CENTRAL Albury was brought to a standstill as the 107-year-old town hall's latest transformation as a $10.5 million art museum was officially completed on Friday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Dean Street was filled with a crowd of more than 450 people made up of invited guests and interested onlookers for the opening of Murray Art Museum Albury after an 18-month construction period.
Newly elected Albury mayor Henk van de Ven and member for Farrer Sussan Ley jointly opened MAMA as representatives of the major funding providers - ratepayers and the federal government.
Ms Ley announced an additional federal contribution of $300,000 to recognise the contribution of the Albury-Wodonga Development Corporation, which was wound up late last year.
It will help retain a large collection of corporation memorabilia in Albury.
The official opening was conducted in front of the town hall building which has been incorporated with Burrows House to become MAMA.
Cr van de Ven said the location was fitting for a major celebration which continued into Friday night with a street party.
"This truly is a special day and is one about re-birth, transition and Albury's maturity as it enters a new era and place in the cultural landscape of Australia," he said.
"Behind these walls our forebears met, made decisions and gathered as a community to overcome wars, depression, harsh times and experience incredible excitement when great things happened."
Wiradjuri elder Nancy Rooke performed a welcome to country and indigenous pastor Darren Wighton sang a welcoming song.
Cr van de Ven also read a congratulatory note from former Labor federal minister Simon Crean who kick-started the project with an initial $3.5 milllion.
"Congratulations on the achievement and I am delighted it has come to fruition," Mr Crean said.
"It shows persistence pays when you have a great local project that stacks up."
Ms Ley recited a quote from world renowned artist, Pablo Picasso, in summing up the occasion.
"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life," she said.
"I can imagine people coming in through these doors forgetting about the petty worries they woke up with or even the big worries they will go to sleep with and just become captivated."
Member for Albury Greg Aplin and local mayors Paul Miegel (Corowa) and Bernard Gaffney (Indigo) were among guests.
Former Albury Council general manager Les Tomich and former gallery director Audray Banfield were also present.
