Labassa Mansion | Only Melbourne
Labassa is an outstanding Victorian era mansion with opulent architectural features.
www.onlymelbourne.com.auHere are the latest updates on Labassa Mansion.
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Labour of news around Labassa continues to spotlight its rich social history and architecture in Melbourne. A recent ABC News in-depth piece highlights Labassa’s evolving story from post-war Jewish refugees to bohemian artists and performers in the 1960s–70s era. This aligns with National Trust Victoria’s ongoing storytelling and tours that emphasize the mansion’s layered past.[2][9]
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The National Trust and media outlets emphasize Labassa’s preservation journey and current public access. The National Trust’s listings note ongoing open days and themed events, including dates in May and June 2026, with notes about occasional private hires affecting open-day schedules. A separate ABC feature reinforces Labassa as a living archive, inviting public engagement and personal memories through Labassa Lives projects.[1][2]
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For context, Labassa’s architecture and history have been documented extensively: it was remodeled in 1889 by architect John A. B. Koch for Alexander Robertson, later converted into flats in the 1920s, and eventually preserved by the National Trust after a period of uncertainty. Community stories and heritage efforts continue to enrich its narrative, including volunteer-led tours and personal recollections collected in the Labassa Lives project.[3][1][2]
Illustration of how Labassa is presented in media and heritage channels:
- A Melbourne-based ABC in-depth feature traces the mansion’s multi-generational life, including wartime refugees and countercultural residents, underscoring Labassa as a “story” rather than just a building.[1]
- The National Trust’s ongoing program lists upcoming open days and themes, with attention to the mansion’s Victorian decoration and architectural grandeur maintained through volunteers.[2]
If you’d like, I can compile a concise timeline of Labassa’s key phases (construction, remodeling, conversion to flats, National Trust preservation) and provide direct links to the latest open-day schedules.