With a rich history in the arts and a flourishing cultural scene, Orange NSW has become a major creative hub for the area. For a regional town, it has impressive arts facilities including museums, galleries, theatres and libraries, as well as smaller independent galleries.
A great starting point for visitors is the cultural precinct opposite Robertson Park, which takes up an entire city block. The magnificent Orange Regional Museum, which also houses the excellent Orange Visitor Information Centre and Groundstone cafe, are must see Orange attractions. The building won the much-coveted Sulman Award for Architecture and houses a wonderfully curated permanent exhibition showcasing the history of Orange and the Central West. The Museum also displays temporary and travelling exhibitions on a range of themes and topics including history, science, technology and culture.
The nearby Orange Regional Gallery offers an ever-changing program of contemporary exhibitions as well as an inspired program of art workshops for children.
A wealth of fascinating museums can also be found in Orange’s surrounding towns and villages. See 360 million year old fossils at Canowindra’s Age of Fishes Museum, which was described by broadcaster Sir David Attenborough as ‘world class’. The Eugowra Bushranger Museum and Yeoval’s Banjo Paterson Museum are also well worth a visit.
Culturally, you will find no shortage of things to do in Orange, with the Orange Civic Theatre’s vibrant program featuring national dance, opera and theatre companies, stand-up comedy, local theatre productions and live music.
The Orange Chamber Music Festival is the new Art Music event of the Central West, featuring established Australian ensembles, domestic and local artists within a variety of locations, ranging from the concert stage to cellar doors and hatted restaurants. Tickets for the 2022 festival will open for pre-sale on July 1st 2021.