Arts West

Architect: ARM Architecture and Architectus 2017

University of Melbourne Parkville Campus | UoMP01

Building Description

Arts West is the University of Melbourne’s new home to the Bachelor of Arts. Laser cut metal fins form a striking façade that features monolithic images of select objects from the University’s cultural collections. The clarity of these images changes depending on the viewer’s position, the light and the atmosphere.

Designed by Victorian architectural firms ARM and Architectus, the Arts West redevelopment comprises seven levels. The building has been designed to influence the way students are taught, with an emphasis on spaces that foster learning communities.

Facilities include object-based learning laboratories, and displays for relics and archival materials. The building also includes a digital studio, facilities for collaborative project-based learning, an interactive theatre, and lecture and discursive spaces.

With the Bachelor of Arts one of the largest undergraduate degree programs at the University, Arts West is now home to 40+ areas of study and more than 6,000 students.

What's On

Australian Aboriginal cultural heritage objects from one of the most important anthropological collections in the world are now on display in the Arts West Gallery.
Titled Awaken, the exhibition includes almost 200 items from the extensive Donald Thomson Collection.
One of the most important anthropological collections in the world, the Donald Thomson Collection includes almost 7500 artefacts and 2000 biological specimens.

Location