THE historic Customs House building (not Customs House Hotel) in Nelson Place has been given a new lease of life after 10 years of disuse.
The Williamstown icon has been restored over many months. It was officially reopened as the Customs Wharf Galleria on Thursday.
Karen and Greg Murray, who have leased the building, say the gallery will provide a venue for emerging artists to exhibit and sell their works.
“Karen is the artist in the family and she thought local artists needed a home to exhibit. This was the perfect venue,” Mr Murray says.
“We’ve done a tremendous amount of work internally to turn it into a gallery with some boutique specialty stores on the ground floor.”
The gallery is exhibiting works by local artists including Callum Drake, Charles Billich and Jenny Viney, as well as Sydney artist Mark Hanham.
Mr Murray says the uniqueness of the 140-year-old building and its stunning views of the bay will attract artists and visitors.
“We’ve got a building the local people in Hobsons Bay can be very proud of,” he says. “It will quickly become one of the best galleries in Victoria. We’re in contact with the National Gallery of Australia and we’re now on its register to get exhibitions.”
The couple will work on restoring the facade of the heritage-listed building.
The gallery is open 11am-5pm daily.
