Tarrawarra Museum of Art

In the Yarra Valley, the Tarrawarra Museum of Art is a must see for art lovers and casual visitors. This public art museum is not only home to an incredible collection of contemporary Australian art but also an amazing building and the vast natural landscape that surrounds it. As an institution it merges the Australian landscape with the exhibitions inside the building, so it’s a must do for 20th and 21st century art.

The Unexpected

While the Yarra Valley is famous for its vineyards, boutique wineries, and natural beauty, it also has a cultural treasure that will surprise and delight you – the Tarrawarra Museum of Art. Nestled in the valley, this museum brings contemporary art into a peaceful rural landscape. The building and its location provide a calm backdrop to the visit, making it a perfect combination of culture and nature, complemented by the region’s renowned wine tours.

History

Established in 2003 by the philanthropy of Eva Besen AO and Marc Besen AC, the Tarrawarra Museum of Art was conceived as a place to celebrate and promote contemporary Australian art. The Besens are well-known figures in the Australian philanthropic scene, and they wanted to create a space where the public could engage with the visual arts. With the Tarrawarra Foundation, they achieved that and more – a museum that houses a great collection and a space for cultural and artistic enrichment. Over time, the museum has become a major institution that showcases both modern collections and new exhibitions.

Address

Located at 313 Healesville-Yarra Glen Road, the Tarrawarra Museum of Art is 50 km northeast of Melbourne. This makes it easy for locals and tourists alike. The Yarra Valley, an area of natural beauty and wine, makes the overall experience even more enjoyable. The peaceful surroundings are a respite from the city and allow you to immerse yourself fully in the museum’s cultural offerings. Accessible by car or bus, and with disabled access, the museum is open to all visitors.

Architectural Significance

The Tarrawarra Museum of Art building is a Powell & Glenn design and is a work of modern architecture that sits beautifully in the Australian landscape and enhances the visitor experience.

Powell & Glenn

Powell & Glenn have delivered a beauty. Simple and functional a space to see art. Natural materials and windows and open spaces create a play of light and shadow to display art. The connection to the land makes the building beautiful and the museum a contemporary art space in a country context. The design has been praised for getting the indoor gallery spaces to the outside.

Collection

Tarrawarra Museum of Art has an impressive collection of works by Australian artists – established and emerging. The collection is broad and deep and 20th and 21st century.

Supporting Australian Artists and Stories

One of the main roles of the Tarrawarra Museum of Art is to support Australian artists and their stories. The museum is a platform for established and emerging artists to show their work and contribute to the bigger conversation around contemporary art in Australia. Through its exhibitions and public programs, the museum is a space for artists to connect with audiences and for visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Australian culture and art. The museum’s focus on Australian sound artists, Melbourne-based artists and other voices makes it a cultural hub.

Exhibitions at Tarrawarra Museum of Art

Tarrawarra Museum of Art has exciting and challenging exhibitions. These exhibitions cover a broad range of themes and practices – from the brave and experimental to the traditional. The museum’s feature exhibitions often include international exhibitions and co-curated exhibitions that bring new perspectives and cross-cultural understanding. Exhibition catalogues and price lists are available if you want to get into the works on show. With a commitment to showing a variety of exhibitions, the museum ensures there’s always something new to see. The exhibition reviews show the museum is presenting not-to-be-missed events that will engage and inspire.

Key Information about Tarrawarra Museum of Art

Aspect	Details
Location	313 Healesville-Yarra Glen Road, Healesville, Victoria
Architectural Firm	Powell & Glenn
Founders	Eva Besen AO and Marc Besen AC
Collection Type	Public collection of contemporary Australian art
Notable Exhibitions	Innovative exhibitions, international art exhibitions
Facilities	Disabled access, Enquiry Desk, Bus route
Ticket Information	Museum Members – FREE Welcome, exhibition price-lists
Visit Duration	1-2 hours
Educational Programs	Feature programs and workshops

The Tarrawarra Museum of Art has facilities to make your visit more comfortable and accessible, including disability access and information at the Enquiry Desk. The museum is on bus routes and has education programs and exhibitions to see.