Towong

Towong Galleries and Museums

Galleries, Museums and Historical Venue in and around Towong, Victoria

Towong, a small town located in the eastern region of Victoria, is steeped in history and culture. The region has a collection of galleries, museums and historical venues that showcase the rich heritage and artistic traditions of the area. In this article, we will look at some of the top cultural and historical attractions in and around Towong.

Art Galleries

1. High Country Art: High Country Art is a contemporary art gallery that features works from local and regional artists. The art gallery is known for its traditional and modern paintings, prints, sculptures, and photographs. High Country Art is located on Towong High Plains Road, Towong.

2. Gallery 294: Situated in the historic town of Jingellic, Gallery 294 offers a unique collection of Australian-made art, hand-crafted gifts, and artisan jewellery. Visitors to the gallery can experience a mix of traditional and contemporary art forms. The gallery is located on Jingellic Road, Jingellic.

3. Towong Art Group: The Towong Art Group is a community-based initiative that showcases visual arts from local artists in the region. The art group has a permanent exhibition space located in the Towong Community Centre on Towong High Plains Road. The gallery displays paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photographs.

Museums

1. Towong Historical Society Museum: The Towong Historical Society Museum tells the story of Towong's rich history, from the early European settlement to the present day. The museum has a collection of artefacts and memorabilia that showcases the local history, including clothing, tools, photographs and agricultural equipment. The museum opens on the first Sunday of every month from 10 am to 4 pm. It is located on the Murray Valley Highway, Towong.

2. Khancoban Visitor Information Centre: The Khancoban Visitor Information Centre has a museum with displays of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, which is a significant engineering feat that brought water and hydro-electric power to the region. The museum has interactive exhibits, films and audio-visual displays that depict the construction of the scheme. The visitor centre also has a gift shop and a café. The centre is located on Mitchell Avenue, Kancoban.

3. Corryong Historical Museum: The Corryong Historical Museum houses a collection of significant artefacts, memorabilia and photographs that depict the history of Corryong and the Upper Murray region. The museum has exhibits ranging from early Indigenous artefacts and tools to the pioneer days and the First World War. The museum opens daily from 10 am to 4 pm and is located on Donaldson Street, Corryong.

Historical Venues

1. Bogong Power Station: The Bogong Power Station is a significant engineering feat that brought hydro-electric power to the region in 1936, and it is still functioning today. The power station is located on the Bogong High Plains Road, Bogong and is open to visitors to experience the marvel of the hydro-electric plant.

2. Towong Church: The Towong Church is a historic building built-in 1872. The church is a testament to the early settlers in the region and is significant to the architectural heritage of the area. Although no longer used for regular services, the church is open for visitors and is located on Towong High Plains Road.

3. Cudgewa Bluff: The Cudgewa Bluff is a significant landmark that has played a crucial role in the history of the Upper Murray region. The bluff was a lookout point for the Indigenous communities that inhabited the region. In the early 1800s, European settlers used the bluff as part of their travel route. The bluff provides stunning views of the region and is accessible via the Cudgewa Bluff Road.

Conclusion

The above-listed galleries, museums, and historical venues are only a handful of the many cultural and historical sites that make the region of Towong a destination of choice for visitors looking to experience the region's rich history and culture. Tourists from around the world come to Towong to explore the unique heritage sites, learn about the indigenous communities, and experience the contemporary arts scene. Towong has it all, and visitors can spend days exploring these sites and getting lost in the rich history and cultural traditions of the region.