MESS is on the move

We’re entering a new and exciting phase in the beating heart of the city.

MESS is entering the centre of the cultural conversation where we can spread our wings. In this sought after front-facing space located within Fed Square, our ever expanding collection of instruments will sing to a much wider audience. This game changing relocation will allow us to better fulfil our mission of empowering all people to build a creative life through music.

Increased visibility and accessibility will enable us to maximise the incredible resource that we have built. Our world class, museum grade collection of instruments will be available to a much broader audience and our programs will impact and inspire across all demographics.

Making an even bigger MESS

With great change comes great challenges. A lot will change but we will strive to keep our feet on the ground and our sights focussed on access, inclusion and maximum impact. So much more than the sum of its machines – MESS is about the people we bring together to be elevated by the creative process.

We could never have achieved this without YOU – our members and supporters – and we want you to join us in this new and exciting phase of MESS. You have already played such a critical role in shaping the organisation and we can’t wait to share this next chapter with you all.

Please find FAQs regarding the relocation below. You can also subscribe to our mailing list to receive updates—stay tuned.

FAQ

Information about our upcoming move to the Atrium at Fed Square.

Have you moved yet?

Not yet! We’re still at 15 Dowling Place, North Melbourne.

We’ll move to our new studio in Spring 2025.

When will the move happen?

Spring 2025. Firmer dates to be announced. Stay tuned!

How will this affect my membership?

We’re working hard to reduce disruption to membership as much as possible.

The studio will be closed for up to 2 weeks while we move the collection and get set up in the new space.

All memberships, starter passes and gift vouchers will be extended to account for any closure.

Due to factors outside our control, we don’t yet know exact dates. But we’ll give members as much notice as possible.

What will be different?

The heart of MESS is our community. We’re proud to have created a space where everyone, from musical newbie to renowned electronic musician to studio staff, learn something new each time they walk in.

That, and all the other great things we all love about MESS, won’t change.

The new studio will be a more public-facing location within the Atrium at Fed Square. It will allow us to display our collection more prominently, reach more people through our programs and be in conversation with national cultural organisations like NGV and ACMI.

More announcements to come! Sign up to our Newsletter to stay up to date.

Why is this happening?

To make an even bigger MESS — with expanded programs, greater accessibility, and the capacity to welcome more people than ever before to the studio. All united through the act of creativity.

This move is the culmination of close to 10 years of hard work. We’ve been incubating under the Meat Market, and we now have an opportunity to grow our impact and reach.

Our new studio in the Atrium at Fed Square is an iconic location that will put MESS at the heart of the cultural conversation.

Where is the new studio and how do I get there?

Directions to our new location will be coming soon.

To avoid confusion, we’re not publishing the address until we close the North Melbourne studio.

What hours will MESS be open at Fed Square?

Our opening hours at Fed Square will be much the same as they are now–but with extra studio sessions on the weekends.

More information to come.

If I’m not a member, can I come?

If you’re not a member, you can still experience the collection!

You can purchase a casual studio session, take a workshop or apply for a course.

If you’re more into listening to music than making it, join us for one of our live shows.

Can members still bring a friend?

Yep! All member benefits remain the same. Members can bring one guest to their session if they’re working on the same synth.

What instruments will be available?

Anything that’s available at our current studio will be available at our new one.

The same collection of historically significant instruments will be at your fingertips.

We hope that our new studio will have even more space to display and store the collection.

Help us make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

Every donation, big or small, has a lasting impact. Join the MESS community of supporters and help us create a world where everyone has the tools to explore their creative potential.