Footscray Hospital Community Open Day
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You're invited to explore the new Footscray Hospital before it opens to the public.
At your own pace, wander through its light-filled spaces, landscaped outdoor areas and community-focused facilities to learn about the design of the new People's Hospital, soon to deliver world-class care to its community.
Using a self-guided audio tour, hear about the hospital's vision, design and innovations from hospital staff, artists, architects COX and BLP, and landscape architect Tract. This tour will take you behind the scenes to showcase how the hospital reflects the needs and identity of Melbourne’s west and how it will support patients, staff and visitors.
During the Open Day, you can explore the main foyer ‘Hospital Street’, stop by the Emergency Department and visit an inpatient ward. Enjoy family-friendly activities and chat with the people who helped shape this landmark project.
This Community Open Day is an opportunity to celebrate the new Footscray Hospital, before it officially opens to the public on Wednesday 18 February 2026.
Footscray Hospital Community Open Day is presented by Western Health and Open House Melbourne, with thanks to the Plenary Health consortium, Victorian Government and Victoria University.
Children's Activities
Children can get hands-on with a creative workshop delivered by the Australian Tapestry Workshop. Capture the moment at a playful, hospital-themed photo booth perfect for families and visitors of all ages, and collect an activity sheet to puzzle your way through the day.
In Collaboration With:
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Western Health (WH) is the major healthcare provider to Melbourne’s west, one of the fastest growing and most diverse regions of Australia.
With a catchment exceeding 1 million people, high rate of migration and a high birth rate, rapid growth continues to outpace the rest of Victoria. We provide a comprehensive range of clinical services across hospital, community, correctional facility, and home-based settings.
Important Details
Tour/event summary information
Sunday 1 February 2026
Open Day Registration
10am to 5pm (last entry 4pm)
Free, registration required
All visitors, including children, will need to be registered to attend
We recommend allowing 60-90 minutes for your visit. The site will close at 5pm.
Self-guided Audio Tour Experience
Bring your own phone and headphones to take a curated journey through key areas of the new hospital, including the Emergency Department, an in-patient ward and public spaces. Hear from architects, artists and staff as they share stories, design approaches, behind-the-scenes insights and moments that shaped the project.
Available in English, Vietnamese, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Greek and Macedonian.
A selection of food and beverage options will be available for purchase.
Offers for available tickets move quickly through the waitlist. For the best chance of securing tickets, ensure you have entered the correct email address and check your email regularly, including spam/junk.
Meeting Point
Arrive via one of the four event day entrances. Look out for Open House Melbourne and Western Health signage and volunteers in pink vests ready to welcome you.
To help you enjoy everything the Open Day has to offer, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
Getting there
Public Transport
We encourage public transport where possible. Plan your journey here.
Cycle
Bicycle racks are located near the main entrance of the hospital and near the Emergency Department.
Car + Motorbike
Limited on-site car parking available. Enter via Geelong Road. Dedicated motorbike parking bays available on the Ground Level.
Accessibility
Fully wheelchair accessible, accessible bathroom, accessible parking nearby, lift access, Parent's room, sensory space available, audio description, additional language options
