Spanning four gallery spaces, the Town Hall Gallery features a diverse range of contemporary and innovative curated exhibitions, public programs and exhibits drawn from the Town Hall Gallery Collection.
Town Hall Gallery’s exhibition calendar is carefully selected to explore diverse mediums and themes relevant to Boroondara and the visual arts scene.
Exhibitions are also drawn from the Town Hall Gallery Collection of contemporary and historical art. The collection reflects Boroondara’s diverse community and features art by significant Australian artists who currently live or have lived or worked in the municipality.
In addition to the exhibition program, Town Hall Gallery hosts a range of public programs including hands-on workshops, talks, seminars and documentary screenings.
Permanent Collection
The Town Hall Gallery Collection aims to nurture a sense of community and shared history as well as enhance public spaces and community well being. Combining art works, historical and civic memorabilia from the past municipalities of Kew, Hawthorn and Camberwell, the Collection actively acquires new works and historical items.
It is divided into four components: Art Collection, History Collection, Local Government Collection, Public Art Collection.
Each component has its own unique focus to interpret the cultural heritage of Boroondara.
The Community Exhibitions program at the Town Hall Gallery is devoted to talented local artists.
Artists benefit from advice and mentoring from our curatorial team to help with their artistic and career development.
Since the Community Exhibitions program was established in 2013, it has presented well over 1000 artworks produced by more than 350 artists. The wall averages 800 visits to each individual exhibition. The exhibition space spans close to 30 metres.
Applications open each year in May for the following year’s program.
getting to the gallery
Public Transport
Train: Alamein / Belgrave / Lilydale Lines (Arrive at Glenferrie Station, walk south along Glenferrie Rd then turn left into Burwood Rd. Entrance is 210 metres from the station). Tram 16: Melbourne University to Kew (alight at stop 73. Entrance is 71 metres from tram stop). Tram 70: Docklands to Wattle Park (alight at stop 32 and walk north on Glenferrie Rd for 5mins until you get to Burwood Rd. Turn right and walk 1min east along Burwood Rd. Entrance is 750 metres from tram stop). Tram 75: City to Vermont South (alight at stop 32 and walk north on Glenferrie Rd for 5mins until you get to Burwood Rd. Turn right and walk 1min east along Burwood Rd. Entrance is 750 metres from tram stop).
By Car
Public parking is available at the rear of the Centre, accessible from Kent St or Oxley Rd. Additional parking is available a short walk from the Centre on Serpells Lane and Swinburne Avenue. Please note, restrictions apply.
Disabled parking is available close to the building at the rear of the centre.
accessibility
All venues within Hawthorn Arts Centre are fully wheelchair accessible. Accessible entrances can be found on Burwood Rd; through Second Empire Café; and via the eastern courtyard entrance. Ambulant toilet facilities and disability carparks are also available. For further information, visit www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/arts
cafe
Cafes
Second Empire Cafe
Monday - Friday: 8am - 3pm
T: 03 9290 9400
Named in honour of the Hawthorn Arts Centre’s iconic architectural heritage, Second Empire Café is open for breakfast and lunch. Enjoy the surrounds of the Arts Centre in this light-filled café.
The Emporium at Town Hall Gallery Tuesday - Friday: 10am - 5pm
Saturday - Sunday: 11am - 4pm
Closed Mondays and public holidays
The Emporium at Town Hall Gallery offers distinctive designer and artisanal goods from local and international makers. Housing a rotation of stock including clothing, stationery, wearable objects, home wares and small art pieces, each and every item will be sourced by independent traders in and around Melbourne, and internationally.
At the heart of the Emporium is the belief that good design and superb craftmanship are vital to a sustainable future for the arts and craft industry in Australia.
Image: Exhibition opening at Town Hall Gallery for The Lives of Celestials by John Young, 31 August - 20 October 2019. Photograph by ImagePlay.
The Public Galleries Association of Victoria (PGAV) acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the lands where our office is located, and all Traditional Owners of country throughout Victoria and Australia. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples enduring traditions and continuing creative cultures. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
We are an LGBTQIA+ friendly organisation that celebrates diversity. We are committed to providing safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive services for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
