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 House
Guided tours of the house operate on Wednesdays & Fridays (2.00pm only), and Saturdays and Sundays (11.00am, 12.30pm and 2.00pm).
Join us for a guided tour of the house for a 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.
Book a guided tour of Como House.
Como Gardens
The gardens at Como are open from Monday to Saturday 9am – 5pm and Sunday 10am – 5pm.
Entry to the gardens is free.
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
Open Monday to Saturday 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday 10 am to 5pm.
Make a reservation for The Stables of Como.
The Stables will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. They will open on New Year’s Day from 10am.
Como Shop & Gallery
Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 3pm.
National Trust Bookshop
The National Trust Bookshop has a carefully curated collection of quality secondhand books. Shop from a variety of genres including Australian art, history, furniture and gardening books, whether you are an ardent bibliophile with an eye for rare books or just an avid reader.
Learn more about the National Trust Bookshop.
Upcoming Events
The Giant Miniature Art Exhibition
Friday 5 May to Sunday 23 July 2023
Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm, with last entry to the exhibition at 4pm.
See over 750 miniature masterpieces created by over 200 artists from 20 countries around the world – including the USA, United Kingdom, Israel, Colombia, Ecuador, Poland, Finland, Moldova, Spain, Mexico, Lithuania, Ukraine, The Netherlands, Philippines, Czech Republic, South Africa, Bangladesh and Italy.
Artists were instructed to work on a fixed size of 25mm x 38mm (approx 1 inch x 1.5 inch), tiny indeed! Also included in this year’s exhibition is a special exhibit of 46 miniature artworks from all members of the renowned Twenty Melbourne Painters Society (founded 1918).
Artworks feature a range of mediums including watercolour, oil, acrylic, pastel, pencil, crayon and ink. Subject matter varies widely, from landscapes to seascapes, portraits to wildlife, still life to life figures – all captured in minute detail. Each artwork is framed in a handmade, maple stained, timber frame.
The artist of the artwork judged to be the “best in show” will be awarded the Gordon Moffatt Miniature Art Prize which includes a A$2000 cash prize. A People’s Choice Award of A$1000 will be awarded to the artist of the artwork that receives the most popular votes by the viewing public.
Complete your miniature adventure with a Como House Tour finding miniatures in the House of Discovery.
Find out more about The Giant Miniature Art Exhibition
Valuations Day with Leonard Joel
Saturday 2 July, 10am to 4pm.
NTV Members-only Event
The National Trust Australia (Victoria) is proud to be partnering with Leonard Joel, the specialists in their field, to be offering this exciting member-only event as a thank-you to all our valued members for their ongoing support.
Leonard Joel experts David Parsons, Head of Decorative Arts, Bethany McGougan, Head of Fine Jewels & Timepieces and Olivia Fuller, Head of Art will be available on the day to give their opinions and verbal evaluations about items in your collection.
For more details and to book your spot, click here.
