Unley Museum and Galleries

UMAG elevation from Village Green

The Unley Museum and Galleries (UMAG) will showcase the cultural heritage and history of the area through the provision of collection, exhibitions and programs.

The redevelopment of the Unley Museum encompasses the extension of the existing Museum and an expansion across the rear of the cottages located at 78, 82 and 84 Edmund Avenue. 

The upgrade is expected to cost around $6.12 million, with $2.66 million in external funding secured through the Australian Government’s Thriving Suburbs Program - a significant contribution supporting the delivery of this transformative project. 

Working with architecture firm Grieve Gillett (GGA), Council has designed a contemporary space that embraces the heritage of the existing buildings while adding a striking new extension. The redevelopment will increase gallery space tenfold and include a library and research centre, workshop and classroom, expanded collection storage, and a working studio.

The project build has been tendered and awarded to G-Force Building and Consulting who have a strong background in heritage and local government work.

UMAG overall view elevation web

 

The project will include refurbishment of the existing cottages and additional floor spaces. Key elements of the design include:

  • Increased exhibition space and an improved visitor experience 
  • Capacity to host larger groups and attract arts, culture, and history exhibitions of a national significance to Unley 
  • A dedicated classroom/meeting space to support learning and community programs 
  • A studio for artists, historians, thinkers, and creatives in residence 
  • Improved local and family history services 
  • Consolidated and secure storage for the City’s heritage collection
  • Accessible main entry from the Village Green.

The project will also enhance pedestrian access and open space within the Village Green, sensitively restore the heritage façades of the Edmund Avenue cottages, and upgrade infrastructure to enable more public events and activations. 

UMAG view elevation cafe side web

Project Background

Council’s endorsement of the Unley Museum and Galleries project follows years of planning and consultation. Since 2018, Council has considered the future of the Civic Precinct, recognising both the strength of Unley’s arts, culture and history sector and the limitations of the existing museum building. 

In 2020, extensive community consultation confirmed strong aspirations to activate and enhance the precinct, and in April 2025, Council endorsed the design for the Unley Museum and Galleries and approved the $6.123 million project budget. 

Relocation of the Unley Museum during construction

While construction is underway, the Unley Museum has relocated to a temporary site at 39 Oxford Terrace, Unley.

Visit the Unley Museum webpage for details on exhibitions, opening hours, services and programs.

Location

Edmund Terrace, Unley 5061  View Map

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