improve functionality while ensuring the Gallery remains a landmark for generations to come.

These updates respect the Gallery’s history while laying foundations for future developments that will further enrich its role in the creative and cultural life of Benalla.

We are committed to keeping the community informed throughout this process. Please visit this page regularly for construction updates and announcements.

The redevelopment of the Benalla Art Gallery is a vital step in securing its future as a cherished cultural hub. We thank you for your support as we work together to deliver a space that will inspire and engage our community for generations.

Follow this page to be alerted of project updates.

Funds come from the State Government Regional Cultural Infrastructure Program, the Federal Government Growing Regions Program and Benalla Rural City Council.