The Menzies Research Centre and the University of Melbourne are pleased to announce the creation of the Robert Menzies Institute, a prime ministerial library and museum to commemorate Australia’s longest-serving Prime Minister, Sir Robert Menzies.

Located in the East Wing of the historic Old Quad at the University of Melbourne, the Robert Menzies Institute will celebrate the life and legacy of Australia’s greatest Prime Minister, bringing alive the spirit of a great Australian for a new generation.

The Institute will preserve the timeless principles championed by Sir Robert, such as the freedom to flourish within a vibrant democracy and apply them to the challenges of today.

Former diplomat Georgina Downer will be the inaugural director of the Institute which will be governed by a board headed by former Qantas chairman Leigh Clifford AO.

Renovations to the Institute’s permanent location in the East Wing of the Old Quad are due to be completed in September 2021, after which the space will open to the public. It will host public exhibitions, lectures, and outreach activities to schools.

The Institute will become a hub for a comprehensive collection of Sir Robert’s documents, recordings, and significant artefacts, many of which will become accessible to researchers and the public for the first time.

Other directors are Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Melbourne Professor Su Baker AM, political commentator Peta Credlin, lawyer Geoff Hone, Dean of the Melbourne Business School Professor Ian Harper AO, and academic and former Howard Government minister, the Hon Dr David Kemp AC.

The Institute has been established with the help of $7 million in Commonwealth funding.