Melbourne's Living Museum of the West

Melbourne's Living Museum of the West is a community-driven ecomuseum located in the western suburb of Maribyrnong, Melbourne, Australia. Established in 1984 as part of Victoria's sesquicentenary celebrations, it was conceived to address the cultural disadvantages experienced by Melbourne's Western Region—a traditionally industrial and working-class area often lacking cultural facilities. The museum focuses on documenting, preserving, and interpreting the social, industrial, and environmental history of the region through active community involvement[2][1][4].

Overview

As Australia's first ecomuseum, Melbourne's Living Museum of the West emphasizes the connection between people, place, and environment. It extends its scope over Melbourne’s Western Region, covering areas from Footscray to Bacchus Marsh and from Sunbury to Werribee. Originally envisioned as a "museum without walls," it prioritized oral histories and community participation rather than collecting traditional museum objects. More recently, the museum has incorporated a collection of objects while still maintaining its commitment to storytelling and local engagement[2].

The museum is situated on the unceded sovereign lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation and also recognizes the Boonwurrung and Wathaurung peoples. It acknowledges their ongoing connection to the land, sea, and community and pays respect to their Elders past, present, and emerging[1].

Mission and Activities

The Living Museum of the West actively involves people from Melbourne's western suburbs and beyond in preserving the stories, photographs, maps, and oral histories related to the area's diverse communities. Themes covered include migration, the role of women, and the industrial heritage such as the meat industry[4]. The museum encourages local participation in curating and interpreting the region’s history, fostering a sense of ownership and identity within the community.

Exhibits often feature traditional displays of photographs, drawings, and text, complemented by outdoor elements including indigenous gardens and wetlands that recreate the landscape of the basalt plains and valleys as they existed prior to European settlement[4].

Recent Developments

Due to extensive termite damage, the museum temporarily relocated to the Maribyrnong Library from April 2023 to April 2024 to allow for remediation works at its original Visitor Centre in Pipemakers Park. During this period, the museum continues to operate with adjusted hours and has received a Living Local Fund grant from the Victorian government to support refurbishment and enhancement of its facilities[5].

Access

The museum traditionally opens to the public on Thursdays and Fridays from late morning to late afternoon, with Saturday visits by appointment. During the temporary relocation, visiting hours have been adjusted accordingly[1][5].

Melbourne's Living Museum of the West remains a vital cultural institution dedicated to preserving and sharing the heritage of Melbourne's diverse western communities through ongoing community engagement and innovative museum practices.

[1] https://livingmuseum.org.au [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne's_Living_Museum_of_the_West [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/41b3ccfd-38af-e811-a960-000d3ad24282 [4] https://www.lonelyplanet.com/australia/melbourne/attractions/melbourne-s-living-museum-of-the-west/a/poi-sig/366539/362494 [5] https://livingmuseum.org.au/news/whats-on/