Our history

• Gorman House was completed in 1925
• Architect: John Smith Murdoch who also designed the Kingston Powerhouse, Old Parliament House and the (Hyatt) Hotel Canberra
• Named after Clarence Gorman - Federal Capital Commissioner
• Civic consisted only of the Melbourne and Sydney buildings
• The historic gardens were started in 1925 and some of the original plantings still adorn the courtyards and grounds today
• Thousands of public servants made Gorman House their home from 1925 to 1972
• 1925 - accommodation and meals cost one pound ten shillings per week
• 1972 - Gorman House closed its doors as a hostel and various Government departments became tenants during the 1970s
• 1981 - Gorman House Arts Centre was officially opened by Tamie Fraser, wife of the Prime Minister, on 15 September 1981
• 2005 - listed on the ACT Heritage Register.
• And today, as a vibrant diverse Arts Centre, Gorman House continues to serve the Canberra community.

86 years of Canberra's history - Our proud heritage

Gorman House, completed in 1925 as a government hostel, was designed in the 'garden pavilion' style which followed the garden city concept of Walter Burley Griffin.

The charm of the 1920s architecture is reflected in a series of eight buildings linked by wisteria clad, undercover walkways, sunny courtyards, lawns and magnificent hawthorns, arranged symmetrically about the central Dining Hall.

Home to thousands of Canberra's early public servants between 1925 and 1972, now the beautiful heritage buildings have a new lease of life, providing a lively, vibrant Arts Centre for Canberra's performing and visual artists and craftspeople.

The bedrooms are now studios and the former dining room a gracious function centre. However, Gorman House still contributes to the future of our National Capital by nurturing the arts and maintaining the rich heritage of Gorman House.

The spirit of those early hostel guests lives on at Gorman House Arts Centre today and we share their vision of a wonderful new city enriched by the energy and presence of the arts.

The 1925 Garden

The Gorman House gardens recreate the era in which Gorman House was built. Research indicates that the species chosen were those most popular in 1925 and the style of these plantings replicates the fashion of the day.

As you step back into our graceful courtyards, you really do step back in time.