Heide Museum of Modern Art
Heide, as it is affectionately known, offers an inspiring, educational and thought-provoking experience of modern and contemporary art, architecture and landscape. It has a national reputation based upon the vision of the John and Sunday Reed and their role in the development and promotion of modern art in Australia.The Heide Museum is set on 16 acres in the suburbs of Melbourne and has a tremendous history of modern art in Australia. There are three buildings and a great cafe. As well as the collections the buildings themselves and grounds are quite interesting. We found the staff knowledgeable and quite passionate about 'the Heide'. The entry fee is modest and covers all three buildings.
The grounds attract walkers and picnickers and you don't have to pay to see the grounds. There are three different galleries. To truly get the feel of John and Sunday Reed's Heide it's best to start in Heide 1 then proceed to Heide 2 then Heide 3. The exhibitions can be challenging and thought provoking but always a little (or a whole lot) different. To truly appreciate Heide you need to research the history and have some understanding of how the Reed's nurtured many of Australia's contemporary and modern artists during their time here. It is well worth a visit but plan to spend at least 3 hours here to appreciate it.
Location: 7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen.
Contact (03) 9850 1500.
