Major galleries in regional Victoria closing for upgrades

The Art Gallery of Ballarat has closed for a year for a $6 million upgrade, with plans to reopen early next year. During the closure, exhibitions will be held at various locations in the city, and educational programs will continue off-site. The Bendigo Art Gallery is also set to close later this year for a two-year, $54 million renovation, which will include new spaces for learning and exhibitions. Other regional galleries, like Benalla and Latrobe, are also undergoing renovations. Both galleries aim to enhance visitor experiences and preserve their significant collections. The upgrades are expected to attract more visitors when they reopen, although the Bendigo gallery's budget is still short by $15 million.