Media release | Open House is your behind-the-scenes guide to Valley’s historic gems
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a theatre? Keen to marvel at the hidden corners of a treasured heritage building?
Well, now’s your chance!
Open House Melbourne returns to Moonee Valley on 26-27 July, 2025, when usually off-limits places around the city are open to the public for a celebration of architecture, design and history.
For one weekend only, join guided tours of three Moonee Valley City Council buildings:
Incinerator Gallery
After initially starting its life in the 1920s as a state-of-the-art waste disposal facility is today a world-class contemporary art gallery hosting international exhibitions, including The Playground Project Melbourne. Come see Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin’s iconic Incinerator – the only remaining building of its type in Victoria!
The Clocktower
Walk in the footsteps of the late Queen Elizabeth II with a visit inside the Clocktower Centre. Formerly the Essendon Town Hall, the 1880 building hosted the newly crowned monarch on her first visit Down Under more than 70 years ago.
The old Moonee Ponds Court House and Queen Park gardens
This quintessential Medieval Revival building turns 135 this year. As the local seat of justice, the court once heard cases ranging from petty theft to disorderly conduct. Recently restored after a fire, the building is now home to the Essendon Historical Society and documents an important chapter in the history of our region.
The Essendon Historical Society will also run a tour through Queens Park gardens, detailing its history as an unwanted swampland through to its transformation into the beloved and manicured gardens we know today.
Bookings are essential. Secure your place by visiting the Open House Melbourne website.
There are plenty of other hidden treasures around Moonee Valley that will also be unveiled as part of Open House Melbourne, including:
- Essendon Fields Airport Terminal
- Moonee Valley Racing Club
- Valley Lake Precinct
- Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar School—Earlsbrae Hall
- Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School—Keilor East Campus Tour
- St Bernard’s College—Margaret Tierney Senior Centre
Mayor Cr Ava Adams hopes the weekend gives residents and visitors a chance to get better acquainted with Moonee Valley’s rich history.
“Moonee Valley is home to some beautiful buildings, each of which has a fascinating and unique story to tell, and Open House Melbourne is an opportunity to explore these hidden gems,” she said.
“It’s all part of our plan to keep making Moonee Valley a great place live, work and play.”
Event details
Open House Melbourne Date: Saturday 27 July – Sunday 28 July 2025
Bookings and more information: Open House Melbourne website