The Condensery - Somerset Regional Art Gallery has a rich history, formerly home to the Nestlé condensed milk factory packing facility. The historical site has received multiple awards for the adaptive reuse of the dilapidated factory and its contemporary architecture.

Now a unique cultural precinct, the building hosts regular changing exhibitions and workshops and various events throughout the year. Our program presents both regional and national artists in solo and group presentations across media as well as drawing major touring exhibitions of contemporary art to the Somerset region.

Visit the gallery and be greeted by a hand-sculptured bronze red deer statue by world renowned Somerset artist, the late Bodo Muche. The sculpture represents an important part of Toogoolawah’s heritage – a gift of red deer from Queen Victoria in 1873 in celebration of the state being named in her honour.

Two stags, Norman and Bolingbroke, and four hinds, Atlas, Alma, Ada and Martha arrived from the Windsor Castle gardens aboard the Great Queensland and were released on the McConnel family property on 19 September 1873. You may catch site of their descents roaming the paddocks nearby.

The gallery aims to present a program of dynamic and vibrant contemporary art exhibitions, artist projects and activities that excite and inspire visitors and create a space for discussion, connection and learning. See more information on our current exhibition below.

Country Connects Us | 22 May - 18 July 2021

Country Connects Us brings together work by artists and community members from the Jinibara people – the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the Country that stretches from the DÁguilar and Blackall Range in the East to the Brisbane Valley in the West.

Country Connects Us is part of a larger showcase of First Nations art and culture held across six local governments within the South-East Queensland region through May and June 2021, called Connecting Stories. Connecting Stories is a first of its kind cross-regional exhibition program, made possible through collaboration and partnership between the SEQN Galleries Network (Gympie Regional Gallery, Noosa Regional Gallery, Caloundra Regional Gallery, USC Art Gallery, Moreton Bay Regional Galleries, The Condensery - Somerset Regional Art Gallery and Redland Art Gallery) and Creative Arts Alliance as part of the Regional Arts Services Network (RASN) funded by Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

Crossdale 5 | 24 July - 19 September 2021

The exhibition draws together five regional artists living and practicing in the rural locality of Crossdale, QLD who work across sculpture, ceramics and painting and present a dynamic mix of work that explores our connection to place.

Artists include Ian Clark, Jane Harthoorn, Sharon Lee, Shirley Sue and Jan Williams.

Please join us for the launch the exhibition, Crossdale 5, on 24 July from 10.30am. RSVP to mail@somerset.qld.gov.au

We look forward to welcoming you at The Condensery - Somerset Regional Art Gallery. We are situated at 29 Factory Road, off the Brisbane Valley Highway, in the village of Toogoolawah, Queensland.

There is ample parking and free Wi-Fi is available across the building.

Admission is free.

Our opening hours are:

Monday to Friday 9AM to 5PM

Saturday to Sunday 10AM to 4PM

Volunteer with Us

If you would like to become more involved, please join our volunteer program at The Condensery - Somerset Regional Art Gallery and broaden your creative horizons, learn about the building’s history and receive great rewards.

Benefits of the program include free Somerset tourism tours with exclusive behind the scenes opportunities, VIP invitations to special events and opening nights, and the chance to learn all things art.

Exhibit with Us

Local and regional artists are supported at The Condensery - Somerset Regional Art Gallery. If you would like to be considered for our upcoming program please contact us for an application form.

We engage local artists to facilitate workshops and programs too. If you would like to be considered for a workshop, please send us your CV and area of practice. You must hold public liability insurance and have some prior experience.

For more information, bookings or enquiries please contact us on (07) 5423 1036 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au.

Follow us on Facebook for regular updates about The Condensery - Somerset Regional Art Gallery.

Please contact us for more information on group bookings. Bookings are available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and weekends subject to availability.

School and preschool visits are also welcome, and gallery staff will work with the school to tailor an activity to suit the curriculum where possible.