Open House at Werribee Mansion
Tuesday 25 July, 2023
Werribee Park Mansion will come alive with special guests and performances this Sunday, 30 July as part of Open House Melbourne, a city-wide celebration of Melbourne’s built environment.
The mansion, on Bunurong and Wadawurrung Country, will host music, historic costumes and other surprises as part of the free event.
Around 50 volunteers will join Parks Victoria staff to answer questions and chat about the mansion’s history, art, and architecture, offering visitors a closer look as they explore its many rooms.
Organisers expect at least 1500 people to attend the family-friendly, one-day event, with free onsite parking available.
This event is part of the Open House Melbourne (OHM) Weekend, held at the end of July each year. OHM enables free public entry to some of the city’s iconic buildings and aims to encourage curiosity about urban design.
Parks Victoria is excited to bring the experience to a wider audience.
Werribee Park Mansion is one of Australia’s largest, grandest and most sophisticated homes. It was completed in 1877 for the Chirnside family and is included on the Victorian Heritage Register. The large central block was constructed of basalt and sandstone, in Italianate Renaissance Revival style.
Key Event Details:
• 10am-4pm on Sunday 30 July
• Entry and onsite parking are free
• Find Werribee Park Mansion via Gate 2, K Road, Werribee South
The full Open House Weekend program is available at: https://openhousemelbourne.org/the-weekend-2023/
Quotes attributable to Kim Wilson, Senior Heritage Adviser Major Projects, Parks Victoria
“We’re thrilled to participate in Open House Melbourne and bring its passion for architecture and urban planning to the West. We expect many who visit Werribee Park Mansion on Sunday 30 July will be first time visitors.”
“The mansion has some intriguing features and a fascinating history. To this day, we can’t definitively confirm the identity of its architect.”
“Open House Weekend offers something for everyone, from history buffs, to families, to those looking for a fun day out.”