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Private Collections and House Museums of Melbourne

Visit the private collections and special house museums of Melbourne to meet and learn about the benefactors and personalities who have shaped a city internationally renowned for its arts culture.

Enjoy private guided tours of the immersive Justin Art House Museum and an eclectic family collection at the Lyon Housemuseum Galleries. Discover how antiques dealer William Johnston’s extraordinary eye for beauty amounted in a critically acclaimed private collection of fine and decorative arts.

Uncover Melbourne’s enviable cache of cultural landmarks with an architectural walking tour of the CBD’s iconic laneways and historic streets. Visit the grand Royal Exhibition Building, known for propelling Melbourne onto the international stage as a city of influence for design, fashion and innovation.

 

This tour is part of the World Art Tours program organised by the Art Gallery Society of NSW in partnership with Renaissance Tours.

At a Glance

  • Delve into private collections including the Justin Art House Museum and Lyon Housemuseum Galleries
  • Take a private guided tour of the fine and decorative arts pieces at The Johnston Collection on display in an historic East Melbourne townhouse
  • Discover the importance of Alfred Felton’s bequest to the National Gallery of Victoria with a private guided tour including the Ian Potter Centre
  • Visit the stunningly re-furbished State Library of Victoria and Shrine of Remembrance
  • Dine at institutions that were once part of Melbourne’s exclusive ‘clubland’ scene

Tour Leader

Kenneth Park

Destination

Melbourne

Dates

23–26 March 2021 (4 days)

Fitness Level

Moderate

?

Tour Status

Available

Enquire Book now

At a Glance

  • Delve into private collections including the Justin Art House Museum and Lyon Housemuseum Galleries
  • Take a private guided tour of the fine and decorative arts pieces at The Johnston Collection on display in an historic East Melbourne townhouse
  • Discover the importance of Alfred Felton’s bequest to the National Gallery of Victoria with a private guided tour including the Ian Potter Centre
  • Visit the stunningly re-furbished State Library of Victoria and Shrine of Remembrance
  • Dine at institutions that were once part of Melbourne’s exclusive ‘clubland’ scene
Download Brochure
  • Itinerary
  • Pricing
  • Hotels

Tuesday 23 March 2021 / Arrive Melbourne

Arrive in Melbourne and make your way to the hotel. An early check-in is included in the tour price and available from 12:00pm. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including a private transfer to the hotel and a room category upgrade.

At 13:00 meet tour leader Kenneth Park and fellow tour members for a welcome briefing at the hotel before taking a walking tour along the ever-evolving Collins Street, from its origins of colonial city planning to boom-style architecture. Wander the iconic laneways and arcades and appreciate hallmark buildings and grand foyers of the banks and financial institutions that underpin Collins Street’s historic grand identity.

In the evening experience a different side of the city for an exploration of ‘clubland’ Melbourne through an artistic lens. Enjoy a special welcome dinner in a private space.

(D)

Wed 24 Mar / Melbourne

This morning, take a guided tour of the private Johnston Collection, a remarkable lifelong collection of antiques and art preserved in a Melbourne townhouse. Antiques dealer William Robert Johnston amassed an impressive array of Georgian, Regency, and Louis XV furniture, paintings, ceramics and objet d’art pieces, which upon his death he left to be enjoyed by the public.

In the afternoon enjoy lunch in the Garden Restaurant at the National Gallery of Victoria. Then, take a tour led by Kenneth of both the Ian Potter Centre and the NGV International through the lens of the Felton Bequest, one of the largest philanthropic gifts to the arts in Australia that shaped the foundations of the art world in late-nineteenth-century Victoria.

Enjoy the evening at leisure.

(BL)

Thu 25 Mar / Melbourne

Begin today with a visit to the Royal Exhibition building, a symbol of Melbourne’s transition from provincial town to world-focused metropolis. Set in the Carlton Gardens, this ‘palace of culture’ hosted the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880, which spurred a decade of investment in industry and technology which flowed into the arts.

Then enjoy a guided tour of the Housemuseum Galleries, opened in 2019. This family home of renowned architect Corbett Lyon is filled with a collection of eclectic works including sculptures by Patricia Piccinini and pieces by Australian contemporary artist Brook Andrew.

Enjoy lunch at leisure in Prahran before taking a private guided tour of the Justin Art House Museum. Designed by the family’s architect daughter, this space was purpose designed to house the family’s contemporary collection that is largely comprised of digital works by emerging local artists.

This evening enjoy a special farewell dinner in a unique Melbourne setting.

