When the McClelland Gallery opened in 1971, its collection consisted of 138 works of art, 71 through the bequest of The McClelland Estate with the remaining works gifted by artists and collectors. McClelland’s collection now consists of over 2,200 works of art encompassing historical, modern and contemporary sculpture, paintings, photography, works on paper and decorative arts dating from the 19th Century to present day.
McClelland is renowned for its outdoor collection showcasing over 100 works by prominent Australian sculptors, including Rick Amor, Peter Corlett, Inge King, Clement Meadmore, Robert Owen, Lenton Parr, Anthony Pryor, Norma Redpath, Lisa Roet, Andrew Rogers and Ken Unsworth.