A new centre for the TarraWarra Museum of Art

The TarraWarra Museum of Art is set to open the Eva and Marc Besen Centre on 4 March 2025. Located in the Yarra Valley, the new 2205-square-metre hub will showcase over 300 iconic works from the Museum’s permanent collection through an innovative visible storage system. The new Centre is named for the founding patrons of the Museum, the late Marc Besen AC and Eva Besen AO, who generously donated over 600 artworks. 

Designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects (KTA) with landscape design from OCULUS and Wurundjeri horticulturalist Craig Murphy-Wandin, the Centre’s adaptable spaces will host an array of activities, from exhibitions and workshops to performances and concerts. 

“The architectural concept is driven by TarraWarra Museum of Art’s commitment to fostering artistic exploration, cultural enrichment and intellectual engagement,” said Kerstin Thompson, Director of KTA.

A standout innovation is the 64 art storage racks positioned behind a secure 46-metre glass wall, offering year-round public access to one of the country’s most important collections of Australian art from the 1930s to the present day. 

As Museum Director Dr. Victoria Lynn noted, “An exciting chapter for TarraWarra Museum of Art, the Centre will expand the Museum’s program and deepen our engagement with both current and new audiences.”

Visitors can also explore a dramatic sculpture walk connecting the Centre to the Museum, featuring works by Clement Meadmore, Antony Gormley, Lenton Parr and Robert Klippel, set against stunning Yarra Valley views.

The TarraWarra Festival on 1-2 March will see the Australian Chamber Orchestra playing in the new Centre, while the opening weekend on 8 March features talks, live artist demonstrations and family-friendly making activities. Events will continue throughout March with creative workshops and behind-the-scenes tours.

Board Chair Daniel Besen captured the Centre’s vision: “We envisage the Centre playing an important role in allowing for increased and diverse opportunities for TarraWarra’s visitors to connect with art and artists.”

Visit the TarraWarra Museum of Art at 313 Healesville-Yarra Glen Road, Wurundjeri Country, Healesville VIC 3777.