Description

Bundoora Homestead Art Centre is the public art gallery for Darebin and the home of visual arts in the municipality.

The gallery is housed in a magnificent Queen Anne-style Federation mansion, built in 1900 by the Smith Family on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people. In 1920 JVM Smith sold Bundoora Park to the Commonwealth Government and over the next 70 years, the building was used as a convalescent farm for returned war veterans and a mental repatriation hospital until decommission in 1993.

In 2001, with the help of La Trobe University and the Commonwealth Government, Darebin City Council restored Bundoora Homestead and opened it to the community as an arts and cultural space. The house and gardens are registered by Heritage Victoria and certified by the National Trust.

What's On

Join us for these guided history tours and learn about Bundoora Homestead Art Centre and the land on which it was built, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung country. Hear the stories that shaped this iconic Queen Anne-style mansion, from its first era as a private family home and stables, to its rebirth as a repatriation mental health hospital for returned servicemen, and its final reimagining as a community art gallery. Following the tour, you are welcome to stay and wander through the gardens, explore the current art exhibition or enjoy a snack or drink at the café.

Children's Activities

Bundoora Homestead Art Centre welcomes families, with regular children's events. We offer a drawing nook, family bookshelf and colouring sheets upon request in the café, which hosts a kid friendly menu that will be available during Open House Melbourne.