Located at the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus, the Potter Museum of Art is both a place of art-focused education and a traditional art gallery. Among other things, its exhibits include much of the University’s collection, including many works by Australian artists.

Founded in 1972, the museum has had various homes over its 50-plus years of operation. Its current site, which opened in 1998, recently re-opened after a major expansion and refurbishment.

Situated on the eastern side of the campus, nearby Masson Road, the new facility integrates with both the former Bacteriology building (which was built in the 1900s) and the heritage-listed Physics Annex (which dates back to the 1930s).

Wood Marsh, a locally based practice with extensive experience in art gallery design, was responsible for the project.

Understanding the importance of aligned, unified vision, the architects collaborated with the University, the Museum, and also University Art Museums Australia. In addition, heritage architects Lovell Chen oversaw the restoration of original elements, guided by detailed surveys to maintain historical accuracy.

Now complete, the facility features not just enhanced gallery, teaching, and hospitality spaces but a reorientation of its main entry to Masson Road.

Most obviously, this includes the addition of a concave, mirrored polished stainless-steel portal, which extends from the original façade, creating a multi-faceted public interface, and essentially marking the museum’s presence.

Moiving inside beyond the portal, visitors are met with a vaulted, double-height foyer; and a monochromatic black timber wall, which guides them through the foyer and restaurant to the gallery spaces.

The museum provides a range of dedicated and hybrid teaching spaces and is intended to support the University Art Collection and the annual exhibition program. A destination for art, social activity, and lifelong learning, it includes integrated lighting system to ensure optimal conditions for both conservation and presentation.

The new extension also accommodates education services, seminar rooms, gallery spaces, cloak rooms, a café, public programs areas, and utility support. It presents as a flexible environment for exhibitions and learning activities.

8888.jpg

777.jpg

666.jpg

444.jpg

333.jpg

222.jpg

Let's Connect!

Let’s connect!