Description

A quiet and creative force in electronic music for close to a decade, Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio houses one of the most historically significant collections of electronic musical instruments worldwide. Affectionately known as MESS, it is so much more than a living museum—it's about connecting people and creativity.

In August 2025, MESS moved from a decommissioned freezer at the end of a laneway into the Atrium at Fed Square. In its new home, MESS has made an ambitious step into the heart of this city’s cultural conversation.

Designed by Sibling Architecture and built by McCorkell Constructions, the new studio reimagines how MESS interacts with the collection, members, students and, for the first time, the general public. It is the result of MESS and Sibling reckoning with the tension of bringing an intimate creative space into a public-facing location.

The design by Sibling reimagines the space to support the studio's hybrid roles as a living museum and working collection as well as a working and social space. Like the artistic community it supports, the studio is bold, open, utilitarian and action-focused.

What's On

We’re throwing the doors open for an open studio! Enjoy this special chance to access to the MESS studio, ordinarily available only to members. Facilitated by MESS studio staff, hear the stories behind the collection and explore a creative space of social connection and artistic excellence. Selected instruments will be available to play.

Join us on Sunday to hear Director of Sibling Architecture Amelia Borg discussing both the design process and how the project reimagines the space as a place for exhibition, making, work and gathering.