The Place To Be: Dandenong Town Hall Exhibition

Journey through the heart of Dandenong with a family-friendly exhibition that celebrates 135 years of the Dandenong Town Hall. This engaging display brings together photographs, fashion, personal stories and shared memories to create a warm, accessible experience for parents and school-aged children. Expect heritage, culture and opportunities for kids to connect with local history in a welcoming museum and theatre setting.

What to Expect

This exhibition invites families to walk through the story of the Dandenong Town Hall, from community gatherings to musical performances. You'll see evocative photographs and costumes that spark conversation with children about the past and present of the neighbourhood.

Children will enjoy visual storytelling and parents will appreciate the thoughtful curation that highlights migration, community events and civic life. The content is family-friendly and ideal for curious school-aged children who enjoy looking at photos, costumes and local stories.

The atmosphere is relaxed and museum-style, with accessible displays across the Drum Theatre and Heritage Hill Museum. It’s an engaging cultural outing that combines learning, nostalgia and opportunities for meaningful family conversations about heritage and local culture.

Activity Details

The Place To Be runs from 2025-10-15 to 2026-02-20 across two venues, so you can plan visits around school schedules or weekend trips. The Drum Theatre hosts weekday hours 10:00–16:00 and Heritage Hill Museum offers shorter hours midweek, making it easy to fit a visit into packed family days.

This is a free exhibition with no bookings required, designed for casual drop-in visits and paced for families with children. Parents will find seating and calm spaces for younger children and photo opportunities that make for great keepsakes.

The exhibition content covers the town hall’s role in farewells, civic moments, migration and celebration—great material for parents to spark discussions about community and culture with their kids. Expect displays that prompt questions, memories and storytelling between generations.

Location and Access

The exhibition is presented at Drum Theatre (Corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong) and at Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens (Benga), 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Both venues are in central Dandenong with nearby parking and public transport options, making them easy to reach for a family day out.

Accessibility is considered with level access at the Drum Theatre and garden pathways at Heritage Hill; families with prams should find the venues manageable, though garden paths may be uneven in places. It’s a handy cultural outing that combines indoor exhibits and outdoor heritage gardens for a mixed experience.

Look for signage at the Dandenong Civic precinct and plan to allow time to move between sites if you want to visit both in one day. The exhibition is suitable for school holiday outings, cultural outings and casual weekday visits for parents looking for educational family activities.

Important Information

The exhibition is free to visit and runs during the dates listed, but hours vary by location: Drum Theatre weekdays 10:00–16:00 and Heritage Hill Museum Wednesday–Thursday 10:00–14:00. Check venue opening times before travelling, especially during public holidays or special events.

No advance booking is required, but groups or school visits can contact the council for more information if needed. The content includes historical material that may prompt questions—great for parents who want to turn the visit into a learning moment about local history and culture.

Please respect the exhibits—photography for personal use is encouraged, but follow any signage about restricted areas or fragile items. Bring comfortable shoes for garden exploration at Heritage Hill and consider a light jacket for outdoor sections.

Booking and Prices

This is a free exhibition with no bookings required, making it an easy, low-cost outing for families and school-aged children. That simplicity is perfect for busy parents looking for affordable, educational activities during school terms or holidays.

If you are planning a larger group visit or a school excursion, contact the Greater Dandenong City Council for advice to ensure a smooth visit. The free nature of the exhibition means you can drop in on a weekday or plan a relaxed weekend cultural outing.

While admission is free, small costs may apply for transport, parking or optional concessions at venue cafes—plan ahead for a comfortable family visit that combines education, heritage and fun.