Box Cottage Museum

Architect: Unknown C1850.

South | S18

Building Description

It’s difficult to imagine how a family with ten children would have fit into such a small cottage, but from 1865 until 1914, this small pioneer cottage in Ormond was home to an average family on Melbourne’s outskirts. Faithfully reconstructed, it offers a window into pioneering life soon after Melbourne’s establishment.

Built around 1850 by an unknown pioneer on a market garden allotment next door, Box Cottage was later moved into Joyce Park piece by piece and restored.

Rediscovered in 1970 by a timber merchant who had purchased the property, the new owner suggested it be dismantled, relocated and reconstructed. The reconstruction in 1984, funded by Victoria’s 150th Committee and Moorabbin City Council, followed faithfully the original dimensions incorporating the original doors, window sashes, locks and fittings – all imported from England.

Other original features include handmade sun-dried (not kiln-fired) fireplace bricks, on which convict marks can still be seen. Box Cottage is maintained by the City of Moorabbin Historical Society.

What's On

The Museum contains an eclectic collection of artefacts donated by local residents which demonstrate many aspects of pioneering life in Victoria. There are also copies of interesting land titles associated with the area and many old photographs. The Barn houses numerous items linked to the areas market gardening heritage.

Location