We are temporarily relocating to Maribyrnong Library

Due to extensive termite damage to the Museum Visitor Centre building in Pipemakers Park, the Living Museum will temporarily relocate to Maribyrnong Library from April 2023 until April 2024, when extensive remediation works to the building are anticipated to be completed by Maribyrnong City Council.

The Living Museum is excited to announce that we have received a Living Local Fund grant from the Office for Suburban Development, Department of Jobs, Skills and Training.

This funding has enabled the Museum to commission the team at OFFICE, a not-for-profit multidisciplinary design and research practice based in Melbourne, to enhance the internal refurbishment by helping to design and construct exciting new facilities within the Visitor Centre.

All enquiries preferably by email: admin@livingmuseum.org.au

Or please contact: 0419 154 265 (Thursday to Saturday 9am – 5pm only)

Please also check our Instagram page for updates and further information.

Maribyrnong Library location and website

Maribyrnong Library
120 Rosamond Rd, Maribyrnong VIC 3032

Talks and tours are available by appointment

Please call or email to make an appointment to access research material during opening hours.

Researchers please note: Due to funding cuts, the Living Museum is primarily staffed by volunteers, research assistance must be booked in advance.

Facilities and Venue

The Living Museum offices, Visitor Centre, Resource Centre, Library and Bookshop are located in the Bluestone Buildings on the banks of the Maribyrnong River in Pipemakers Park.

To enquire about using the Bluestone Buildings or Visitor Centre for community or public events, functions, exhibitions or projects please contact Melbourne’s Living Museum of the West to discuss your proposal and to make an appointment to see the buildings and our other facilities.

Please note: we are not currently taking bookings for private parties or events.

The Living Museum Visitor Centre

Facilities include: kitchen, data presentation and film projection equipment and screen, projects office space, meeting rooms, printing, photocopying and wireless internet, computers, audio recording and video equipment. Living Museum Resource Centre, bookshop, library, photographic and oral history archives, publication archives including reports, heritage studies, historic maps and other documents.

Event and Function Equipment

Event and function equipment include seating and tables for more than 100 guests, portable PA and sound system, The Bluestone building includes over 670 sqm exhibition and performance space (over 2 levels) with three phase power and secure storage.

On the Maribyrnong River

Pipemakers Park, Maribyrnong, is a Parks Victoria Park. The site that today comprises Pipemakers Park is of very considerable significance in the industrial history of Australia.

From its use as Raleigh’s boiling-down works in Victoria’s early pastoral days, to its association with the makers of Australia’s first steam locomotive, its contribution to the world’s export meat trade as Australia’s leading meat cannery for a decade and as Australia’s first frozen meat export works, and its role as the principal Australian factory of the Hume firm which pioneered, and exported, the invention of centrifugally-spun steel-reinforced concrete pipes.

Today the buildings in Pipemaker’s Park include the restored historic Bluestone buildings, Humes Top Factory as well as the History of the Land Gardens.

These facilities are available to hire for community and public events, functions, exhibitions and other projects.

Facilities in the Park

Pipemakers Park includes on site parking for up to 100 vehicles with security gates in and out of the park, several wetlands, walking trails and bbq facilities. Mooring jetty at the River, local river tours can be organised via Maribyrnong River Cruises.