A multi-venue, free exhibition across central Dandenong showcasing works by refugee, asylum seeker, First Nations and migrant artists that explore displacement, belonging and connection to Country.
Wednesday 24 June 2026
to Sunday 27 September 2026
226 Lonsdale St, Dandenong VIC 3175, Australia
Free
HOME 25: Invisible Cities invites families to explore Dandenong through art, stories and public installations. This accessible, free exhibition spans galleries, public spaces and the Dandenong Market, offering meaningful encounters with artworks that speak to migration, place and belonging — ideal for curious school-aged children and their parents.
Visitors should expect an engaging, family-friendly experience that mixes indoor gallery displays with public art in plazas and laneways. The works present diverse perspectives from refugee, asylum seeker, First Nations and migrant artists, creating rich conversation starters for older children.
Highlights include a range of media — installations, photography, public art and site-responsive works — spread across several blocks. Key experiences include gallery installations at Walker Street Gallery, performances and displays at the Drum Theatre, historical context at Heritage Hill, and pop-up activity at the Dandenong Market.
You’ll find quiet moments for reflection as well as colourful public artworks that encourage exploration. Parents can turn a visit into a relaxed outing: short gallery stints, a market stop for lunch, and a walk through Harmony Square make for a full but manageable day out.
HOME 25 runs across multiple venues and is presented as an intuitive, dispersed exhibition. The program features named artists including Vernon Ah Kee, Ali Afzali, Barat Ali Batoor, Atong Atem and others, providing contemporary perspectives on identity and place, perfect for school-aged children to encounter contemporary art and cultural stories.
The exhibition dates are listed as 24 June to 27 September with regular opening hours varying by venue; some venues operate midweek and on Saturdays. Please allow time to move between sites and plan a relaxed visit that suits younger attention spans.
This is a free event aimed at community engagement and cultural understanding. While there are no formal guided tours listed, families can create their own trail through Dandenong’s cultural precinct, public art sites and market stalls for an enriching educational outing.
The exhibition is spread through central Dandenong across several accessible sites. Public transport and short walks between venues make it easy to visit multiple locations in one trip. Note that some venues have differing opening days and times, so check ahead for each location.
Venues include:
- Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre (Corner Walker and Robinson Street)
- Drum Theatre (226 Lonsdale Street)
- Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens (66 McCrae Street)
- Public art sites: Dandenong Library, Harmony Square, Garnar Lane, Walker Street and Palm Plaza
- HOME 25 stand at Dandenong Market (corner Cleeland and Clow Street) on Saturdays
Please be aware Walker Street Gallery, Drum Theatre and Heritage Hill may be closed on the public holiday noted in the program (Friday 26 September). Parents should plan around these closures and check each venue’s access and parking options before arrival.
This is a free exhibition designed to be family-friendly, but specific program elements across venues may have age-appropriate content. Parents are encouraged to preview works or plan shorter visits for younger children to keep outings enjoyable.
Accessibility varies between sites; some outdoor public artworks are open every day while gallery hours differ. If you need mobility access, call the council or venue ahead to confirm ramp access, seating and other facilities.
For any questions about dates, closures or accessibility, contact Greater Dandenong City Council on 8571 1000 or check the council’s event pages. Allow extra time when moving between sites and consider public transport or nearby parking options.
All exhibition components listed are free to the public. There is no general admission fee for the galleries or public art trails, and the Dandenong Market stand activities are free when running on Saturdays until the date noted in the program.
No advance booking is required for general visits; if a specific workshop, performance or guided element is announced, those may require booking — check venue pages or the council events listings for updates. Families can drop in during opening hours for a flexible visit.
If you need more information about particular events, workshops or accessibility accommodations, contact Greater Dandenong City Council or the individual venues. Bringing water, snacks and comfortable shoes will help make the family visit smooth and enjoyable.
