A new exhibition has been launched, showcasing contemporary works by 16 Central Otago artists.

The exhibition at Clyde Museum, called The Museum through Artists Eyes, is made up of artworks across a range of mediums, including sculpture, photography, paintings, ceramics, and drawings.

They each have a connection to the museum, either as an object, a story or simply the concept of collections in general.

Chairwoman of the Clyde Museum Andrea (Andy) Ritchie said it was an art exhibition like no one has seen here before.

"It's thoroughly exciting . . . to have the connection to fine art in our museum.

"For the artists too, it has opened up new ways of working and being more conceptual.

"I would like to have one exhibition each year that pushes the envelope."

Andy said it had been a few months work to get everything together.

"It was a collaboration between the Clyde Museum and the Central Otago District Arts Trust.

After only a few days of being open she said the response from visitors had been really positive.

Megan Huffadine: 'Wunderkammer' (cabinets of wonder) - a precursor to the modern museum, and a symbolic microcosm of the world.

Sian Player's 'Bee' drawing. She said she wanted to capture the romance of dancing from flower to flower.

Eric Schuster The Art of Collecting - combining elements in multiple exposure photography in camera and then digitally creating a historic feel

Poster for Clyde Museum exhibition. IMAGE: Supplied

Central Otago District Council Mayor Tim Cadogan said the old 1950s council chambers building, now decked out as an arts space was looking fantastic.

"Hats off to the people who have got behind this and made it happen . . . its absolutely transformed, that's the only way to describe it.

"There is brilliant lighting on rails and black velvet on walls.

"It features paintings, photographs and poems, and all sorts of stuff.

"Where it sits means people are coming up from the Dunstan Trail to have a look.

"I think it's a winner and I'm really excited about it - it opens itself up maybe for small musical events or little plays in the future."

The Clyde Historical Museums Inc has two sites at 5 Blyth St and 12 Fraser St.

The museums are run by a committee and staffed in part by volunteers.

The first museum began in 1879 with a collection given by Mr. Vincent Pyke, the administrator of the Dunstan Goldfields.

The collection, gathered from his travels, is still in the Blyth Street museum.

General admission to both museums is by donation.

The refurbished Clyde Museum, at 5 Blyth Street is open Tuesday – Sunday from 1pm to 4pm.

The exhibition runs until the end of April.