State-of-the-art new builds, heritage gems and local insights will draw you in at Open House weekend on 29 and 30 July.
Time-travel at Hawthorn Arts Centre through the voices of former residents, traverse a different kind of built environment at Boroondara Cemetery, explore heritage landmark buildings and discover new additions to our ever-evolving urban fabric.
The theme of Open House Melbourne this year is ‘Collective City’, examining how we reinvent, repurpose and adapt our city to live better together. City of Boroondara is opening up 3 of its iconic locations.
Camberwell Civic Precinct
Designed by local architect James Gall, the original Camberwell Town Hall was completed in 1891 at a cost of £10,000.
This year, the building is hosting guided tours with local historians and self-guided walking exhibitions, inviting visitors to uncover the captivating past of the building and its significance to our community.
Hawthorn Arts Centre
Built in 1889 and launched with a Grand Ball to celebrate its opening, Hawthorn Arts Centre will host art exhibits, guided tours and an expert talk about its architecture and preservation.
This year’s Open House program will also feature a special oral history project for visitors to travel through time with interviews from senior Hawthorn residents recorded in the 1980s.
Kew Court House
Functioning as a courthouse up to 1971 and a police station until 1982, this 1888 building is now an award-winning heritage site boasting an 80-seat theatre.
Enjoy exhibits and guided tours provided by local historians, and a talk with Norm Jackson who led the project to transform Kew Court House into today’s vibrant cultural centre.
Step inside these Boroondara sites too
- Carey Grammar Centre for Creativity and Collaboration, Kew
- ‘Deceased of the built environment’ interred in Boroondara Cemetery, Kew (also including Brighton and St Kilda cemeteries)
- Markham Avenue, Ashburton redevelopment
- Melbourne Tram Museum, Hawthorn
- Preshil’s Arlington Campus, Kew
- Villa Alba Museum, Kew
- Willsmere Estate, Kew
- Xavier College, Kew
Please note that locations and program details provided above are correct at time of printing but may be subject to change.