(BD)

Fri 26 Mar / Depart Melbourne

After breakfast, take a private behind-the-scenes guided tour of the State Library of Victoria. This world-leading library was recently reopened after a five-year redevelopment and showcases Victoria’s social heritage alongside an extensive Australiana collection housed in the iconic LaTrobe Reading Room.

Tour arrangements conclude upon return to the hotel around midday. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including any additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour.

(B)

Per person, twin-share

AUD 3,500

Single supplement

AUD 450

Deposit per person (at time of booking)

AUD 500

Final payment due

22 January 2021

Room category upgrade available on request; please enquire with us.

Tour code

AG2126

Fitness level

Moderate
Please see Terms & Conditions for fitness level definitions.

Suggested airline

Qantas
Please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for current airfares and flight reservations.

Visa

New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa to visit Australia.

Tour price includes

  • Three nights’ accommodation at a five-star hotel, including breakfast daily (B)
  • Meals as per itinerary (L = Lunch, D = Dinner), including wine with meals
  • Talks and discussions with your tour leader, Kenneth Park
  • Sightseeing, including entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Transportation on comfortable, air-conditioned coaches
  • Gratuities for local guides, drivers and wait staff

  • Airfares (please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)
  • Airport/hotel transfers on arrival and departure (contact Renaissance Tours for assistance)
  • Airport porterage
  • Hotel porterage (one piece per person)
  • Items of a personal nature (e.g. telephone, laundry, room service, minibar, taxis etc.)
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended; please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)

 

Your hotel

Melbourne – Sofitel Melbourne on Collins *****

N.B. Hotel of a similar standard may be substituted.

Fitness Level

Moderate

?

Ian Potter Centre, National Gallery of Victoria © Visit Victoria

Detail from AN INTERIOR LIFE as part of our ongoing ‘WILLIAM JOHNSTON: His Residence & Collection’ series. Photographer: Adam Luttick | Luts Photography

Lyon Housemuseum. Photo: Dianna Snape

Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton Gardens

Private Collections and House Museums of Melbourne

Visit the private collections and special house museums of Melbourne to meet and learn about the benefactors and personalities who have shaped a city internationally renowned for its arts culture.

Enjoy private guided tours of the immersive Justin Art House Museum and an eclectic family collection at the Lyon Housemuseum Galleries. Discover how antiques dealer William Johnston’s extraordinary eye for beauty amounted in a critically acclaimed private collection of fine and decorative arts.

Uncover Melbourne’s enviable cache of cultural landmarks with an architectural walking tour of the CBD’s iconic laneways and historic streets. Visit the grand Royal Exhibition Building, known for propelling Melbourne onto the international stage as a city of influence for design, fashion and innovation.

 

This tour is part of the World Art Tours program organised by the Art Gallery Society of NSW in partnership with Renaissance Tours.

  • Itinerary
  • Pricing
  • Hotels

Tuesday 23 March 2021 / Arrive Melbourne

Arrive in Melbourne and make your way to the hotel. An early check-in is included in the tour price and available from 12:00pm. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including a private transfer to the hotel and a room category upgrade.

At 13:00 meet tour leader Kenneth Park and fellow tour members for a welcome briefing at the hotel before taking a walking tour along the ever-evolving Collins Street, from its origins of colonial city planning to boom-style architecture. Wander the iconic laneways and arcades and appreciate hallmark buildings and grand foyers of the banks and financial institutions that underpin Collins Street’s historic grand identity.

In the evening experience a different side of the city for an exploration of ‘clubland’ Melbourne through an artistic lens. Enjoy a special welcome dinner in a private space.

(D)

Wed 24 Mar / Melbourne

This morning, take a guided tour of the private Johnston Collection, a remarkable lifelong collection of antiques and art preserved in a Melbourne townhouse. Antiques dealer William Robert Johnston amassed an impressive array of Georgian, Regency, and Louis XV furniture, paintings, ceramics and objet d’art pieces, which upon his death he left to be enjoyed by the public.

In the afternoon enjoy lunch in the Garden Restaurant at the National Gallery of Victoria. Then, take a tour led by Kenneth of both the Ian Potter Centre and the NGV International through the lens of the Felton Bequest, one of the largest philanthropic gifts to the arts in Australia that shaped the foundations of the art world in late-nineteenth-century Victoria.

Enjoy the evening at leisure.

(BL)

Thu 25 Mar / Melbourne

Begin today with a visit to the Royal Exhibition building, a symbol of Melbourne’s transition from provincial town to world-focused metropolis. Set in the Carlton Gardens, this ‘palace of culture’ hosted the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880, which spurred a decade of investment in industry and technology which flowed into the arts.

