The historic Billilla Mansion will transform into a vibrant hub for contemporary art and community engagement next October for the Melbourne Sculpture Biennale.
Bayside City Council is proud to welcome the Melbourne Sculpture Biennale to Billilla from 8-25 October 2026.
This partnership brings one of Victoria's most exciting new visual arts events to Bayside, offering residents and visitors a rare chance to experience large-scale sculpture in one of Bayside's most significant heritage settings prior to its refurbishment.
By hosting the Biennale at Billilla Mansion, Council aims to attract visitors from across Melbourne and beyond, boosting local businesses and hospitality, delivering on our Tourism Strategy.
The event will be free to all with a range of public programs including artist talks and guided tours designed to inspire creativity and connection.
Hosting the second Melbourne Sculpture Biennale positions Billilla and Bayside as a destination for arts and culture, showcasing our commitment to supporting creative industries and heritage preservation.
Mayor Cr Debbie Taylor-Haynes said:
"Billilla Mansion is a jewel in Bayside's heritage crown. By hosting the Melbourne Sculpture Biennale, we're opening this extraordinary site to the public in a way that celebrates art, history, and community. This event will strengthen Bayside's cultural identity and deliver lasting benefits for residents and local businesses."
Biennale Directors Adam Stone and Laura Couttie added:
"Billilla offers artists a rich and atmospheric setting. With Bayside City Council's support, we're thrilled to create an ambitious exhibition that invites the community to rediscover this landmark through contemporary sculpture."
Event Details
Dates: 8-25 October 2026
Venue: Billilla Mansion, 26 Halifax Street, Brighton
Admission: Free
About Billilla Mansion
Billilla stands on the ancestral lands of the Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation. Built in the late 19th century and transformed in the early 1900s, it remains one of Bayside's most treasured heritage sites. Following the Biennale, Bayside City Council will continue restoration works to ensure Billilla is reopened for regular community use.
About Melbourne Sculpture Biennale
Founded in 2024, the Biennale champions contemporary sculpture and provides a platform for Victorian artists to create ambitious, site-responsive works. The inaugural edition at Villa Alba Museum in Kew drew thousands of visitors and critical acclaim.
Instagram: @melbournesculpturebiennale
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