1957
Herbert Buchanan Shaw (1882-1957), a grazier from 'Kiama' near Hamilton, bequeathed an outstanding collection of fine and decorative arts (781 pieces) and £6000 to the City of Hamilton. Herbert and his wife May had collected these works during their lifetime. The £6000 was to go towards a building to house the artworks.

1958
Hamilton City Council debated acceptance of Shaw Bequest and suitable site for proposed Gallery. Decided by 1 vote by the Mayor Cr Edward (Ted) Dempster to accept the bequest and to situate the Gallery next to the Town Hall in Brown Street.

1959
Council invited plans for building from final year Architecture students at Melbourne University. Mr Douglas Alexandra's firm (Berg & Alexandra Pty Ltd, Melbourne) given contract to complete design

10 July 1961
Mr John Ashworth appointed Director.

20 October 1961
Official opening by Sir Arthur Rylah E.D., M.L.A., Chief Secretary and Deputy Premier of Victoria

1962
Mr Ronald Lowenstern founded the Gallery Trust Fund with the support of Dr S.C. Fitzpatrick and Mr W.R. Swaby

1970
29 Watercolours and 74 Etchings by 18th century English artist, Paul Sandby, R.A. (1731-1809), purchased with the assistance of the State Government of Victoria from the private collection of Mr Charles C.L. Gaussen and Lady Mary Gaussen of 'Gringegalgona', near Hamilton.

1971
Barber Collection of Indian and Nepalese art donated to Gallery by Miss Margaret Barber (d. 2001). Formed by Lorraine and Edwin Barber (Miss Barber's father and uncle respectively) in China and India.

25 May 1973
First floor extensions opened by The Hon Rupert Hamer E.D., M.L.A., Premier, Treasurer and Minister for the Arts of Victoria.

1975
Mr Julian Faigan appointed Director.

1976
Ansett Art Award commenced. The Gallery held a biennial invitation award, known as the R.M. Ansett Hamilton Art Award, until 1994. This acquisitive award was for works on paper and some 56 works by 35 artists have been added to for the Gallery's permanent collection

1977
Sandby gouaches sent to London for restoration

1981
Sandby Exhibition & Colloquium.

1985
Alan Sisley appointed Director.

1988
William Hogarth prints (Rake's Progress, Harlot's Progress & Marriage a la Mode) purchased.

1988
Daniel McOwan appointed Director.

1994
Modernisation of the Gallery occurred

1995
Works by Mervyn Napier Waller received from his sister Miss Heather Waller

2001
Gallery celebrates 40th Anniversary

2007
50th Anniversary of the Shaw Bequest

Since 1961 Hamilton's rich, diverse, historic and contemporary collection has grown, through acquisitions and gifts, to over 7000 items with exhibitions displayed in six modern galleries