Lyon Housemuseum

Art museum · Kew

Lyon Housemuseum

Art museum · Kew

217-219 Cotham Rd, Kew VIC 3101, Australia

Highlights

Stylish home showcasing Australian contemporary art and architecture

217-219 Cotham Rd, Kew VIC 3101, Australia Get directions

lyonhousemuseum.com.au

@lyonhousemuseum

@cntraveler

Lyon Housemuseum, Kew, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia - Museum Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"So, where are we? This is the super-stylish home of architect Corbett Lyon, his wife, Yueji, and their children, who live among a sensational collection of Australian contemporary art of all media, from paintings to video. Corbett spent five years designing and two years building the house to get it just right. Now one of Melbourne’s best-kept secrets, it's open several times a month to allow the rest of us to ogle the Lyons' fabulous life. Wow. So what's it like inside? People really live here, and you'll see the ephemera of everyday life—along with the art, of course—as you’re strolling around the ground-floor courtyards and sculpture gardens. And the art? Most public institutions dream about having this sort of collection, which has been amassed by the Lyons over the past three decades and include paintings, sculpture, installations, and video by the likes of Patricia Piccinini, Howard Arkley, Shaun Gladwell, and Callum Morton. The gallery exhibits 350 works by about 50 artists at a time—only about 20 percent of the full collection. To overcome the storage problem, the Housemuseum Galleries, next door, will open in early 2019. Note that bookings via the website are essential, and tours fill quickly. What's the staff like? The Lyons themselves, including the kids, guide guests around the spaces and answer any questions, giving the whole experience a personal touch. We're in. Who should we bring with us? Those who love contemporary art, amazing architecture, and peeking into other people’s lives."

https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/melbourne/lyon-housemuseum

View Postcard for Lyon Housemuseum and Housemuseum Galleries

@cntraveler

10 Best Museums in Melbourne | Condé Nast Traveler

"The Lyon Housemuseum is the super-stylish home of architect Corbett Lyon, his wife, Yueji, and their children, who live among a sensational collection of Australian contemporary art of all media, from paintings to video. Corbett spent five years designing and two years building the house to get it just right. Now one of Melbourne’s best-kept secrets, it's open several times a month to allow the rest of us to ogle the Lyons' fabulous life. Bookings via the website are essential, and tours fill quickly." - Carrie Hutchinson

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-museums-in-melbourne

View Postcard for Lyon Housemuseum and Housemuseum Galleries

Google

Such a peaceful and inspiring place to explore. The exhibits were not only educational but also emotionally powerful. Staff were knowledgeable and clearly proud of their work. I particularly appreciated the bilingual signage—it made everything very accessible. The lighting and layout created a really inviting ambiance. Every room offered something new and beautifully presented. A gem for anyone who enjoys history and culture.

吴思颖

Google

Attended a talk here about House Museums and I believe this space to have such a true overtone of art appreciation. As a believer of art spaces with intent for effective succession I absolutely love the heart beat of the space. The management team is extremely down to earth as well. To many more years and milestones ahead.

TBA

Google

The guided tour of this hidden gem is must-do if you have any interest at all in modern art. When you consider what it would have cost to set up, and that the tour guide is the actual creator of this amazing place, and that you are being allowed into their own private space, the tour fee (currently $40) is a small price to pay for such an incredible and intimate experience. I enjoyed it as much if not more than any art based experience I have done overseas. World class.

Trish Lucas

Google

Superbly displayed Australian artworks Spacious. Offer interesting informative talks which I attend. Love this place

Albert Comper

Google

Amazing experience: the space and the collection are sublime and I found experience to be creatively refreshing.

Marisa Adams

Google

I went to see the housemuseum a few years ago, and then just went to see the galleries today. If you can tone your visit on one of the days that the house is open, it’s an inspiration. Don’t miss this place.

Devorah Veiner

Google

The original Housemuseum at 219 Cotham Road is the former residence of museum founding patrons Corbett and Yueji Lyon. It presents a unique combination of family residence and private museum where 'museum' and 'living' are brought together in a single building. Designed by architect Corbett Lyon, the Housemuseum builds on a lineage of private art collections displayed in residential settings including Sir John Soane’s Museum in London, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, and the Frick Collection in New York. A great architectural achievement and a unique and extensive contemporary art selection. Highly recommended.

Noelle U

Google

A most interesting place. Mrs Lyon was very friendly and generous with her time. She shared the family’s passion for the visual arts and told us the background to the gallery and how it became a reality. There are occasional house tours, too, which sound fascinating. They need to be booked via the website.