Open House comes to Moonee Valley in 2025
As part of the Open House Melbourne weekend festival, we’re opening our doors to grant exclusive access to three of Moonee Valley’s landmark buildings.
Get behind the curtain at the Clocktower Theater, quench your curiosity about the fiery origins of the Incinerator Gallery, and step back in time at the Essendon Historical Society.
From Saturday 26 to Sunday 27 July, we’re providing FREE guided tours through each of these locations. These tours will guide you through the architecture, design and history of each site, and discuss the role that good design plays in building a thriving future.
Did you know the Clocktower started its life as a town hall? Or that our gorgeous gallery used to be garbage incinerator? The transformation of these sites from practical municipal locations to premier arts venues reflects Moonee Valley’s commitment to preserving history while embracing the future. Open House is an opportunity for us to reflect on these origins and embrace the future of agile design.
Tickets available directly through Open House.
Essendon Historical Society
Guided walking tour of Queens Park’s heritage
Sunday 27 July 2.30pm
Essendon Historical Society
Court House Museum
Sunday 27 July Open 10am – 5pm
Clocktower Centre
Behind the curtain
Saturday, 26 and Sunday, 27 July, 9am-3pm
Incinerator Gallery
Saturday 26 July
Open access 11am—4pm
Explore tour options and the full itinerary at the Open House website.
PLUS explore more of the Moonee Valley Itinerary with the following tours:
- Essendon Fields Airport Terminal
Friday 25 July
Open access 11am—3pm
No bookings required
- Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar School—Earlsbrae Hall
Sunday 27 July
Tours run every 15 minutes starting at 10am.
- Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School—Keilor East Campus Tour
Sunday 27 July
Tours running every half hour from 12pm
- Moonee Valley Racing Club
Saturday 26 July
Open access 10am—4pm
- St Bernard’s College—Margaret Tierney Senior Centre
Saturday 26 July + Sunday 27 July
Open access 10am-4pm