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If you’re a big fan of art, you’ll love this guide to 14 of the best galleries in the New England. Home to a talented pool of local artists, makers and creators, the New England region is well known for its artistic streak, and as it turns out, is packed with amazing galleries to visit. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in!
1. New England Regional Art Museum, Armidale
Purpose-built to house the Howard Hinton Collection, the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM), opened its doors for the first time in 1983. Home to a series of historical, modern and contemporary art, NERAM holds over 5000 works – making it one of the most substantial collections outside of Australian cities. Custodians of the famous Howard Hinton Collection, the Chandler Coventry Collection and the NERAM Collection, this art gallery and museum is a sight to behold – and with six gallery spaces, the Museum of Printing and the Packsaddle Artist Studio on site, you’ll be spoiled for choice of things to do and see. NERAM regularly hosts workshops, classes, events and new exhibitions, so be sure to stay up-to-date with its latest offerings if you’re looking to embrace your artistic side and support the New England’s creative community. Feeling peckish? The Six Counties Cafe attached to the gallery offers the perfect place to catch up with friends, soak up the arty vibes and enjoy the sprawling grounds of the museum – caffeinated and well-fed. Check them out next time you’re visiting.
106-114 Kentucky Street | Armidale NSW 2350 | (02) 6772 5255 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Tuesday to Sunday 10.00am–4.00pm
2. Armidale Art Gallery, Armidale
Established in 2004 by the not-for-profit New England Art Society Inc., the Armidale Art Gallery is another must-visit destination to stop by while exploring Armidale. Committed to supporting the New England’s creative community, this art gallery was opened with the intention of supporting established and emerging artists from across the region. Offering a permanent space for paintings, ceramics, sculptures, jewellery and just about every artistic project you can think of, this art gallery is packed with stunning pieces from regional artists. View the Armidale Art Gallery’s Online Gallery space or check out their What’s On page for upcoming exhibitions.
149 Beardy Street | Armidale NSW 2350 | 0423 520 073 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Monday to Friday 10.00am–4.00pm | Saturday 9.00am–12.00pm | Sunday 8.30am–12.30pm
3. Armidale Art Supplies and Gallery 126, Armidale
Another art gallery worth visiting while in Armidale is Gallery 126, located inside Armidale Art Supplies on Jessie Street. Owned by locals Stuart and Anne Boggs, who took over in 1999 when it was a small framing enterprise, this arts supplies business and commercial art gallery boasts static works throughout the shop, as well as exhibitions featuring artists from across the region. The installations change every four to six weeks and showcase the diverse works and talent of the artists who call the New England North West home. Be sure to check out Armidale Arts Supplies’ website and Gallery 126’s Instagram page for information on their latest exhibitions. Looking for top-notch art supplies, journals and more to kick off or continue your own artistic endeavours? This is the place about town.
126 Jessie Street | Armidale NSW 2350 | (02) 6771 1859 | Website | Instagram | Tuesday to Friday 9.00am–5.00pm | Saturday 9.30am–1.00pm
4. Get Framed Armidale and The Gallery, Armidale
You’ll find The Gallery inside Get Framed Armidale, just outside the Dangar Street entrance of The Plaza Shopping Centre. Offering framing, workshops such as Sip and Collage, Sip and Lampshade and Sip and Doodle, limited edition prints from established and emerging local artists, and a bright gallery space featuring the work of the same, The Gallery is a must-see when exploring art galleries in the region.
45/195-197 Beardy Street | Armidale NSW 2350 | (02) 6772 2224 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Tuesday to Friday 10.00am–5.00pm | Saturday 10.00am–2.00pm
5. Bank Art Museum, Moree
Enter the Bank Art Museum Moree, otherwise known as BAMM. Located in its new premise in the Max Function and Conference Centre on Heber Street, BAMM is a regional art institution with a difference. Established in 1987 by the Moree Cultural Art Foundation (MCAF), BAMM was then known as the Moree Plains Gallery. It was renamed in 2018 to reflect its contemporary vision and responsibility as a collecting institution. The caretaker of two collections of national significance (owned by the Moree Plains Shire Council and the Moree Cultural Art Foundation separately), BAMM houses collections from the late nineteenth century which include ancient art and artefacts from the Kamilaroi people (the local Aboriginal tribe) and early contact materials. With regular exhibitions, events, workshops and education for kids and schools, BAMM is an important community institution where the past is acknowledged and the future is embraced. This art gallery in Moree is without a doubt a go-to destination when visiting the regional town.
Max Function and Conference Centre | 30 Heber Street | Moree NSW 2400 | 0472 634 880 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Tuesday to Friday 10.00am–4.00pm | Saturday 9.00am–12.00pm
6. Inverell Art Gallery, Inverell
Believe it or not, the Inverell Art Society (the group of local artists who voluntarily run the Inverell Art Gallery) was started in a backyard shed in 1961. From humble beginnings, the Inverell Art Society gradually began to grow. First, in 1971, the group was granted permission by the local Council to use the small building at the side of Butler Hall to set up a pottery workshop (this space is still used by potters to this very day). Next, they were able to rent the whole building, and then in 1995, Butler Hall and the School of Arts building were joined together to form the Inverell Art Gallery as it’s known today. This impressive feat was accomplished entirely by the Inverell Art Society, who worked tirelessly to raise the funds, clean, paint and make modifications to the building for it to be suitable. Now with a team of volunteers and a beautiful collection of paintings, pottery, handmade cards, scarves, knitwear and more for sale, this art gallery in Inverell is the cornerstone of the local creative community.
