The Benalla Costume and Pioneer Museum was founded in 1967 and is now accredited through the Museum Accreditation Program (Vic).

It is the only public costume museum of its kind in Victoria.

It is managed entirely by volunteer members of the Benalla & District Historical Society Inc. and is a splendid example of how the skills of an enthusiastic and talented group can produce excellence.

  Benalla is situated on the main highway and rail link between Melbourne and Sydney, just two hours from Melbourne.
The Museum is centrally located on the bank of Lake Benalla adjacent to the Ceramic Mural,
and opposite the  Art Gallery and Botanical Gardens.

    The Museum specialises in costume and local history, including much of the NED KELLY STORY .

The Historical Society also has a 'Research Room' now located in the Museum building in which early Benalla newspapers, books, documents, and pictures are stored. The Research Room is open to the public for research purposes on Wednesdays from 1.00 to 3.00pm throughout the year for those who may wish to explore the annals of Benalla's History. For more about this facility, click on the "Research Room" link at the top of the page.

The costume collection dates from 1770 to the present, and is shown in regularly changing exhibitions of dressed models, with appropriate accessories and decor to suit the theme of the exhibition.

CURRENT MAJOR EXHIBITIONS

' STYLED IN SILK - SINCE 1770'	'PRUE ACTON COLLECTION'		' THROUGH THE NURSERY WINDOW '

  LOCAL HISTORY is displayed in several permanent exhibitions, depicting Benalla Memorabilia, the Kelly Story and three of Benalla's famous sons.

          As Benalla is in the heart of Kelly Country, the KELLY STORY is given considerable emphasis. Here is a transportable prison cell in which Ned was once imprisoned, and it contains authentic memorabilia including Ned's bloodstained sash (which he wore at the siege at Glenrowan) and his bridle as well as other items. You can also read many letters and documents about the gang and Ned's family, and see an excellent  12 minute video.

Two of Benalla's famous sons - surgeon and war hero Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop, and Captain Hector Waller, RAN -  are remembered in the Services Room. The tea room and associated display is named after a third 'famous son' -  Michael Joseph Savage, first Labour Prime Minister of New Zealand, who was born at Tatong near Benalla

	The Museum complex in Mair Street also houses the VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE  with local  tourist and accommodation information, and   THE CREATORS GALLERY   selling quality art and craft and souvenirs.  And you can enjoy a tea or coffee in our Tea Room!
	Be absolutely sure you and the children especially, come into the Museum to see the        MINIATURE  HOUSE

So this Museum is a real gem - and well worth a visit!
 

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