The Counihan Gallery in Brunswick is the Merri-bek Council public art gallery and has a focus on presenting contemporary art exhibitions.
The gallery aims to promote and inspire innovation and diversity in the visual arts through its annual program of exhibitions. It also endeavours to encourage discussion and debate about new ideas and issues in contemporary art and culture through the public program of floor talks, forums and workshops.
The gallery opened in 1999 and is named in honour of the Australian artist and activist Noel Counihan.
Permanent Collection
The Merri-bek Art Collection aims to reflect the artistic, cultural and social development of the Merri-bek City Council and recognise artists who live, work, exhibit or contribute to the creative culture of Merri-bek, so enhancing the Merri-bek community’s awareness, understanding and appreciation of art provide the community with opportunities to engage with artworks in highly accessible public spaces.
Artists represented in the Merri-bek Art Collection include – Noel Counihan, Angela Cavalieri, Maree Clarke, Graham Drendel, Fiona Foley, Emily Floyd, Kirrily Hammond, Gracia Haby & Louise Jennison, William Kelly, George Matoulas, Phuong Ngo, Jill Orr, Brian Robinson, Wolfgang Sievers and Christian Thompson.
Online collection
Further information about the collection visit the Merri-bek City Council website
getting to the gallery
By Train
Take Upfield Line to Jewell or Brunswick station and walk via Sydney Road (5 -10 min walk)
By Tram
Take No 19 tram to Stop 21 Brunswick Town Hall, corner Glen Lyon Road and Sydney Road
By Bus
Route 506 running Moon Ponds to Westgarth stops at corner Glen Lyon Road and Sydney Road.
By Car
The Counihan Gallery in Brunswick is located at 233 Sydney Road, Brunswick, inside the Brunswick Town Hall. The building is near the corner of the Sydney Road and Dawson Street intersection. Enter through glass sliding doors on Sydney Road. The Gallery is to the left of the Brunswick Citizens Service Centre.
accessibility
Accessible toilets and wheelchair access.
Image: Both Side of the Street exhibition at Counihan Gallery, 2015 curated by Kimba Thompson & Eugenia Flynn. Installation view featuring Nadia Faragaab, Vicki Couzens and Maree Clark. Photograph: Janelle Low.
Counihan Gallery in Brunswick 233 Sydney Road Brunswick VIC 3056 T: 03 9389 8622 E: CounihanGallery@merri-bek.vic.gov.au W: Visit website
Opening Hours Wednesday to Saturday: 11am – 5pm Sunday:1pm – 5pm Closed on public holidays and between exhibitions for installation.
Entry is Free.
Get Directions
Exhibitions
spectral sentiments
10 May 2025 – 27 Jul 2025
Counihan Gallery in Brunswick
Misbaḥa / The Prayer Beads
10 May 2025 – 27 Jul 2025
Counihan Gallery in Brunswick
Water Morality by Orquidea Collective
10 May 2025 – 27 Jul 2025
Counihan Gallery in Brunswick
Beacon presented by Arts Access Victoria
6 Aug 2025 – 26 Oct 2025
Counihan Gallery in Brunswick
The Public Galleries Association of Victoria (PGAV) acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the lands where our office is located, and all Traditional Owners of country throughout Victoria and Australia. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples enduring traditions and continuing creative cultures. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
We are an LGBTQIA+ friendly organisation that celebrates diversity. We are committed to providing safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive services for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
