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.

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.

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.

We are now pleased to invite the community to view the provisional designs and provide feedback.

To allow the works to be completed efficiently, the Benalla Art Gallery is expected to be intermittently closed from mid-2025 to mid-2026. This closure will accommodate construction for both Stage 1A and Stage 1B. We understand the temporary closure will cause some inconvenience and thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to deliver this important revitalisation project.

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.