Bates Smart Gallery
Space overview
The Bates Smart Gallery is a platform for celebrating design excellence through experimentation, collaboration, and discourse, a space to reflect on the aspirations and opportunities of improving our built and natural environment.
Originally a branch of the Bank of New South Wales, this space was converted into a contemporary, adaptable design gallery in 2017 for Melbourne Design Week. It features tall full-height glass windows with 14m of south-facing frontage along Albert Street. Inside, the space features a white painted rear plasterboard wall, with the option for charcoal acoustic panels as an alternate surface. The concrete floor has a white epoxy finish, and the heritage architectural feature stair provides a striking backdrop within the gallery.
Situated on the ground floor of Bates Smart’s modernist 1958 Orica House in Melbourne, the gallery engages with public life along Albert Street. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light and offer expansive views of the city. The gallery is conveniently located across from Parliament Station and Parliament Gardens.
Features and facilities
Accessibility features
- Accessible public transport
- Accessible toilets
- Adjustable lighting
- Lift with audio announcements
- Lift with Braille buttons
- Quiet areas or spaces
- Relaxed or sensory friendly environment
- Well-lit at night
General features
- Non-gendered toilets
- Chairs
- Lockable space
- 24/7 access
- Air conditioning
- Free wifi
- Heating
- Storage
- Toilets
- Queer friendly
Performance features
- Plinths
Specialist features
- Spotlighting
- Track hanging system
Location
Address
1
Nicholson Street,
East Melbourne, 3002
Getting here
Transport options
- Bus
- Train
- Tram
By train to Parliament station. By tram on route 86, 96, 11, 12, 48 and 109. By bus on route 905, 906, 907, 908, 302, 304 and 350.
Parking
Wilson Parking behind building at 90 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne, VIC 3002
