Medieval to Metal: more than just an exhibition

Forty iconic guitars from America’s National Guitar Museum are set to take centre stage in an Australian-exclusive exhibition in Ballarat this spring and summer.

Medieval to Metal: The Art & Evolution of the Guitar is on show at the Art Gallery of Ballarat until 2 February 2025.

Track the history of the world’s most popular instrument from its medieval beginnings through to the guitar’s pivotal role in blues, country, rock ‘n’ roll and metal.

Sharing the spotlight will be an awe-inspiring line-up of photographs, paintings, drawings, illustrative designs and objects. 

Celebrate the history of guitars through a nostalgic collection of iconic images by renowned rock photographer Neil Zlozower, alongside photographic works by Australian music documenter Tony Mott. 

Tickets are on sale now
$20 adults | $16 concession | $10 child (5-15 years) | Family $50 (2 adults + up to 3 children) | Discounted entry for gallery members

Time your visit to make the most of live gigs, music festivals, talks, custom cocktails and ticketholder meal deals happening alongside the exhibition.

There’s something special in the works most weekends.

What’s on alongside Medieval to Metal

ART LATE

An after-hours art party at the gallery, an evening at Art Late includes a live gig, access to the Medieval to Metal exhibition, plus some delicious local bites.

Art Late: RVG with Pyrex
Saturday 2 November at Art Gallery of Ballarat | Get tickets
Melbourne’s post-punk full throttle band RVG finally sets foot in Ballarat on the back of their energetic third album Brain Worms. Lead by lyricist/frontwoman Romy Vager, RVG live is a radical newfound experience, glistening overtop everything. Joining RVG on this rockin’ ride is local shoegazers and dream poppers Pyrex.  

Art Late: CIVIC with The Hot Lemons
Saturday 30 November at Art Gallery of Ballarat | Get tickets
One of the most exhilarating bands to emerge in recent years, CIVIC have reimagined the reckless intensity of proto-punk for an era of endless uncertainty. And we welcome the five-piece punk rock pack to Ballarat with open arms.

ART CLASSICS

This stellar series of concerts at the Art Gallery of Ballarat include entry to Medieval to Metal, plus the option to add a G&Tea experience to your day with fine spirits and afternoon tea at the award-winning Grainery Lane. 

Boccherini to Cold Chisel featuring Eclective with Aleksandr Tsiboulski 
Sunday 10 November
Classical guitarist Aleksandr Tsiboulski joins forces with juggernaut Melbourne-based ensemble Eclective who have skyrocketed into the classical music scene with their extraordinary performances, adventurous collaborations and dynamic programs. Together, these award-winning musicians collaborate to present a vibrant tapestry of works from across the centuries.  

Symbiosis featuring Slava and Leonard Grigoryan
Sunday 8 December
Renowned classical guitarists Slava and Leonard Grigoryan will take you on a journey through guitar music from 1750 until present day. 

Electric Counterpoint featuring Black Square Quartet with Robert Davidson, Samuel Vincent, and Thomas Green 
Sunday 12 January
These powerhouse legends of the Brisbane contemporary music scene team up to present an exhilarating program of cutting-edge masterpieces.

ART TALKS

These ticketed talks at the Art Gallery of Ballarat include Medieval to Metal exhibition entry.

Writers Who Rock: The art of writing (about) music 
Saturday 2 November
Australia’s best music writers, journalists and authors come together to discuss their favourite guitar riffs and legends and how they’ve put pen to paper to write the greatest musical tales for fans around the world. Featuring Zan Rowe with Michael Dwyer, Stuart Coupe and Jane Gazzo.  

The Guitar Throughout Art History with Laurie Benson
Saturday 16 November
Join Laurie Benson, Curator International Art at the National Gallery of Victoria, as he takes guitar-lovers on a journey through the history of art and the many references to the most popular instrument on the planet.

Henry Wagons in Conversation with Adalita
Saturday 7 December
Two of Australia’s greatest musicians and musical storytellers, Henry Wagons and Adalita, come together in this special event to discuss their love of the guitar.

MORE GOOD TIMES

Cold Chisel
Saturday 9 November at Victoria Park
Cold Chisel will celebrate 50 years together with a truly unique tour. This was one red hot ticket…sorry folks! For those who nabbed tickets, we recommend making a weekend of it and sticking around to explore Medieval to Metal on the Sunday. Here’s some top Sunday brunch spots if you’re rocking a sore head from the night before.

Main Road Block Party
Saturday 30 November
To celebrate Medieval to Metal‘s arrival in Ballarat, one of the city’s most eclectic shopping strips is dialing up the volume for its first Block Party. Think live music, street food, activities for the kids and dishes by local chefs. Let’s party!

Peter Daffy and Peter Baylor at Kilderkin Distillery
Friday 6 December
Composer and musician Peter Daffy is set to join guitarist Peter Baylor to journey through the history of guitar from vintage swing to contemporary.

Check out the Art Gallery of Ballarat website for more talks and events closer to your visit.