The Hans Heysen Foundation said today that Mt Barker Council had approved plans for the gallery, bushfire-safe art storage and gift shop at Heysen – The Cedars, the house and studio where the German-born painter lived and worked from 1912 to 1968.

The Foundation said the federal government had committed $9m to the project through the Adelaide City Deal, with work expected to begin in coming months.

The gallery, to showcase the works of Heysen and daughter Nora and also feature exhibitions by other artists, will be built on a hill above the existing house and studio.

Image: Hans Heysen Foundation/Snøhetta

“The Cedars is already one of the nation’s most significant artistic treasures and this new development will enhance its position as an Australian cultural icon,” Hans Heysen Foundation chair James Sexton said.

“Hans Heysen was one of Australia’s finest landscape painters, and well ahead of his time in his environmental conservation advocacy. The gallery will honour these passions and further enrich his and his daughter Nora Heysen’s artistic legacies, making The Cedars a must-see destination for national and international visitors.

“This is a huge boon for cultural and historical tourism in South Australia and we extend a huge thank you to all who have worked together to make this to happen.”