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Art & History

The Grampians has a long and interesting history that can be explored at museums and galleries across the region.

Petschel House in Hamilton is a Studio Gallery and Garden open for visitors and locals to explore. Jenni Mitchell & Mervyn Hannan offer classes and workshops where students are encouraged to ‘see with the artists’ eye’ and paint from observation.

While in Hamilton visit the Sir Reginald Ansett Transport Museum which is based on the Ansett company's first aircraft hangar along with a lot of memorabilia to see.

The Stick Shed, formally known as the Number 1 Emergency Grain Store, is a large grain store in Murtoa, a town in the Wimmera region. The Stick Shed as you see it today remains fully protected, and it was added to the Australian Heritage List in 2014. The Stick Shed is now a major tourist attraction in the Wimmera.

Enjoy the eclectic mix of mediums and subjects at Ros McArthur’s studio in Mirranatwa at the southern end of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. While there, make sure you pay a visit to the nearby Gerard Murphy Furniture in Dunkeld. Gerard is a second-generation furniture maker and has more than 30 years’ experience. His designs are absolutely unique, always interesting and sometimes startling: timber becomes art. While in Dunkeld visit the Australian Light Horse Heritage Collection, feel the atmosphere and relive the heritage of the Australian Lighthorsemen in this remarkable museum.

The Grampians is also home to glass artist, James McMurtrie. James' artworks are inspired by the mountains that surround his studio. If you want to enjoy the rare opportunity of seeing glassblowing in action, make sure to visit - you will be blown away. In Halls Gap, acclaimed environmental artist Steve Morvell showcases work dedicated to raising awareness of the beauty and fragility of wildlife and the habitats in which we co-exist.

In the heart of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park in an inspiring bushland setting you’ll find the unique and contemporary MOCO Gallery. With a program of artist-led morning, evening and multi-day workshops, regular exhibitions, artist talks and classes for school children, there is always a reason to visit MOCO Gallery. Why not also enjoy delicious food and beverages at the adjoining Adventure Café Bar during your gallery visit?

The Grampians is home to a rich tapestry of culture from Aboriginal artefacts and exhibits at Brambuk - The National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap to the textiles, embroideries and relics at the Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre in Ararat which tell the stories of Chinese miners on the goldfields.

St Arnaud Raillery Hub brings together established and emerging artists and creatives, many of them talented locals. Every two months they feature a new Solo or Group exhibition in the main and auxiliary public galleries.

Visit Ararat's two most popular tourist attractions, J Ward and Aradale Lunatic Asylum, for history tours, ghost tours and paranormal investigations. Walk through the cavernous wards and halls of the institutions that treated and housed the mentally ill of Victoria for over 140 years.

Established in 1968, Ararat Gallery TAMA (Textile Art Museum Australia) has a unique place amongst Australia’s public galleries, through its longstanding commitment to supporting and promoting textile and fibre art.

The Cyril Callister Museum in the historic town of Beaufort, is where Cyril Callister and siblings were raised. The museum displays photos and memorabilia and runs talks, tours, events and a shop which celebrates all things Vegemite.