Science Gallery Melbourne
Science Gallery Melbourne
Client
University of Melbourne
Location
Carlton VIC
Architect
Smart Design Studio
Traditional Custodians
Wurundjeri
Science Gallery Melbourne is a nexus for art, science and innovation. It addresses a critical gap in STEM engagement. Driven by the need to create a dynamic innovation ecosystem that supports both cultural and commercial programming, it activates the university precinct. Science Gallery Melbourne addresses a critical gap in STEM engagement.
The cultural anchor at the heart of the University of Melbourne's Melbourne Connect innovation precinct; Science Gallery is the gateway to one of Australia's leading innovation hubs. Designed to activate, engage and foster collaboration, hospitality was embedded with experience. Maytrix shaped the integration of the café, exhibition and integrated collaboration spaces from early planning. Spaces are designed to flex for programming, scale and delivery models – to evolve and contribute to the activation, vibrancy and sustainability of the gallery and precinct.
“Science Gallery Melbourne provides a contemporary, playful and welcoming space for young people to explore issues, ideas and the great challenges of our time. As a new home for STEM engagement, we aim to show that anything is possible when science and art come together.”
Melbourne Connect reimagines the university precinct as a collision point for business, academia, and creativity—anchored by Australia’s first Science Gallery. Interconnected spaces provide a collision point designed to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Maytrix embedded flexibility, efficiency and sustainability into planning, and scoped and delivered design documentation for comprehensive hospitality spaces for Science Gallery Melbourne and Melbourne Connect. Defining a clear operational framework, Maytrix scoped the procurement and contract framework to appoint an operator.
The success of Science Gallery Melbourne is measured not just by visitor numbers, but by its ability to create "creative, agile thinkers and doers for the 21st century" through its unique art-science methodology. Hospitality is positioned as a connector and enabler — central to the vibrancy and sustainability of both Science Gallery Melbourne and the wider Melbourne Connect precinct.
Science Gallery Development – Melbourne Connect
Image - Smart Design Studio
Science Gallery Development – Melbourne Connect
Image - Woods Bagot
Science Gallery Development – Melbourne Connect
Image - Woods Bagot
A pioneering model for cross-sector collaboration, the Science Gallery is 3,500 square metres of cutting-edge, immersive exhibition and learning spaces, offering a new model for collaborative innovation within the STEM disciplines. It forges a living laboratory to foster collaboration between academia, industry, and the public, and aims "to involve, inspire and transform curious minds through art and science."
Melbourne Connect is located on the former Royal Women’s Hospital site, on the corner of Swanston and Grattan Streets.
Awards
National
– 2023 PCA Innovation & Excellence Awards – Workplace (Finalist)
– 2022 INDE.Awards – The Building (Shortlist)
State
– 2023 Melbourne Design Awards (VIC) – Commercial, Constructed (Silver)
– 2022 AIA (VIC Chapter) – Commercial Architecture (Shortlist)
– 2022 AIA (VIC Chapter) – Interior Architecture (Shortlist)
– 2021 Victorian Premier’s Design Awards (VIC) – Architectural Design (Finalist)
– The Dimity Reed Melbourne Prize (VIC)
Features
Exhibition + Events – Flexible gallery + exhibition spaces (3,500 sqm)
– Western Gallery – Corner location on Swanston Street
– Ground Floor Galleries – Major exhibitions, high-capacity events
– Science Gallery Theatre – High tech multipurpose event space
– Learning Exhibition & Event Spaces – Programmed immersive zones
– Flexible Programmable Activation Spaces – Adaptable for various programs
– Curated Café + Events
Digital Installations
– ‘The Heart’ – AI-driven foyer installation
– Interactive Digital Brick Entry – 226 screens
Education + Research
– STEM Centre of Excellence – Curriculum-aligned hub
– Laboratory Spaces – Experimentation, research, collaboration
– Public Engagement & Research Hubs – Collaborative zones
“The Science Gallery Melbourne is ‘3500 square metres of cutting-edge, immersive exhibition and learning spaces, (the design) boldly achieves this audience-led objective and provides a welcoming, experimental and social space. Through creative design, playful colour and innovative materials, Science Gallery Melbourne’s design enables conversations and connections between young people and inspires speculative futures to be explored through the collision of art, science and technology. ”
