By Luke Voogt
Geelong Gallery is set to reopen on June 22 with locals already signing up online to see its latest collections, according to management.
“We’ve already had people book for the moment our doors open,” deputy director Penny Whitehead said.
The reopening coincides with state government plans to ease restrictions allowing venues to host up to 50 people at a time.
With NSW easing restrictions earlier than Victoria, Geelong Gallery had modelled its reopening on that of the Art Gallery of NSW, Ms Whitehead said.
Visitors will have to leave a first name and phone number and answer three questions relating to COVID-19 before entering the gallery.
Gallery staff and contractors will undergo temperature checks, with additional sanitation and cleaning measures in place.
Visitors will be able to see Eugene von Guerard’s View of Geelong, which council purchased for $3.8 million off Andrew Lloyd Webber in 2006.
The 1856 depiction of pre-colonial Geelong is part of the gallery’s Scenic Victoria exhibition, which, along with Kate Beynon’s kindred spirits, closed just a week after opening due to COVID-19.
“The exhibitions are, effectively, new because barely anyone got to see them,” Ms Whitehead said.
“The visual arts bring enjoyment and learning to people’s lives. It’s fantastic that we’re going to be able to offer that again.
“There’s nothing better than having our doors open and having people able to engage with the artworks in person.”
Anyone can visit the gallery for free beginning June 22 but Ms Whitehead encouraged visitors to book ahead given the maximum capacity of 50.
For bookings: www.geelonggallery.org.au
