Old Quad to house Robert Menzies Institute

The University of Melbourne is delighted to become the home of the Robert Menzies Institute, which will honour Australia’s longest serving Prime Minister and his life-long commitment to Australia’s higher education system.

Artists Impression Sir Robert Menzies was an alum of the University of Melbourne, having received a Bachelor of Laws in 1916, a Master of Laws in 1918 and the University’s first honorary Doctorate of Laws in 1942. After he retired from politics, Menzies returned to the University to serve as Chancellor from 1967-1972.

Since 1980 the University has housed a significant collection of Menzies’ personal library, notebooks and memorabilia, which will move to the Robert Menzies Institute in the historic Old Quad building where Menzies studied Law.

Professor Glyn Davis, Vice-Chancellor of the University, welcomed the $7 million in Federal Government funding, which would support the extensive restoration of the historic Old Quad building.

“With this assistance, the University of Melbourne will bring the Old Quad back to its former grandeur, restoring many of the structure’s original features and providing new engaging spaces,” he said.

“This Federal Government funding will provide a very suitable home to the Robert Menzies Institute. We will also restore the Law Library at the southern end of the Quad, where Menzies once studied as an undergraduate and it will become a public space for cultural, policy and educational events.”

The Robert Menzies Institute will be affiliated with the Melbourne School of Government as an independent entity.

Professor John Howe, Director of the Melbourne School of Government, said that the Robert Menzies Institute will strengthen academic collaboration.

“The Institute will produce high quality analysis of current policy issues, undertake comprehensive research and deliver public seminars and education programs,” he said.