About the Grainger Museum
Originally called the "Music Museum and Grainger Museum", and later the "Grainger Museum", the building was constructed for Percy Grainger between 1935 and 1938. It was officially opened in December 1938 and remains at its original location at the University of Melbourne, facing Royal Parade (campus map).
The idea for an autobiographical museum began to evolve in Grainger's mind in the early 1920s, shortly after the death of his mother Rose. In a letter to his friend Balfour Gardiner, dated 3 May 1922, Grainger mentions a Grainger Museum for the first time: "All very intimate letters or notes should be deposited in an Australian Grainger Museum, preferably in birth-town Melbourne".
Grainger took an active part in the design of the building assisting University architects Gawler and Drummond with development of the concept. The design is strongly influenced by the Moderne or Art Deco style, which was fashionable in the early 1930s, but the building also shows Arts and Crafts style characteristics.
The Museum project had developed for some years in Grainger's mind and he intended it to be a bequest to the city of his birth. In the document Aims of the Grainger Museum, Grainger set forth his ideas for the collection. Basically, he wanted to stress the "creative side of music".
The museum contains not only a large quantity of material from his own life, but much material concerning his musical contemporaries, particularly the lesser-known ones - such as the Frankfurt Group and Australian women composers Mona McBurney, Florence Ewart and May Brahe. After many initial hindrances, such as the use of the building for storage and other purposes during and after the Second World War, the exhibits (including complex display legends) were finally established during Grainger's last visit to Australia in the mid 1950s.
During the 1960s the museum was opened to the public on a regular basis for the first time, and in 1966 (briefly) became the setting for concerts and workshops for jazz and avant-garde music.
The last 20 years have been a period of consolidation for the Museum and its staff. The extensive programme for the detailed cataloguing of the Museum's holdings - begun in the mid 70s by the then curator, Dr. Kay Dreyfus - has resulted in the publication of several important documents, including three music catalogues and two books of letters. Two exhibitions highlighting different aspects of the collection are presented annually, and a program of concerts and cultural events is held throughout the year.
Working under the umbrella of The University of Melbourne Information Services, the Grainger Museum is directly managed by the Cultural Collections Group.
Public and research enquiries are welcomed. Access to the Grainger Collection during the period of the closure can be arranged by contacting the Curator.
Active support is also given by the Melbourne-based Grainger Museum Members.
For further details, please do not hesitate to contact the Grainger Museum.