The Friends 2026 Annual Christmas Party

Set in picturesque heritage gardens and located on a hill in the Studley Park area of Kew, Villa Alba is a lavishly decorated Italianate mansion, built and decorated between 1882 and 1884, originally for Anna Maria McEvoy and her husband, William Greenlaw, who was the General Manager of the Colonial Bank of Australasia in Melbourne. This heritage property is of major significance to Victoria, culturally, aesthetically, architecturally, historically and socially.

With high ceilings, fine marble fireplaces and central chandeliers, the decorative features of Villa Alba are of unrivalled quality. Its 1883-84 hand-painted interiors were created by the Scottish-trained interior decorators, the Paterson Bros. This mansion has elaborately decorated, painted and stencilled ceilings, and interior walls with trompe l'oeil effects. Of national significance, the house also features two 40-foot panoramic murals of marine views of Sydney and Edinburgh.

From 1897, the house was leased and later occupied by a succession of owners including the Fripp family, the Royal Women’s Hospital and the Mount Royal Hospital. In 2004, the title was transferred to Villa Alba Museum Inc., a not-for-profit organisation, staffed entirely by volunteers.

Exclusively for Friends of The Johnston Collection and their guests, this private Christmas celebration offers an elegant and convivial evening at the magnificent Villa Alba. Savour delicious finger food and drinks as you explore the beauty, history, and hidden treasures of this extraordinary historic house.

VILLA ALBA MUSEUM: 44 WALMER STREET KEW VIC 3101