The Grainger Museum—the only purpose-built autobiographical museum in Australia—is home to a wonderful collection of art, photographs, costumes, music scores and instruments acquired by Percy Grainger, an icon of twentieth century Australian musical culture.

The Grainger Museum is closed for reimagining. To continue experiencing the collection visit the online museum or see objects in person at the Multivocal exhibition at Old Quad.

The Grainger Museum is the only purpose-built autobiographical museum in Australia.

Its fascinating collection contains not only objects directly related to Percy Grainger's compositional career, such as scores and manuscripts, but also more than 50,000 items, including diaries, ethnographic objects, furniture, decorative arts, photographs, artworks, clothing and correspondence with famous and not-so-famous contemporaries.

Grainger began planning the Museum after his mother's death in 1922 and it was officially opened in December 1938. The building was designed by the University's architect, John Gawler of the firm Gawler and Drummond, in close consultation with Grainger. The Museum's historical and architectural significance is recognised by the building's inclusion on the Register of the National Estate and the Victorian Heritage Register, and its classification by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).

In 1955, Grainger set down his revised Aims of the Grainger Museum, outlining his 'cosmopolitan and universalist outlook on music'. Grainger's wide ranging interests have resulted in a unique Museum with broad appeal, a must-see for locals and tourists alike.

Plan Your Visit

The Grainger Museum is closed for reimagining. To continue experiencing the collection visit the online museum or see objects in person at the Multivocal exhibition at Old Quad.

News from the Grainger Museum.