Open House Melbourne

The Spotswood Pumping Station was built in the 1890s as a key component of the Melbourne Sewerage Scheme. Functioning as the heart of the system, the pumping station played a vital role in helping to overcome the city's early public health and sanitation problems.

Enjoy free access to the Pumping Station on the weekend of Open House Melbourne. Free Pumping Station entry does not include Scienceworks general entry.
 

Specialist guided tours

Join Museums Victoria's Senior Curator of Engineering and Transport, Matthew Churchward, for a specialist tour of the Pumping Station. See the heritage listed Spotswood Pumping Station’s coal bunker, boiler house, engine room, and yard.

Tours will run at 12.30pm, places limited (bookings essential).

Bookings open. Please book via eventbrite.
 

General guided tours

Open House Melbourne visitors can join our general guided tours, departing at 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm.

Tours are free to attend. Please book tickets at Admissions to Scienceworks on the day.

Self-guided tours

Visitors will be able to borrow an iPad to access an eBook with videos, animations, and other media that bring to life the amazing engineering feats involved in the construction of the Spotswood Pumping Station.

The Pumping Station at Scienceworks will be open to visit from 10am–4.30pm.