Open House Melbourne

Scienceworks opens the doors to the iconic Spotswood Pumping Station for Open House Melbourne.

Built in the 1890’s, this gorgeous old building was a feat of engineering and the heart of the
Melbourne sewage scheme, pumping all of Melbourne’s smelly stuff out to the treatment works in Werribee. This building played a vital role in overcoming this city’s early public health and sanitation problems for almost 70 years until its capacity was exceeded in the 1960’s.

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

Activities

Specialist tour

12.30pm

Join a specialist guided tour with Museums Victoria’s Senior Curator of Engineering and Transport, Matthew Churchward to hear about the stories and characters behind the building. The tour includes a performance by members of the Orbweavers with their song “Spotswood” paying homage to the site.

Bookings open in July through Open House Melbourne. Limited tickets available, small booking fee applies.
 

General tours

10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm

Join a Scienceworks volunteer on a free half hour tour of the site.
 

Self guided access

Grab an ipad and investigate the Pumping Station yourself on a digital information trail.