subject: Heide Museum Of Modern Art An Artistic Ranch [print this page] Many decades ago the sprawling emerald green fields that engulf the Heide Museum of Modern Art were full of grazing cows and the charming little buildings which are adorned with exquisite paintings were dairy farms. The entire complex, which derives its name from the neighbouring town of Heidelberg, has now been transformed into a work of art, well loved by locals and foreigners.
Two well known art collectors in Melbourne, John and Sunday Reed purchased the farm house which was then devoted for the arts of the Heide Circle. The outstanding works of contemporary Australian painters, Joy Heyster, Laurence Hope, Richard Larter, Moya Dyring, Sydney Nolan and Albert and Barbara Tucker, are on display at the former farm house and its out houses. Subsequently several galleries were constructed to house the growing number of paintings.
The Heide, designed by David Mc Glashan is dubbed one of the best pieces of modernist architecture and is used for exhibitions. The Heide is the largest gallery space and consists of the Central Galleries. The Sydney Myer Education Centre hosts well structured programs to educate the guests on art, design and architecture. The most recent addition to the complex is Caf Vue at Heide, a fitting supplement to the rest of the architecture. The food is aromatic and as delicious as it is in most Melbourne restaurants.
The gardens have been beautifully landscaped to suit the ingenious works of art that are showcased within the walls of the galleries. A former cow paddock was made into a kitchen garden and dozens of trees were planted in the many acres of land by the founders of the museum. A sculptural park named 'Sir Rupert Hamer Garden' was established in one end to mitigate the sound pollution caused by passing vehicles on the busy Manningham Road.
The gardens are silent, the atmosphere is fresh and there is creativity in the air at the Heide Museum of Modern Art. Couple your stay at a Melbourne hotel with a visit to the museum, The Langham Melbourne is particularly popular as it is an ideal abode to unwind and let loose your imagination.
