The Johnston Collection
The Johnston Collection
5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
The Johnston Collection is a multi award-winning and critically acclaimed museum, that invites creatives from the broader visual arts and design communities to respond to the Collection. The Johnston Collection is centred in an historic East Melbourne townhouse and is known for its superb collection of English Georgian, Regency, and Louis XV fine and decorative arts, and objet d’art. The Collection is a gift of William Robert Johnston (1911-1986) to the people of Victoria. Johnston was a prominent Melbourne-born antique dealer and collector. His collection is displayed in a constantly changing domestic setting, his former residence, Fairhall. The museum partners with creatives from contemporary arts communities to re-interpret the Collection in a regular program of re-installation and interventions of the permanent collection as well as offering special exhibitions, study days, lectures and workshops throughout the year, sharing stories and inspiring communities.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- BillparShepparton, Australia69 contributionsA wonderful trip into the padtTh Johnston collection is a wonderful experience of going back in time. The display was wonderful an experience of luxury in days gone by. Our guide Ella was amazing , informative & so knowledgeable but such a delight. The gift shop at the end of the experience is delightful & has some unique & beautiful giftsThank you for taking time to share your feedback after your recent visit. We're thrilled that you enjoyed your experience viewing the wide variety of objects in our collection. It is always a pleasure to receive positive feedback, and I will share your comments with our team. We look forward to welcoming you during your next visit to The Johnston Collection.Written 23 June 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 17 May 2024
- Kaylene O26 contributionsA hidden gem in the heart of Melbourne. A must see museum.I have lived in Melbourne for more than 30 years and had not known about the Johnston Collection. For me it was a hidden treasure. Our guide Sue was fabulous and very knowledgeable. We were greeted with a cup of tea or coffee served with a delicate biscuit and served in equally delicate Wedgwood cups and saucers. Such a treat and a great way to start the tour. I highly recommend this museum.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 July 2024
- Ishbel M1 contributionA hidden gem close to Fitzroy Gardens. For lovers of fine art and collectibles.A delightful collection of beautifully curated treasures from the Georgian and Regency periods. Hidden in plain view in the aptly named Fairhall, a gorgeous town house in residential East Melbourne. It felt more like a peek into someone’s home while they had gone out than a trip to a museum. I am looking forward to attending some upcoming lectures and the Jane Austen Christmas event.Visited November 2024Travelled soloWritten 16 November 2024
- Unicorn519Port Stephens, Australia166 contributionsWell worth a visit.This attraction is fantastic. Our guide (Margueritte) took us through the many rooms of this amazing collection and we enjoyed it immensely. So entertaining if you like history and interesting to hear all the details of many of the items featured here. You meet at The Pullman Hotel for a short mini bus ride to the House and are given a lovely cup of tea or coffee on arrival. Well worth a visit and one of my best days in Melbourne.Visited October 2024Travelled with familyWritten 30 November 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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5.0
151 reviews
Excellent
125
Very good
21
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4
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1
Terrible
1
Tania A
2 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
I have been to view the “Christmas Johnson Collection” every year for the past few years.
It is one of my December/ January must visit exhibitions.
The craft exhibits are always outstanding.
This years Men’s Own exhibition was no exception. I found the male take of this concept really refreshing and different.
The Johnson Collection is a must visit at any time of year.
Starting with Tea or coffee served in gorgeous China cups together a little homemade treat.
The guides are all incredibly knowledgeable.
Such a fabulous way to spend a couple of hours in such a beautiful location surrounded but so many beautiful pieces of history.
It is one of my December/ January must visit exhibitions.
The craft exhibits are always outstanding.
This years Men’s Own exhibition was no exception. I found the male take of this concept really refreshing and different.
The Johnson Collection is a must visit at any time of year.
Starting with Tea or coffee served in gorgeous China cups together a little homemade treat.
The guides are all incredibly knowledgeable.
Such a fabulous way to spend a couple of hours in such a beautiful location surrounded but so many beautiful pieces of history.
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your review!
We are so glad that you enjoy coming to TJC and also enjoyed 'A Boy's Own Story,' and we can't wait to share our next exhibition with you.
Written 13 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jeffryb
Keysborough, Australia366 contributions
Oct 2020
The Johnson Collection is a collection of fine and decorative arts. It is probably the finest such collection in Melbourne. Guests must book in advance and will be collected from the Pullman Hotel. Items on display change from time to time. We found the obsession with the decorative arts to be quite charming.
Written 8 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MelbourneKath
Elwood, Australia194 contributions
Feb 2021 • Solo
TJC is one of Melbourne’s eccentric little treasures, close to the CBD and perfect for tourists in our own town. Different exhibitions through the year are always brilliantly curated, and the lovely guides impart wonderful stories about the pieces as you work your way through the rooms. I’d travel a long way to visit, but all I have to do is stroll through our stunning Melbourne gardens.
Written 5 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your review Kathryn! We are so thrilled to have your support - looking forward to welcoming you back again soon.
