The Dax Centre

Visiting The Dax Centre Melbourne: Guide, Tickets, Hours, and Attractions

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Situated in Melbourne’s vibrant Parkville precinct, The Dax Centre is a unique institution at the intersection of art and mental health. As the home of the internationally acclaimed Cunningham Dax Collection—the largest such collection in Australia and one of only a few worldwide—the Centre offers a compelling exploration of mental health narratives through visual and literary arts. Founded on the pioneering work of Dr. Eric Cunningham Dax, who introduced art therapy to Victorian psychiatric care, The Dax Centre continues his legacy by preserving over 16,000 artworks created by individuals with lived experience of mental ill health and trauma (The Cunningham Dax Collection).

Through rotating exhibitions, educational programs, workshops, and community outreach, The Dax Centre challenges stigma, fosters empathy, and encourages public dialogue around mental health. Conveniently located within the University of Melbourne’s Kenneth Myer Building, the Centre offers free admission and ensures accessibility for all visitors (Dax Centre What’s On), (The Dax Centre Contact), (Museu.ms Dax Centre).

This detailed guide covers essential information on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, exhibition highlights, travel tips, nearby attractions, and more, ensuring you make the most of your visit to one of Melbourne’s most thought-provoking cultural sites.

Introduction
The Cunningham Dax Collection: History and Significance
Exhibitions: Highlights and Community Engagement
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility, and Directions
Educational and Community Programs
Practical Tips and Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Planning Your Visit
References and Further Reading

The Cunningham Dax Collection: History and Significance

Origins and Vision

The Cunningham Dax Collection is named after Dr. Eric Cunningham Dax AO, a pioneering psychiatrist who introduced art therapy to Victoria’s psychiatric hospitals in the 1950s. Dr. Dax’s vision was to humanize mental health care, reduce stigma, and harness artistic expression as both a therapeutic and diagnostic tool (The Cunningham Dax Collection).

Collection Scope and Heritage Status

Today, the Collection holds over 16,000 works, making it the largest of its kind in Australia. It encompasses:

Paintings, drawings, and mixed media works
Sculptures, installations, and textiles
Poetry, artists’ books, and diaries
Photographs, digital media, and films
Archival materials (including Dr. Dax’s files and correspondence)

The Collection is heritage-listed in Victoria and renowned for its breadth, offering invaluable insight into the lived experiences of individuals affected by mental ill health and trauma (The Cunningham Dax Collection).

Sub-Collections and Thematic Expansion

In the 2000s, the Collection expanded to include works by individuals affected by trauma outside clinical contexts. Notable sub-collections include:

Childhood Abuse Collection
Holocaust Collection
Tsunami Collection
Safe Havens Asylum Seekers Collection
Bushfire Collection

These sub-collections broaden the narrative, documenting trauma and resilience on both local and global scales.

Custodianship and Partnerships

The Dax Centre, within the University of Melbourne, is the principal custodian of the Collection. Since merging with SANE Australia, a national mental health charity, in 2018, the Centre has expanded its reach through exhibitions and community programs (Dax Centre What’s On).

Exhibitions: Highlights and Community Engagement

Exhibition Philosophy

The Dax Centre’s exhibitions aim to challenge stereotypes, reduce stigma, and foster empathy by foregrounding artists’ lived experiences. Curatorial choices prioritize both artistic merit and the sensitive presentation of personal narratives (Dax Centre What’s On).

Notable Exhibitions

“STIGMA: dismantled, revealed” (2019): Showcased 66 works by seven artists with lived experience of complex mental illness, exploring stigma through diverse media (Vizard Foundation).
Studio Dax Project: Established in 2021, this creative studio provides mentorship and exhibition opportunities for artists with lived experience, supporting both solo and group shows.

Current and Upcoming Exhibitions

“A Subtle Omen” by Frances Cannon (March–June 2025): Explores themes of gender identity, queerness, and mental health.
“Re/Connect” (May 2024–December 2025): A collaboration with RMIT University, featuring recent graduates responding to works from the Collection (Dax Centre What’s On).

Programs and Events

The Centre offers regular artist talks, workshops, and educational sessions for schools, mental health professionals, and the general public. Community engagement is central, with programs designed to deepen public understanding of mental health through creative expression (Dax Centre What’s On).

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility, and Directions

Location

The Dax Centre is located on the ground floor of the Kenneth Myer Building, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, within the University of Melbourne campus (The Dax Centre Contact).

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Friday: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm
Other times: By appointment

Check the official website for updates.

Admission and Tickets

General admission: Free
Group tours: Available by booking; free for visitors with lived experience of mental illness or trauma (Museu.ms Dax Centre)

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible with step-free entry and accessible restrooms
Assistance available for visitors with specific needs
Culturally safe and inclusive environment (The Dax Centre Contact), (OnlyMelbourne)

Directions

Public Transport: Tram lines 19, 59, and 1 stop nearby on Royal Parade. Melbourne Central Station is close by.
Parking: Limited metered parking nearby; accessible parking in the Kenneth Myer Building carpark.
Travel Tip: Public transport is recommended due to limited parking (Travel Victoria).

Educational and Community Programs

The Dax Centre delivers outreach and educational programs for secondary and tertiary students, leveraging the Collection to foster understanding and challenge stigma. Workshops and guided tours are tailored for schools, professionals, and community groups (Victorian Collections).

Community engagement is a core priority, with collaborative projects and artist residencies deepening the Centre’s impact, particularly since its merger with SANE Australia (The Dax Centre Contact).

Practical Tips and Nearby Attractions

Visitor Etiquette and Sensitivity

Given the personal nature of the works, visitors are encouraged to engage respectfully. Content warnings are provided for potentially distressing exhibitions, and staff are available for support (Recentering Australian Art).

Facilities

Wheelchair access and restrooms available
Limited cloakroom—travel light
Photography policies vary by exhibition; always check with staff

Nearby Attractions

Enhance your cultural itinerary by visiting these nearby sites:

Melbourne Museum
Royal Exhibition Building
University of Melbourne’s galleries and libraries
Queen Victoria Market

Find cafes and eateries within walking distance in Parkville (Miss Tourist Melbourne Guide).

Virtual Experience

High-quality images and a virtual tour are available on The Dax Centre’s website for those unable to visit in person (Virtual Tour Link).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Dax Centre’s visiting hours?
A: Tuesday to Friday, 11:00 am–3:30 pm. Other times by appointment.

Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: No. Admission is free. Some programs may require booking.

Q: Is the Centre wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with step-free entry and accessible restrooms.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Check with staff—some areas restrict photography due to privacy and sensitivity.

Q: How do I book a group tour?
A: Contact the Centre in advance for tailored group tours.

Q: Are virtual tours available?
A: Yes, via the official website.

Conclusion and Planning Your Visit

The Dax Centre is a vital Melbourne destination, combining art, history, and mental health advocacy in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Through the Cunningham Dax Collection and innovative programming, visitors are invited to explore stories of resilience and recovery while actively challenging mental health stigma.

Plan your visit:

Check the Dax Centre’s website for current exhibitions, events, and visitor information.
Subscribe to the newsletter for updates.
Download the Audiala app for audio guides and enhanced experiences.
Follow The Dax Centre on social media for news and highlights.

Embrace the transformative power of art and contribute to a more empathetic and informed community.