The Substation/ Open House Melbourne/
This event is wheelchair accessible and gender neutral accessible toilets are available. Registered assistance animals are welcome.
Friday 24 July
Open Access 11am–5pm
Saturday 25 July
Open Access 11am–5pm
Tours commence at 11am and 2pm
Running for 60 minutes in groups of 20.
Meeting Point
Meet in The Substation foyer for tours, accessible through the front door via ramp or stairs from Market Street.
Free – no bookings required
Established over a century ago to power Melbourne’s suburban rail system, The Substation building is a landmark in the industrial history of the inner west. Made in the Edwardian-Baroque style, The Substation boasts the 'Type A' design used for the first five substations constructed as part of the electrification of the Melbourne metropolitan network. The building was designed by the Victorian Railways Way & Works in conjunction with electrical engineering firm Merz & McLellan, and built in 1915.
After ceasing operation in the 1960s and falling into disrepair for three decades, in 1996 local residents Nigel Edwards and Darren Williams successfully led a campaign to restore and adapt the building for artistic use as the Hobsons Bay Community Arts Centre. Today, as an international destination for contemporary and experimental arts, The Substation both celebrates and transcends its original context in Newport as the nation’s leader in multi-arts and experimental practice.
Connecting diverse local communities in Naarm’s west to the world through a program of international, national and local opportunities, The Substation's programming inspires us to refigure problematic histories, imagine possible futures and forge new connections.
WHAT'S ON
For Open House Melbourne 2026, experience the unique story of The Substation and its sustained connection to community:
Guided tours
Join a guided tour lead by one of The Substation’s history buffs. On this tour you will learn about The Substation's original use, its refurbishment from derelict to experimental art space, and its use today as a cutting edge experimental contemporary art space. Guided tour available on Saturday only.
Self-guided tours
Choose your own adventure by taking a self-guided tour. The Substation will provide a map for you to follow and a guide outlining points of interest throughout our building.
Archival film
Take a glimpse into the past and experience The Substation rebirth through archival footage from the late 1990s-2000s.
The Substation in Australian TV
The Substation has been used as a set for some iconic Australian TV, from pop culture to advertisement. Sit down and experience the Substation in the world of TV.
CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES
The Substation was once used to help power Melbourne's railways. From the 1960s to the 1990s it was abandoned until the local community reimagined what the building could be and created an art space for dance, music, theatre, performance and visual arts.
In this creative design activity for kids, we'll ask you to imagine you are a designer working to bring The Substation back to life. What would you include in your design for artists, dancers and musicians? Perhaps a swimming pool, roller coaster or even a rainforest surrounding the building? Bring your Substation to life by creating your design in a drawing, collage or sculpture using recycled materials.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
Friday 24 July
Open access 11 am-5pm
Saturday 25 July
Open access 11 am-5pm
Tours run at 11am and 2pm
Running for 60 minutes in groups of 20.
MEETING POINT
Meet in the Substation foyer for tours, accessible through the front door via ramp or stairs from Market Street.
Images: Hero image: A Residual Pulse by Meagan Streader, documentation by Machiko Abe. (1) Performance Documentation. The Crying Room: Exhumed, 2024, by Marcus Ian McKenzie. Photo: Damien Raggatt. (2) Archival photograph of the exterior of The Substation when it was abandoned. Photo: John Young. (3) Archival photograph of the interior of The Substation while it was being refurbished. Photo: courtesy of The Substation. (4) Performance documentation of Tim Hecker in 2024. Presented by The Substation and Room40. Photo: Damien Raggatt. (5) The Substation at night. Photo: courtesy of The Substation.
