Learn with us

School holiday programs

We host hands-on, low cost and fun activities during the school holidays.

Public programs

Art Talks

We regularly host Art Talks in conjunction with U3A Maryborough Inc.

ARTIST TALK

2pm Saturday 12 September 2026

Join Robert Liston for an engaging talk about his sculptures.

To coincide with the exhibition The Fish Shop and Beyond – Sculptures by Robert Liston, Robert will speak about the work in his exhibition and his art practice. It will be a great opportunity to meet Robert and ask him questions.

ALL WELCOME! FREE ENTRY.

Pleaswe register to attend:
https://events.humanitix.com/copy-of-artist-talk-by-robert-liston

Discover the sculptures by Maryborough artist Robert Liston, who transforms recycled materials into imaginative, humorous and original artworks.

Exhibition dates: 20 August to 8 November 2026
Official Opening: 2pm, Saturday 22 August 2026

ART TALK: Marvellous Melbourne and Marvellous Maryborough

An Illustrated Talk by Kenneth W. Park

1:30pm on Saturday 31 October 2026

There would be no "Marvellous Melbourne" without the Victorian gold rush – and no gold rush without towns like Maryborough.

Gold was discovered in the Maryborough district in 1854, triggering a rush that transformed the region almost overnight. Thousands flocked to the goldfields and, within a few years, Maryborough had become one of Victoria's most prosperous inland centres. The wealth extracted from the district's rich alluvial and quartz goldfields flowed into Melbourne, helping to finance the rapid growth of the colony's capital.

As gold wealth accumulated, Melbourne was transformed from a modest colonial settlement into one of the world's most admired cities. By the 1880s, it was celebrated internationally for its grand public buildings, elegant boulevards, cultural institutions and architectural ambition. British journalist George Augustus Sala famously dubbed it "Marvellous Melbourne" in 1885, capturing the confidence and prosperity of a city built on gold.

Yet the story of Melbourne's success can also be read in the streets of Maryborough. The prosperity generated by the goldfields funded not only Melbourne's development, but also the construction of impressive architecture in Maryborough such as the magnificent railway station, grand courthouse, post office and other heritage buildings.

In this richly illustrated presentation, Kenneth W. Park explores the art, architecture and cultural legacy of both Marvellous Melbourne and Marvellous Maryborough.

Kenneth is uniquely placed to tell this story. A respected curator, presenter, writer and tour leader he has lectured at every state art gallery in Australia. Renowned for his engaging presentation style and ability to bring history to life through images and storytelling, Kenneth combines scholarship with enthusiasm, making complex historical themes accessible, entertaining and memorable.

Join us for a fascinating journey through a golden age that changed Victoria forever, and discover why the story of Marvellous Melbourne begins in places like Marvellous Maryborough.

Cost: $10 General Admission, $8 for Concession & Seniors Card holders. Refreshments provided.

Bookings essential: Book online here
or call the Gallery on 03 5461 6600

Guided tours and talks

The Gallery welcome groups for guided tours and talks. These sessions may be offered outside of opening hours if required.

Guided Walk by Aunty Marilyne Nicholls through garingilang gatjin wii

2pm to 3pm Saturday 19 September 2026

Join Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Aunty Marilyne Nicholls for a guided walk through garingilang gatjin wii (Fire and Water Garden) beside the Central Goldfields Art Gallery on DJAARA Country.

You’ll hear cultural stories and learn about the local plants growing in the garden.  You’ll receive a plant guide featuring species found in the garden, along with a selection of free native seeds to take home and grow in your own garden.

Afterwards, relax with a cup of tea or a cool drink and enjoy a slice of cake.

$7 per person or $5 concession. Free for children under 18.

Book online here or call the Gallery on 5461 6600

This program is part of the Malamiya Mang Festival, Malamiya Mang celebrates the deep connection between Dja Dja Wurrung Country and People, from the past, to the here and now. “Malamiya” means “long ago” and “Mang” means “now” in Dja Dja Wurrung language, representing the festival’s ongoing story of culture. We invite you to explore the theme of Connection – to time, to place, to Country, to Culture – or, what connection means to you.

Education

We offer education programs for early years, primary school, secondary and tertiary students and community groups. The programs are linked to the Victorian Government Early Year’s Development and Education Framework for kindergarten children and our school-based program is linked to school curriculum.