In 1998, Melbourne’s Immigration Museum opened in the newly restored Old Customs House — an award-winning conservation and adaptation project by Lovell Chen in association with Jackson Architecture (Daryl Jackson Pty Ltd). The Museum is taking part in this year’s Open House Melbourne and is a great place to visit. And as an added incentive, Peter Lovell will be leading a one-off guided tour focusing on the architecture.

[ photo: courtesy Open House Melbourne and Immigration Museum ]

The Old Customs House is the former administrative centre of immigration and customs for Melbourne. It was completed in 1858 to the design of architect Peter Kerr, with further works completed in 1876. The major spaces, including the magnificent Long Room that was once the customs hall, have been converted for museum and exhibition use. Many beautiful details were uncovered during the adaptation works, including complex stone geometric floors. The footings of the earlier 1830 customs house were located and are now visible at various locations inside and outside the building.

Peter will conduct the tour in association with Jan Molloy, Humanities Education Programs Co-oridinator at the Immigration Museum.

Open House Melbourne : Saturday 29 – Sunday 30 July 2017
www.openhousemelbourne.org

The Immigration Museum is open both days for guided tours by museum staff, plus pop-up talks on the building’s history — online bookings open Monday 17 July.
See www.openhousemelbourne.org/buildings/immigration-museum for details.