Description

Bundoora Homestead Art Centre is the public art gallery for the City of Darebin, on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country. Built in 1899, the homestead today serves as a centre for contemporary art, ideas, a public garden and café.

On 606 acres (245 hectares) of land, the original 14-room mansion was commissioned by John Matthew Vincent Smith as a home for his family, where they lived for 20 years. Before its present day use, it served as a convalescent farm and repatriation hospital.

The red brick mansion with dominant hipped roofs, protruding strapped gables, and tall brick and stucco chimneys is a strong example of the English Queen Anne Style as adapted to the Australian environment. It is one of the best remaining works of architect Sydney Wilson.

What's On

A heritage tour will inform you about the commissioning and origins of the house; its multiple incarnations for a variety of uses (family home, hospital, arts centre); unique architectural features of the Queen Anne style mansion; and the Indigenous custodianship of local Country.

Following the tour, you are welcome to stay and wander through the gardens, explore the current exhibition or enjoy a snack or drink at the cafe.