The Potter Museum of Art, Education and Programs Centre is a major expansion of the Museum at the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus, extending into the heritage-listed 1930’s Physics Annex. Spanning four levels, the project seamlessly integrates the existing award-winning gallery with new exhibition, teaching and hospitality spaces. A reoriented entry to Masson Road is marked by a mirrored portal and a vaulted, double-height foyer, creating a contemporary counterpoint to the historic setting and strengthening the Museum’s civic presence.

Developed in close collaboration with the University and Museum, the project carefully balances heritage conservation with contemporary function. Lovell Chen led the restoration of original fabric, while high-performance environmental systems support artwork conservation. Complex structural integration resolved differing floor levels across three historic buildings through sensitive, DDA-compliant design. The expanded Museum supports inclusive, future-focused programming, enabling exhibitions, education and cultural exchange for the campus and wider community.

Photography: Fergus Floyd