Written 16 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ajrenca
San Jose, CA115 contributions
June 2023
We booked 2 tickets online for a tour and then we were treated to another private tour for the 2nd time on our trip. Our tour guide Peter was very knowledgeable and gave us a lot of background information about William Johnston, his life, and William's eventual gift of his collection to the people of Victoria. This collection is a very extensive collection of mainly European art pieces and housewares but there were some Asian pieces as well that are rotated periodically. I would recommend taking this tour if you have the time and enjoy seeing unique European vintage housewares and art work.
Written 27 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for taking time to record your experience.
It is always a pleasure to receive positive feedback and I will share your comments with our valued Volunteer Guide, Peter, and the rest of our team.
We look forward to welcoming you again at The Johnston Collection.
Written 31 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mikeretired2016
Melbourne, Australia18 contributions
Nov 2022
I enjoyed a fascinating tour of The Johnston Collection and the current exhibition: 'Splendid: The Roger Brookes Bequest'. The vast array of Georgian silver on display is spectacular and well worth a visit. The knowledgeable guide provided lots of fascinating details about the house and the recently acquired Brookes Bequest of silver, ceramics, glass and other fine antique objects. Tours require bookings but the small group sizes ensure an unhurried and relaxed experience.
Written 29 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
christine b
1 contribution
Sept 2022
The new exhibition, Splendid, shows the bequest left by the collector roger Brookes. The main component is outstanding English silver, but also blue & white English porcelain, and English oak and mahogany furniture.
The star is the dining table set for 10 guests with Georgian silver plates, sauce tureens and ladles, candlesticks, wonderful salt cellars. The sideboard groans with a display of Georgian salvers and waiters, bottles in casters, and the famous Beaumont bookcase shelves with silver cups, tea caddies and many small domestic items.
The star is the dining table set for 10 guests with Georgian silver plates, sauce tureens and ladles, candlesticks, wonderful salt cellars. The sideboard groans with a display of Georgian salvers and waiters, bottles in casters, and the famous Beaumont bookcase shelves with silver cups, tea caddies and many small domestic items.
Written 30 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine Guilfoyle
Newport, Australia17 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
Melbourne is lucky to have the luxury of such a collection of artwork, antiquities, furniture and pieces of interest in a ‘home’ environment on constant display and not behind glass. We saw the ‘Splendid’ exhibition today - featuring the bequest of some 700 solid silver pieces made to the Johnston Collection by Mr Brooks. The collections (both Johnston and Brooks) is extensive and the volunteer guides are both knowledgeable and friendly. An interesting and enjoyable tour. It’s not the first time I have been and it won’t be the last.
Written 7 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victoria R
Boronia, Australia5 contributions
Jan 2021 • Friends
The museum was fascinating and the collection extremely well curated. The guide led us through with the right balance of interesting stories about the pieces and time to look at the collection. Felt utterly spoiled with the cup of tea and biscuit on beautiful china, at the start. So glad I went.
Written 7 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind feedback Victoria, we are so glad to hear you enjoyed your time at TJC. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.
Written 18 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Desley R
Melbourne, Australia25 contributions
July 2022
An excellent tour today from Mary, as part of Open House Melbourne 2022 - Built Unbuilt.
The Georgian-look house is decorated with mainly Georgian era furniture and artifacts.
A memorable and enjoyable tour which started off with tea and coffee served in china tea cups.
We will return!
Bookings are required.
Note. There are steep and narrow Victorian era stairs to negotiate.
Exit through the book shop.
The Georgian-look house is decorated with mainly Georgian era furniture and artifacts.
A memorable and enjoyable tour which started off with tea and coffee served in china tea cups.
We will return!
Bookings are required.
Note. There are steep and narrow Victorian era stairs to negotiate.
Exit through the book shop.
Written 31 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting The Johnston Collection for Open House Melbourne! We are so glad you enjoyed your tour and hope to welcome you back soon.
- TJC
Written 31 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DiscerningDoyenne
Melbourne, Australia114 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
I’ve been to this museum twice and on both occasions the experience was excellent. I’ve seen the standard collection as well as the recent collection “Splendid“ featuring an enormous silverware bequest. On both occasions the two guides had excellent knowledge and brought to life the various pieces in the collection. And the cup of tea or coffee during the introductory talk prior to the tour is an excellent touch. If you have even a remote interest in antiques, whether furniture, paintings, crockery, silverware, or various other antique paraphernalia, this is a brilliant opportunity to see the items in situ and how they would once have been used. My favourite piece is a painting from 1601 of a newly honoured Lord in the Elizabethan Court. To think that here I am, standing in a house in Melbourne looking upon a painting that Queen Elizabeth the I, herself, likely looked upon having recently honoured the subject with a lordship. It feels pretty astounding. Of course, you can see such things in museums, but seeing it in a house, domestically, gives it all the more gravitas. I highly recommend this museum.
Written 4 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review, DiscerningDoyenne!
We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit, and hope to see you again in the future.
- TJC Team
Written 12 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi
The Johnston Collection is open weekdays with three guided tours each day - at 10am, 12 noon and 2pm. Please go to our webpage to make a booking directly or you can phone us 03 9416 2515 during office hours. All our tours are pre-booked and prepaid. We hope to see you here soon!
Written 12 January 2016
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