Immerse yourself in the history and luxury that make Como Melbourne’s most glamorous stately home.
Built in 1847, Como House and Garden is an intriguing mix of Australian Regency and classic Italianate architecture.
Como offers a glimpse into the privileged lifestyle of former owners, the Armytage family, who lived there for nearly a century.
The Armytages became famous amongst Melbourne high society and equally famous for their many elegant dances, dinners and receptions. Those elegant dining and reception rooms are still furnished with Armytage family heirlooms and even the servant’s areas, kitchen and laundry have been preserved.
COMO GARDENS
The gardens at Como are open from Monday to Saturday 9am – 5pm and Sunday 10am – 5pm.
COMO HOUSE
Guided tours of the house operate on select Wednesdays (2pm only), Fridays (2pm only), and Saturdays and Sundays (11am, 12.30pm and 2pm). Please note that tours on Sunday 8 May (Mother’s Day) will not visit the Ballroom due to a private event taking place.
Join us for a guided tour of the house for a rare glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of former owners, including the Armytage family, who lived there for over a century. Famous among Melbourne high society for its elegant dances, dinners and receptions, the Armytage home remains furnished with original family heirlooms. Even the servant’s areas have been carefully preserved.
VICTORIAN SECRETS
30 April & 7 May 2022
Discover the secrets of dressing (and undressing) in the 1850s!
Curious about what was worn under the hooped skirts in the 1850s? How did women achieve those impossible waistlines?
In this unique event in the Como Ballroom, our special guest, Mrs Smith, reveals all as she robes or disrobes, sharing her daily dressing routine. Travel back in time, learn about the hidden layers of undergarments and discover how the corset was a girl’s best friend.
Join a house tour before or after this special show to enjoy some behind the scenes stories of iconic Como House.
PAUL BANGAY GARDEN
The Como perennial border has undergone rejuvenation works. Renowned designer and Como Ambassador Paul Bangay has worked with the National Trusts’ garden team and designed an interpretation of a classic perennial border, befitting a garden of the scale and significance of Como. Paul’s design comprises over 900 plants and draws on varieties listed in Willaim Sangster’s 1862 diary notes of plants growing at Como during Sangster’s time as head gardener. The design was implemented by the National Trust’s garden team and Como garden volunteer group.
THE STABLES OF COMO CAFE
Please contact The Stables of Como for further information, click here or call 9827 6886.
Open Monday to Saturday 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday 10 am to 5 pm
COMO POP-UP STORE
Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 3.30pm.
The Rose Street Market has set up shop at Como House, showcasing the work of local artisans and crafters.
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
The latest Artist in Residence at Como is Kim Jane with a new photographic exhibition, ’Seeing Through Glass’.
Kim’s work will be on display in the Como Shop & Gallery until 8 May 2022.
“I’m constantly intrigued by what it is that drives us and makes us each individually, uniquely complex and connected. Without thought or discussion I pick up my camera and see through glass. Whether on my travels or in nature, I become immersed in a scene. Mesmerised
by texture, colour, light, shadow or movement. Often getting lost in what appears before me. Mostly an intuitive process, the end result is to connect the viewer by creating strong imagery that captures “Them” if only for a moment to evoke an emotion, trigger a memory or to see what I see.”
