Open House Melbourne 2019
27-28 July 2019
Here are some of our must-see sites across metropolitan Melbourne for this year's Open House Melbourne Weekend.
Image courtesy of 17 Casselden Place
17 Casselden Place, Melbourne CBD
Hark back to the notorious Little Lon days with a visit to the last remaining single-storey residence in the central city, its unassuming appearance concealing a rich and colourful history. Once a place of debauchery and ill-repute, today the sole surviving cottage is home to a boutique gin distillery.
Newman College, Parkville
Constructed in 1918 to the design of Walter Burley Griffin, the College is an accomplished example of the architect’s work that is aesthetically unique and technically impressive. The college’s design is visually dynamic and enhanced by its cavernous dome, organic forms, rusticated textures and contrasting horizontal and vertical elements. Notably, much of the original furniture remains in the dining room.
Image courtesy of Newman College, Melbourne University
Image courtesy of Breeana Dunbar
Jack’s Magazine, Maribyrnong
Its intriguing industrial history and innovative adaptive reuse has opened up this former explosives precinct for public access and interaction. Jack’s Magazine provides precedent on how our ‘dangerous’ industrial past can contribute to our heritage future.
Ann Street Morgue, Williamstown
The oldest surviving morgue in Melbourne, and the first erected in Victoria, serves as a unique reminder of Williamstown’s time as a thriving port town. With only two doors, one opening onto the water, at high tide the morgue would be naturally cleaned by seawater.
Image courtesy of Seaworks
Image courtesy of Bayside City Council
Bayside City Council Chambers and Civic Centre, Brighton
Heading south, this organic sculptural building reflects the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright in Australia, who has just had eight of his buildings inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list including the Guggenheim Museum, on which this building is modelled. It showcases the skill of local designers in the 1950s and 60s, particularly for its integration of landscape elements into the building design and the intact interiors by renowned modernist designer Grant Featherston.