Kyneton Museum will close temporarily on 12 December to prepare for restoration works set to get underway from mid-January 2023.
The museum is in the former Bank of New South Wales building in Piper Street, Kyneton, built in 1856. It houses changing exhibitions in the original banking chamber downstairs, whilst upstairs the bank manager’s residence is preserved in time, with antique furniture, ornaments and art throughout the old time bedrooms and living areas.
Outdoor exhibits include original bluestone stables, servant’s kitchen, laundry and Theaden Cottage. The museum is also home to a wide variety of carriages and historical agricultural equipment.
Restoration works will be undertaken on the roof of the building in line with heritage specifications, as well as including internal floor maintenance.
During the closure period, museum staff will review and care for items in various collections held by Council, including the Heritage collection, Art collection and Public Art collection.
Council’s Mayor, Cr Jennifer Anderson said it was great to see the much loved Kyneton Museum getting the attention it needs.
“The museum provides such an interesting experience to all. Visitors to the museum can spend time browsing the collections on display, walking through the preserved upstairs rooms to see what it would have been like to live in those times, strolling through the beautiful gardens, and viewing the large collection of historical agricultural equipment which provides an amazing learning experience.”
“It is such a valuable asset that highlights and celebrates certain aspects of the region’s history, so we’re working to ensure that it continues to play a significant role in our future as well,” she said.
Upon completion of the restoration works, the museum will open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with a new exhibition called ‘Stitch in Time’. The exhibition uncovers the innovations of local craft hobbies throughout the years and includes items from Council’s in-house collection and the Kyneton Historical Society.
A new program of museum events and exhibitions for 2023 will be released on December 15 2022 as part of the Macedon Ranges Shire Council Arts and Culture Event Program Launch.
