Grainger Museum Maintenance Program
Following the realisation that the Grainger Museum is being affected by large scale waterproofing problems that stem from the idiosyncratic building design, the University's Property and Campus Services decided that the only way to ensure protection of the collection during an extended period of building maintenance was to remove all items to secure storage areas.
An off-site state-of-the-art museum-standard storage venue is now being used as an alternative home for the majority of collection items. The Museum's paper based archive is safely stored in the University's Baillieu Library.
The University, recognising its obligations as custodian of the heritage-classified Grainger Museum building, commissioned a detailed conservation management plan. Heritage architects Allom Lovell & Associates provided the University with a comprehensive plan that articulates clear guidelines for conservation works and any future building modification, as well as a fine detailed analysis of the building's cultural significance.
Extensive building works have been initiated and are now progressing to schedule with a proposed completion date of August 2009. Property and Campus Services has established a Blog to keep people informed about the project.
We apologise for any inconvenience the Museum closure and relocation may cause.
Research Access to Collection
During our closure, research enquiries continue as usual. When requested, research material will be delivered to the Baillieu Library's third floor reading room on a 24 hour turnaround basis. Items stored in off-site storage venues will also be retrieved and delivered to the Library on a similarly short time-scale.
For all enquiries regarding access to the collection, please telephone +61 3 8344 5270, or contact us by email at grainger@ unimelb.edu.au
Public Programs
Grainger Museum public programs do continue in an outreach capacity. Concerts are held and exhibitions mounted in other venues - both on and off campus.
If you would like to be notified of forthcoming Grainger exhibitions and events, please telephone +61 3 8344 5270, or contact us by email at grainger@ unimelb.edu.au - we would be delighted to add you to our mailing list!