5 Evans Street | Inverell NSW 2360 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Monday to Friday 10.00am–5.00pm | Saturday 10.00am–1.00pm
7. McCrossin’s Mill Museum, Uralla
More of a museum than an art gallery, McCrossin’s Mill in Uralla is a community-owned and run museum that offers a doorway to the past. This two-storey building is an impressive relic on its own, but inside you’ll find collections on the local Anaiwan people, Captain Thunderbolt (the infamous bushranger who met his demise in Uralla), the Chinese Gold Rush era and Ned Trickett, the first Australian to win a world championship in any sport, whose grave can be found at the old cemetery in Uralla. Here you’ll also find displays of old farming equipment, fire engines and even a steam engine for lovers of antique machinery. Head out for a day of exploring Uralla, soak up the history at McCrossin’s Mill museum and check out the old buildings that line the streets (now home to beautiful boutique stores and cosy places to grab a bite to eat).
Salisbury Street | Uralla NSW 2358 | (02) 6778 3022 | Website | Facebook | Monday to Sunday 10.00am–4.00pm
8. Walcha Gallery of Art, Walcha
Located on Derby Street, the Walcha Gallery of Art is a contemporary space dedicated to both local and non-local artists. Established to exhibit works to those travellers as they make their way through town, this art gallery displays paintings, works on paper, sculptures, ceramics, porcelain pieces and jewellery. Make a morning of it and pop into the gallery to browse through its beautiful collection, then head next door for a coffee and a meal at Cafe Graze.
15N Derby Street | Walcha NSW 2354 | 0488 775 891 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
9. Open Air Gallery, Walcha
For a non-traditional art gallery adventure, head for the hills and the Open Air Gallery in Walcha. Consisting of 50 pieces of art created by local, regional and international artists, the Open Air Gallery is a unique and exciting project that began in 1996. The Walcha Council approached local farmer and sculptor Stephen King who was then consigned to create the breathtaking fountain sculpture for McHattan Park. The sculpture was such a success that the council sourced funding to create the Open Air Gallery, a project that properly kicked off in 2001 and saw the establishment of 25 sculptures and works of art. As time went on, the collection continued to grow and is now a full-fledged tourist attraction (alongside the stunning waterfalls and national parks surrounding the area).
10. Tamworth Regional Gallery, Tamworth
Located in Tamworth CBD, the Tamworth Regional Gallery is another must-visit art gallery when visiting the New England region. After being gifted 100 complete and incomplete artworks by local artist John Salvana, the Tamworth Regional Gallery opened its doors for the first time in June 1919 and has been making art accessible for those living in regional areas for the past century. With a program boasting curated exhibitions by local and regional artists, national touring collections, workshops, artist talks, a studio space and a retail shop, this gallery in Tamworth deserves a spot on your art gallery bucket list.
466 Peel Street | Tamworth NSW 2340 | (02) 6767 5247 | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Tuesday to Friday 10.00am–5.00pm | Saturday to Sunday 10.00am–4.00pm
11. Weswal Gallery, Tamworth
Opened by Frances West and Marcia Schofield in 1981, Weswal Gallery is a contemporary art gallery showcasing works from local, regional and international artists. With a change of exhibition occurring every three weeks, this gallery in Tamworth offers a beautiful space to meander through as you observe the latest collections. Located right next door to the award-winning Deva Cacao Chocolate Cafe, you’ll be suited and booted for a beautiful morning of coffee, chocolate, and art. Could it get any better?
192 Brisbane Street | East Tamworth NSW 2340 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Wednesday to Friday 9.30am–2.00pm | Saturday to Sunday 9.30am–1.00pm
12. Gawura Gallery, Glen Innes
Located in Glen Innes, Gawura Gallery is home to internationally recognised Indigenous artist Lloyd Gawura Hornsby, a descendant of the Aboriginal Yuin and Koori people. Here you’ll find exhibitions, a wide range of traditional and contemporary Indigenous artworks, fine arts, photography of the region and workshops run by Lloyd himself. So come on down, explore the New England highlands, soak up the fresh air and take a walk through the stunning Gawura Gallery.
9979 New England Highway | Glen Innes NSW 2370 | 0403 383 080 | Website | Facebook
13. AK Bellinger Gallery, Inverell
Located in the centre of Inverell, the AK Bellinger Gallery is another art gallery in the New England region you need to add to your list. Showcasing the works of local and visiting artists, this contemporary art gallery is a beautiful space that hosts a range of exhibitions and has a revolving collection of art for sale. Boasting national and international reach with both its physical store in the New England and its website, AK Bellinger is a popular destination when in search of a new piece of art to spruce up your space.
27 Otho Street | Inverell NSW 2360 | 0439 180 346 | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Wednesday to Friday 10.30am–4.00pm | Saturday 9.30am–1.00pm
14. The Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, Gunnedah
Enter the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, a special place for art lovers in the north-west slopes. Located inside the town’s central precinct alongside Town Hall, Smithurst Theatre and Civic Cinema, this stylish art gallery hosts exhibitions featuring visiting and local artists, as well as acting as the home for artworks by members of Arts Gunnedah. Offering a range of exhibitions and workshops throughout the year, a studio room, courtyard, meeting room and a small kitchen, this art gallery in Gunnedah is a cultural hub for the local community and an experience you don’t want to miss.
81 Chandos Street | Gunnedah NSW 2380 | (02) 6740 2100 | Website | Facebook | Monday to Friday 9.00am–5.00pm | Saturday to Sunday 10.00am–3.00pm
Meg Miller
Digital Marketing Manager. Adventure seeking writer, free spirit, smitten aunt and dog mum.
