Hawthorn Arts Centre

Architect: John Beswicke 1889, Peddle Thorp Architects 2013

City of Boroondara | B04

Building Description

Architect John Beswicke’s spectacular Second-Empire-style Town Hall was completed in 1889, and opened with a Grand Ball. Built in a Renaissance style it was described as a two storey brick and stucco building with a 100ft (30.48m) tower. It was home to municipal offices, post office, fire station, police station and courthouse. Overtime the building has evolved with the community, with additions such as the clock tower, balcony, marble stairs, entrance foyer and stunning art-deco chandeliers added to make it one of Melbourne’s most iconic buildings. In 2013 the town hall was reimagined and redeveloped into the Hawthorn Arts Centre comprising of a gallery, performance spaces, Boroondara’s 360 Youth Services, function rooms and artist studios – it is a beautiful example of perfectly blended 19th and 20th Century architecture. Come and see for yourself how this sympathetic and innovative redevelopment has created a stunning venue for the delivery of arts and youth programs for the local community and beyond.

What's On

Building Buddies
Looking for something to entertain the kids on the Open House Melbourne weekend? Why not bring them along to the Building Buddies art workshop with James Price?
Using collage techniques, James will lead the kids through a discussion about the buildings of Hawthorn and the types of people who may have used them throughout their life. Participants will then create their own character out of collage materials, leaving with their very own character – name and all!

Workshop times are at the same time of the tours – you are welcome to leave children 6 years old and above with the workshop. All children 5 and under are to be supervised by a guardian.

Saturday and Sunday, 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm
Bookings:
No pre-bookings. Please arrive before the workshop time on the day to register participants as there are limited places. All ages. For more information, please visit www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/open-house-melbourne or phone 9278 4770.

Location