Alright, traveller! As you walk, keep an eye on the right side of the street. You'll notice a grand, classical building with tall columns and a portico. There are steps leading up to the entrance, flanked by two large, vibrant artworks. These striking visuals should help you spot the Geelong Art Gallery with ease!
Now, let's delve into the heart of the Geelong Art Gallery, also known as Geelong Gallery. This isn't just any art gallery; it's a treasure trove with over 6,000 works of art. This grand old gallery forms part of Geelong's cultural precinct, rubbing shoulders with the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre, Geelong Arts Centre, and the Geelong Courthouse.
The journey of this gallery began way back in 1895 when some forward-thinking folks from the Geelong Progress League petitioned for an art space. In 1900, they were given the go-ahead to start hanging artworks on the walls of the Geelong City Hall. The gallery’s formal opening was on May 31, 1900, at the City Hall with great fanfare and speeches.
Through the years, the gallery has housed works from legendary artists like Frederick McCubbin, Clarice Beckett, and Emily Kame Kngwarreye among others. One of the earliest prized pieces was McCubbin's "A Bush Burial," which was quite a steal back then at 100 guineas (about $210 USD).
By 1915, the gallery got its own space as a memorial to George M. Hitchcock. Over the years, the gallery has expanded and evolved, with major renovations in 2001 and 2017.
If you have time, don't miss checking out the impressive “Colin Holden Print Collection” and works by Eugène von Guérard, Stanhope Forbes, and Russell Drysdale, just to name a few. And in 2021, Geelong Gallery hosted a comprehensive exhibit of Rone’s career, bridging the world of street art and gallery installations.
So, step inside and get ready to be wowed - every corner here holds a story, a piece of history, and a dash of artistic magic!
