CAM News

Dear Members and Friends,

I am writing to share important news as Castlemaine Art Museum prepares for a significant new chapter in its history.

In 2027, work is planned to begin on the redevelopment of our heritage building. In preparation, the downstairs museum will close to the public from Friday 1 January 2027. Our galleries will remain open into early 2027, and we will continue to present new exhibitions and programs until the building closes in full. We will confirm the date of that closure as soon as it is finalised.

These are temporary measures, taken with great optimism for the future. By preparing in stages, we are ensuring that CAM returns in a building that is safer, more accessible and equipped for its next century.

The care of the collection is our foremost responsibility. Building works present real risks to museum collections, from dust and vibration to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Closing the museum first gives our team the time to assess, document, pack and secure each object in its care with the rigour it deserves, while the galleries remain open to visitors.

This staged approach also safeguards our staff, volunteers and visitors throughout the preparatory period. The same standard of care will extend to our art collection, one of the most important in regional Victoria, as the project progresses.

The redevelopment is being delivered by Mount Alexander Shire Council in partnership with CAM and the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria. Our design team, Purcell and Brand Architects, is working closely with  DJANDAK to ensure First Peoples history and heritage are embedded throughout the project. The works will conserve our celebrated art deco building, deliver improved all-abilities access at the entrance and protect the building's most significant heritage features.

Detailed timelines, including the closure of the galleries, the commencement of works and our anticipated reopening, are still being finalised. Our members will be the first to know as each is confirmed.

In the months ahead, here is what you can expect:

• The galleries remain open. We will continue to present new exhibitions and programs until the galleries close. 

• A final opportunity to visit the museum. We warmly encourage you to visit the downstairs museum before it closes at the end of the year.

• Staying informed. We will share regular updates through this newsletter, our website and social media as the project progresses, including news of any programs and events held off-site once the building has closed.

• Getting in touch. Our team welcomes your questions, which you are invited to direct to us through our website or in person during your next visit.
  
  

On behalf of the Board and staff, thank you for your continued loyalty, patience and support. Your commitment as members means a great deal to us, and it will play an important part in CAM's next chapter. I look forward to welcoming you to the galleries in the months ahead, and to a renewed Castlemaine Art Museum in the years to come.

With warm regards,

Leslie Gurusinghe,                                                                                                         
Chief Executive Officer