Inside Melbourne's Hidden Jewel: An Exclusive Evening at Villa Alba

Cultural Life Series

Hosted by Dr Jonathan Spear

Step into a world of extraordinary beauty and heritage significance at Melbourne Forum's exclusive Villa Alba experience.

Hidden in Kew, this remarkable house museum holds Victoria's most important surviving example of 1883-84 hand-painted interior decoration by the renowned Scottish-trained Paterson Brothers — whose exquisite work represents unrivalled quality in Victorian decorative arts.

Andrew Dixon, Board Director of Villa Alba Museum and distinguished heritage expert, will guide members through the mansion's remarkable rooms, revealing the stories behind intricate murals, elaborate ceiling work and the famous dining room frieze depicting scenes from Walter Scott's novels. This behind-the-scenes exploration offers insights few Melburnians have enjoyed into one of our state's most significant cultural treasures.

Our guided 1-hour tour will commence at 6:00pm. Afterwards, members will gather in Villa Alba's magnificent vestibule — with its beautifully painted walls and grand architecture — for drinks, canapés and stimulating conversation. This stunning space provides the perfect backdrop for a discussion about heritage preservation, cultural stewardship and the intersection of history with contemporary policy.

This intimate gathering combines Melbourne Forum's commitment to enriching intellectual exchange with an immersive cultural experience that showcases living history while exploring heritage policy, cultural significance and community engagement in modern Victoria.

Be sure to book early for this exclusive soirée at the beautiful Villa Alba.