Broken Hill City Art Gallery to reopen following completion of structural refurbishments

The newly named and refurbished Broken Hill City Art Gallery is set to reopen on 27th May following $1.7 million worth of repairs and upgrades having been carried out over the last 10 months.  

While the renovations aren't visually transformational, they were vitally important for the ongoing operation of the gallery and included completely replacing the roof and floors due to storm damage.

Refurbishments also included replastering, general repairs, and the installation of internal false walls to protect the original Sully's Building from damage.

The building also features new air conditioning, a humidifier to maintain ideal conditions to protect artwork, and security upgrades including CCTV.

Broken Hill City Council General Manager, Jay Nankivell, said he was relieved to have to the gallery up and running again and advised "this project was by far our hardest hit by COVID-19, and was pretty frustrating for staff and contractors alike.

"Due to the delicate nature of working with fine art we had specialised interstate contractors who were constantly hampered by border closures and other travel restrictions.

"At one stage we even had an entire electrical team contract COVID-19. It's been trying, and I want to thank all staff and contractors for their persistence."

Nankivell said the important upgrades would increase the security and longevity of both the city's art collection and the historic Sully's Building itself noting "along with the other upgrades it will enable the Gallery to operate safely and securely, and ensure our valuable art collection is preserved for generations to come."

.A public launch event will be held at the gallery at 6pm on 27th and will feature an exhibition of artworks specially selected from the local collection.

Light snacks will be provided and bar facilities will be available.

Please visit bhartgallery.com.au/Home for more information.

Image courtesy Broken Hill City Council