The Art Gallery of Ballarat is truly one of Australia’s great galleries. It is not only the oldest and largest regional gallery but, more importantly, one of the most welcoming and engaging.
Located in the heart of Ballarat, the Gallery is beloved by visitors and residents alike as the heart of this creative city.
The Gallery’s magnificent collection provides the basis for a unique thematic display, which looks at our society from a series of perspectives such as Home, Country, Belief and Disruption. As well as the extensive permanent collection the Gallery hosts a diverse range of touring and temporary exhibitions and regularly curates significant shows which are often inspired by the works in the collection.
The heritage-listed Gallery building, one of the oldest purpose-built art galleries in the country, has evolved to accommodate the expanding collection and now includes a range of spaces from grand and elegant 19th century rooms to stunning contemporary additions.
Address
40 Lydiard St Nth, Ballarat
Entry
Admission to the Art Gallery of Ballarat is free and includes the permanent collection and most temporary exhibitions.
Currently, under the Victorian Government’s rules regarding the safe opening of museums and galleries, the Gallery will be open to visitors in two ticketed sessions, from 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm daily.
Once visitors have reserved their free tickets, they will be able to enter the Gallery at any time during that session.
Tickets should be reserved in advance to avoid disappointment and visitors who arrive without a ticket risk missing out. Sessions not fully booked will be made available for walk-up visitors.
Book you ticket here.
Some special exhibitions incur an entry fee. Check individual exhibitions for more information about fees. There are currently no ticketed exhibitions on offer and all exhibitions on show at the Gallery currently are free entry.
Gallery Hours
Open daily, 10 am–1 pm & 2–5pm (Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day).
The help keep visitors safe, the Gallery is close for cleaning each day from 1–2pm.
Getting here
Trains and buses run frequently every day from Melbourne and Geelong. Ballarat railway station is just a few minutes walk from the Gallery.
Check with V/Line for timetable details.
Free Guided Tours
of the Gallery Collection
During usual operating hours, the Gallery offers free guided tours of the collection every day at 11.30 am. These are currently suspended until mid 2021 (TBC).
Nothing makes a visit to Art Gallery of Ballarat more enjoyable than spending time with our enthusiastic and knowledgeable Volunteer Gallery Guides. Join one of the daily tours of the collection to experience the Gallery’s stunning collection of Australian art.
Special tours of the collection are offered to groups by prior arrangement.
Accessibility
Lifts and ramps ensure easy access to all areas of the Gallery.
Wheelchairs are available and can be reserved for you by phoning before your visit: 03 5320 5858
Toilets with wheelchair access and infant change table are available on the ground floor just near reception.
Parking
Street parking is available within walking distance to the Gallery. Two accessible car spaces are available for people with appropriate permits near the front of the Gallery.
Things to be aware of when planning your visit
Bags and umbrellas
Backpacks, large bags, umbrellas and any other item (as directed by AGB) must be checked in to the cloakroom upon entry to the Gallery.
Photographs
General photography of the Gallery is permitted however, the use of tripods, selfie sticks, flash or lighting equipment is not permitted.
Children
Adults must, at all times, supervise children for whom you are responsible and ensure that they don’t breach any of our Conditions of Public Entry.
Food and Drinks
Food and drinks aren’t permitted in the Gallery.
Animals
Guide Dogs and other registered assistance dogs are permitted in the Gallery and to all events.
Smoking
Smoking (including the use of e-cigarettes) is not permitted anywhere on the AGB premises.
A great place to buy things from the Gallery, from the comfort of your own home.
For any general enquiries
Email: artgal@ballarat.vic.gov.au
Address: 40 Lydiard Street North,
Ballarat VIC 3350
Telephone: 03 5320 5858
Fax: 03 5320 5791
