The Grainger Museum: Take a sneak peek into one of Melbourne's hidden yet iconic institutions
The Grainger Museum: Take a sneak peek into one of Melbourne's hidden yet iconic institutions
The Grainger Museum: Take a sneak peek into one of Melbourne's hidden yet iconic institutions


Reed Box Tone-Tool, Grainger Museum
Photo by Felice Alexandra
Reed Box Tone-Tool, Grainger Museum
Photo by Felice Alexandra
Reed Box Tone-Tool, Grainger Museum
Photo by Felice Alexandra
Tucked away in the heart of the University of Melbourne's Parkville campus lies the Grainger Museum, a hidden gem that offers a captivating insight into the life and mind of one of Australia's most enigmatic musical figures, Percy Grainger. I was very fortunate to be given the opportunity to visit the wonderful museum, so join me as I take you on a mini-virtual tour of the museum!
Tucked away in the heart of the University of Melbourne's Parkville campus lies the Grainger Museum, a hidden gem that offers a captivating insight into the life and mind of one of Australia's most enigmatic musical figures, Percy Grainger. I was very fortunate to be given the opportunity to visit the wonderful museum, so join me as I take you on a mini-virtual tour of the museum!
Tucked away in the heart of the University of Melbourne's Parkville campus lies the Grainger Museum, a hidden gem that offers a captivating insight into the life and mind of one of Australia's most enigmatic musical figures, Percy Grainger. I was very fortunate to be given the opportunity to visit the wonderful museum, so join me as I take you on a mini-virtual tour of the museum!


Collection of percussion instruments, Grainger Museum
Photo by Felice Alexandra
Collection of percussion instruments, Grainger Museum
Photo by Felice Alexandra
Collection of percussion instruments, Grainger Museum
Photo by Felice Alexandra
Established in 1938, this museum's purpose is not only to preserve Percy Grainger's legacy, but also to showcase his vast collection of musical instruments, historical artefacts, and a number of other personal items. The musician led a fairly unconventional life and had acquired a rather unique taste, which is clearly displayed within the museum.
Once you enter the museum, you will immediately be transported to a place where history, art, and eccentricity intertwine. The careful curation of items in the galleries allows visitors to immerse themselves in the thought processes of the iconic musical maverick. From his personal musical instrument collection to his interests in the traditions of different cultures, the museum invites us to ponder about the multi-faceted life of Percy Grainger.
Established in 1938, this museum's purpose is not only to preserve Percy Grainger's legacy, but also to showcase his vast collection of musical instruments, historical artefacts, and a number of other personal items. The musician led a fairly unconventional life and had acquired a rather unique taste, which is clearly displayed within the museum.
Once you enter the museum, you will immediately be transported to a place where history, art, and eccentricity intertwine. The careful curation of items in the galleries allows visitors to immerse themselves in the thought processes of the iconic musical maverick. From his personal musical instrument collection to his interests in the traditions of different cultures, the museum invites us to ponder about the multi-faceted life of Percy Grainger.
Established in 1938, this museum's purpose is not only to preserve Percy Grainger's legacy, but also to showcase his vast collection of musical instruments, historical artefacts, and a number of other personal items. The musician led a fairly unconventional life and had acquired a rather unique taste, which is clearly displayed within the museum.
Once you enter the museum, you will immediately be transported to a place where history, art, and eccentricity intertwine. The careful curation of items in the galleries allows visitors to immerse themselves in the thought processes of the iconic musical maverick. From his personal musical instrument collection to his interests in the traditions of different cultures, the museum invites us to ponder about the multi-faceted life of Percy Grainger.


Collection of traditional attires from different cultures, Grainger Museum
Photo by Felice Alexandra
Collection of traditional attires from different cultures, Grainger Museum
Photo by Felice Alexandra
Collection of traditional attires from different cultures, Grainger Museum
Photo by Felice Alexandra
One of the museum's most iconic highlights is Grainger's reed box tone-tool, which towers over all the visitors almost intimidatingly. This instrument is one of Grainger's "Free Music Machines"—a glimpse into the musician's visionary approach to music in his time. Within the collection also lies a number of Grainger's personal instruments, including his piano as well as his percussion drumsticks.
In addition to his musical collection, the museum also features his personal belongings. One of the most intriguing items in the collection is an outfit that he crafted completely out of colourful towels. There were also a number of items that documented his controversial and "progressive" intimate life. These artefacts provides us with an insight of the eccentricity and creativity that Grainger has always been known for.
One of the museum's most iconic highlights is Grainger's reed box tone-tool, which towers over all the visitors almost intimidatingly. This instrument is one of Grainger's "Free Music Machines"—a glimpse into the musician's visionary approach to music in his time. Within the collection also lies a number of Grainger's personal instruments, including his piano as well as his percussion drumsticks.
In addition to his musical collection, the museum also features his personal belongings. One of the most intriguing items in the collection is an outfit that he crafted completely out of colourful towels. There were also a number of items that documented his controversial and "progressive" intimate life. These artefacts provides us with an insight of the eccentricity and creativity that Grainger has always been known for.
One of the museum's most iconic highlights is Grainger's reed box tone-tool, which towers over all the visitors almost intimidatingly. This instrument is one of Grainger's "Free Music Machines"—a glimpse into the musician's visionary approach to music in his time. Within the collection also lies a number of Grainger's personal instruments, including his piano as well as his percussion drumsticks.
In addition to his musical collection, the museum also features his personal belongings. One of the most intriguing items in the collection is an outfit that he crafted completely out of colourful towels. There were also a number of items that documented his controversial and "progressive" intimate life. These artefacts provides us with an insight of the eccentricity and creativity that Grainger has always been known for.


Portrait of Percy Grainger, Grainger Museum
Photo by Felice Alexandra
Portrait of Percy Grainger, Grainger Museum
Photo by Felice Alexandra
Portrait of Percy Grainger, Grainger Museum
Photo by Felice Alexandra
Overall, exploring the Grainger Museum allowed me to have a truly unforgettable and one-of-a-kind experience. I was able to learn more about Percy Grainger's life history as well as the creations he has left behind. If you are interested in visiting the museum, please have a look at the Grainger Museum's website for more information.
Overall, exploring the Grainger Museum allowed me to have a truly unforgettable and one-of-a-kind experience. I was able to learn more about Percy Grainger's life history as well as the creations he has left behind. If you are interested in visiting the museum, please have a look at the Grainger Museum's website for more information.
Overall, exploring the Grainger Museum allowed me to have a truly unforgettable and one-of-a-kind experience. I was able to learn more about Percy Grainger's life history as well as the creations he has left behind. If you are interested in visiting the museum, please have a look at the Grainger Museum's website for more information.