The public has a chance to visit the new Art Museum and Bridge for Creative Learning at the Bundanon for free this weekend (29-30 January – online bookings essential), following a $34 million expansion expected see it become one of the country’s leading art destinations.  

Gifted to the nation in 1993 by the artist Arthur Boyd, Bundanon has long offered the largest creative residency program in the country alongside educational and conservation programs, but has not until now had the facilities to showcase or store its $46.5 million art collection.

“This significant new architectural expansion will position Bundanon as a national tourist hub, expanding arts access in regional Australia, and increasing employment and economic growth in the Shoalhaven,” said Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher.

Embedded within the landscape, the new Bundanon will deliver three exhibition seasons annually, with a dramatically expanded range of on-site events including tailored learning and artistic residency programs.

One of the Arthur Boyd works included in the first exhibition, along with the work of contemporary artists

Importantly, the new complex includes a state-of-the-art storage facility to house and protect Bundanon’s extensive collection of some 4,000 items, which was previously under threat from bushfires and had to be evacuated during the Black Summer.

The Art Museum and Collection Store are subterranean, with precious artworks housed and exhibited in an underground building that protects the works from diverse climate conditions and offers thermal stability in the form of the reinstated hill.

The striking Bridge is a 160 metre long by nine metre wide structure that spans the existing gully in the sloping hillside. It houses a world-class creative learning centre, as well as accommodation and food venues offering sweeping views over the Shoalhaven River.

Also not to be missed is a visit to the nearby Bundanon Homestead, where the Boyd family lived, and Arthur Boyd’s Studio which gives an extra insight into his work.

Until now the Boyd family home has been the only exhibition space for the extensive collection

Bundanon CEO, Rachel Kent, says, “This expansion will widen public access, deepen engagement in creativity and the landscape, and position Bundanon both nationally and internationally.

“I look forward to this new chapter in Bundanon’s history – building on its past achievements and opening its doors to new audiences

and generations, going forwards.”

170 Riversdale Road, Illaroo. Open Weds to Sunday.

For more information and to book tickets, visit

www.bundanon.com.au

Adult $18 | Conc and youth $12 Family $40 | under 12 free

Tickets booked for Saturdays or Sundays will include access to the historic Bundanon Homestead and Arthur Boyd’s Studio at no additional cost.