Back to search results »

Back to search page »

Grainger Museum

Location University of Melbourne,, PARKVILLE VIC 3010 - Property No B4062 File Number B4062 Level State

[1/2] B4062 Grainger Museum [2/2] B4062 Grainger Museum Interior

Statement of Significance

A building of national significance, having direct association with the internationally famous virtuoso pianist and composer, Percy Aldridge Grainger, whose gift it was to the University of Melbourne as a permanent memorial to himself and the universal scene of music.
The museum was built 1935 to 1938 - architect John S Gawler, builders Hansen & Yuken. Grainger closely influenced design, conceiveng a "oneness" of the building and his museum collection, a presentation of "the sources from which composers draw their inspirations". He participated in construction as a bricklayer. This unique building is of a formal design with echoes of the classical vocabulary, which may be intended to evoke a resonance with Swedish brick architecture. The plan is individualistic, distinctive and refined, with intimate spatial arrangements around an axial courtyard and novel use of glass bricks and internal top-lit spaces.
Classified: 02/0819/79
Revised:03/08/1998