Step inside the new Footscray Hospital at the Community Open Day

At your own pace, wander through the hospital’s light-filled spaces, landscaped outdoor areas and community-focused facilities, and discover the design of the new People’s Hospital, soon to deliver world-class care for Melbourne’s west.

Using a self-guided audio tour, hear directly from the architects, artists and hospital staff about the hospital’s vision, design and innovations. The tour takes you behind the scenes to show how the hospital reflects the identity and needs of the west, and how it will support patients, staff and visitors into the future.

What you’ll experience on the day

During the Community Open Day, visitors can explore:

• The main foyer, known as Hospital Street
• The Emergency Department
• An inpatient ward
• Public spaces and landscaped outdoor areas

Enjoy family-friendly activities and chat with the people who helped shape this landmark project.

The Open Day is a chance to celebrate the new Footscray Hospital ahead of its official opening on Wednesday 18 February 2026.

Event details

Footscray Hospital Community Open Day
Date: Sunday 1 February 2026

Session times:
10am to 5pm (last entry 4pm)
Allow approximately 60–90 minutes for your visit
The site will close at 5pm

Cost: Free
Registration: Required

Tickets go live at 9am on Wednesday 17 December

Self-guided audio tour

Bring your own phone and headphones and take a curated audio journey through key areas of the hospital, including the Emergency Department, an inpatient ward and public spaces.

Hear stories, design insights and behind-the-scenes moments from the architects, artists and staff who brought the project to life.

The self-guided audio tour is available in English, Vietnamese, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Greek and Macedonian languages. 

Children’s activities

Families are welcome, with a range of activities for children including:

• A hands-on creative workshop delivered by the Australian Tapestry Workshop
• A playful, hospital-themed photo booth

• An activity sheet to puzzle your way through the day

   

Food and amenities

A selection of food and beverage options will be available for purchase on the day.

Getting there

Meeting point

Arrive via one of the four event-day entrances. Look out for Open House Melbourne and Western Health signage, and volunteers in pink vests ready to welcome you.

We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.

Public transport

We encourage visitors to use public transport where possible.
Plan your journey before you travel.

Cycling

Bicycle racks are available near the main hospital entrance and the Emergency Department.

Car and motorbike

Limited on-site car parking is available via Geelong Road.
Dedicated motorbike parking bays are located on the Ground Level.

Accessibility 

The event is fully accessible and includes:

• Wheelchair access throughout
• Accessible bathrooms
• Accessible parking nearby
• Lift access
• Parent’s room
• Sensory space
• Audio description
• Multiple language options