Kew, a suburb with a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century, boasts several historical landmarks. Here’s a list of notable historical sites in Kew:
1. Kew Court House and Police Station
– Built in 1888
– Now used as a community arts center
– Significant example of Victorian-era civic architecture
2. Villa Alba Museum
– Built in 1882-84
– Features stunning 19th-century interior decorations
– One of Melbourne’s finest historic mansions
3. Raheen
– Built in 1870, with major additions in 1884
– Former residence of Catholic Archbishops of Melbourne
– Significant example of Italianate architecture
4. Kew Cemetery (Boroondara General Cemetery)
– Established in 1855
– Final resting place of many notable Australians
– Features historic memorials and landscaped grounds
5. Xavier College
– Founded in 1878
– Features impressive Gothic Revival architecture
– Significant to the area’s educational history
6. Sacred Heart Church
– Built in 1876
– Notable example of Gothic Revival church architecture
– Features beautiful stained glass windows
7. Studley Park Boathouse
– Established in 1863
– Oldest operating boathouse in Australia
– Popular recreational spot for over 150 years
8. Kew Railway Station (former)
– Opened in 1887, closed in 1952
– Now converted into a community facility
– Remnant of Kew’s early public transport history
9. Willsmere (former Kew Lunatic Asylum)
– Built between 1864 and 1872
– Once the largest asylum in Victoria
– Now converted into residential apartments
10. Marshall White House
– Built in 1889
– Significant example of boom-style architecture
– Named after its original owner, a prominent local businessman
11. Kew Primary School
– Established in 1870
– One of the oldest continually operating schools in Melbourne
– Features historic school buildings
12. D’Estaville
– Built in 1859
– One of the earliest mansions in Kew
– Significant example of Italianate architecture
These landmarks offer insights into Kew’s development from a rural area to an affluent suburb, showcasing various architectural styles and the area’s social history. Many of these sites are protected by heritage listings, ensuring their preservation for future generations.