More than 5500 people went through the Bendigo Art Gallery’s doors at the weekend for the final sessions of the Marilyn Monroe exhibition.
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Bendigo Art Gallery director Karen Quinlan said it was a good finale for the popular exhibition.
“It really sums up the interest in the exhibition,” she said.
“There’s only so many we can put through and we were at max all week. Last weekend was the same.
“Some people left it to the last minute, which is often the case but crowds were happy.
“We stayed open to 7pm on Sunday to accommodate the crowds and there was a really good atmosphere all weekend.”
Ms Quinlan also said there were about 1500 people on weekdays at the gallery for the final week of the exhibition.
“Generally the pattern of behaviour is a big influx at the start of the exhibition, then it evens out before building towards the end,” she said.
“I think people did come back (for second viewings). I know few people who wanted to see it one more time.
“Some also booked weeks ago and there were also the last-minute walk-ups. People were probably turned away or had to come back later in the day when sessions filled.”
On Monday morning banners and signage for the show were taken down and gallery staff began the two-week task of packing up the exhibition.
The Forever Marilyn sculpture in Rosalind Park will be taken down next Monday.
“It’s a fairly intense two weeks. The collections all go, the mannequins are undressed and packed away. It is a quicker process than putting it up,” Ms Quinlan said
“It can be fairly complicated and we are bringing in another show as well.
“We have had 128 days of the exhibition and are comfortable with it being closed. It’s good to say goodbye and welcome the next one.”
The gallery’s next exhibition is Toni Maticevski’s Dark Wonderland.
Maticevski is an Australian designer who is well known for his innovative use of materials and fabrics.