Melbourne's Living Museum of the West, Community history museum in Maribyrnong, Australia
Melbourne's Living Museum documents and preserves the social, industrial, and environmental history of the region through roughly 10,000 photographs, documents, and objects. The collection shows how industry and people have shaped the landscape over time.
The museum opened in 1984 and began in a small house in Footscray before moving to converted bluestone buildings. This move allowed it to serve more visitors and expand its collections.
The museum works on Wurundjeri land and records stories from residents about migration, work, and daily life in Melbourne's west through ongoing conversations. These lived experiences show how different communities shaped the region over time.
The museum is located in Pipemakers Park and opens most Thursdays and Fridays from 11 AM to 4 PM. Saturday visits require advance arrangement, so contacting them beforehand is recommended.
The museum has built a digital library holding research spanning three decades focused on stories from Melbourne's west. These online resources allow people everywhere to discover the region's history.
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