Then enjoy a guided tour of the Housemuseum Galleries, opened in 2019. This family home of renowned architect Corbett Lyon is filled with a collection of eclectic works including sculptures by Patricia Piccinini and pieces by Australian contemporary artist Brook Andrew.

Enjoy lunch at leisure in Prahran before taking a private guided tour of the Justin Art House Museum. Designed by the family’s architect daughter, this space was purpose designed to house the family’s contemporary collection that is largely comprised of digital works by emerging local artists.

This evening enjoy a special farewell dinner in a unique Melbourne setting.

(BD)

Fri 26 Mar / Depart Melbourne

After breakfast, take a private behind-the-scenes guided tour of the State Library of Victoria. This world-leading library was recently reopened after a five-year redevelopment and showcases Victoria’s social heritage alongside an extensive Australiana collection housed in the iconic LaTrobe Reading Room.

Tour arrangements conclude upon return to the hotel around midday. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including any additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour.

(B)

Per person, twin-share

AUD 3,500

Single supplement

AUD 450

Deposit per person (at time of booking)

AUD 500

Final payment due

22 January 2021

Room category upgrade available on request; please enquire with us.

Tour code

AG2126

Fitness level

Moderate
Please see Terms & Conditions for fitness level definitions.

Suggested airline

Qantas
Please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for current airfares and flight reservations.

Visa

New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa to visit Australia.

Tour price includes

  • Three nights’ accommodation at a five-star hotel, including breakfast daily (B)
  • Meals as per itinerary (L = Lunch, D = Dinner), including wine with meals
  • Talks and discussions with your tour leader, Kenneth Park
  • Sightseeing, including entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Transportation on comfortable, air-conditioned coaches
  • Gratuities for local guides, drivers and wait staff

  • Airfares (please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)
  • Airport/hotel transfers on arrival and departure (contact Renaissance Tours for assistance)
  • Airport porterage
  • Hotel porterage (one piece per person)
  • Items of a personal nature (e.g. telephone, laundry, room service, minibar, taxis etc.)
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended; please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)

 

Your hotel

Melbourne – Sofitel Melbourne on Collins *****

N.B. Hotel of a similar standard may be substituted.

Book now
Enquire
Download Brochure

Private Collections and House Museums of Melbourne

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        Participation in tours

        Most of our tours require a MODERATE level of fitness. However, in certain destinations, or in certain seasons, or because of the nature of travel, certain tours will require an ABOVE MODERATE or CHALLENGING level of fitness. For the overall benefit of the group, at the time of booking we will require you to declare in writing that you are fit to participate in your chosen tour according to the level of fitness required for that tour. If you (or we) have any doubts about your level of fitness, you may be required to undergo a doctor’s appraisal. This would require your doctor to read the itinerary of your chosen tour, including the fitness level, and provide you (and us) with a written confirmation of your ability to participate.
        We reserve the right to refuse admission to the tour for any reason before commencement of the tour. Further, if after the tour has begun it becomes apparent that you are unfit or unsuitable to travel on the tour, we reserve the right to require you to withdraw from the tour at the earliest opportunity to do so. No refund will be provided.
        It is also a requirement that you do not cause any significant disruption to the tour or the tour group, and we may refuse admission on the tour, or require you to withdraw from the tour at any time if your participation causes significant disruption for other guests or the tour group or there is any safety issue as a result of your ongoing participation in the tour.

        Fitness to participate

        Moderate

        Tour members must be able to:

        • negotiate airports and railway stations without wheelchair assistance
        • use combined shower/bath facilities (it is impossible to guarantee walk-in shower facilities)
        • undertake walking tours of 1-2 hours duration, including using stairs, walking over cobblestones and other uneven surfaces
        • stand for long periods in museums and other sites
        • embark / disembark coaches, trains and other methods of transportation without assistance
        • handle your own luggage

        Above Moderate

        In addition to the above, tour members must also be able to:

        • undertake walking tours of 2-3 hours
        • climb staircases of 100 or more steps

        Challenging*

        In addition to the above, tour members must also be able to:

        • handle extremes of temperature (e.g. below 0 or above 35 degrees)
        • handle extremes of altitudes (e.g. 4000 metres and above)

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        Renaissance Tours

        Level 4, 47 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000 | GPO Box 5068, Sydney NSW 2001

        1300 727 095 (Australia) | 0800 403 621 (New Zealand)
        phone +61 2 9299 5801 | fax +61 2 9299 5805 | email info@renaissancetours.com.au

        ABN 14 069 591 448.

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