History
Montgomery Hall has risen from the ruins of what was Perth’s first and largest purpose-built hospital for the care of people with a mental illness. The Hall was originally built in 1904 as a large dining room for the hospital’s patients.
And at night, the room – with its theatre-style stage surrounded by a high proscenium arch – became an entertainment venue presenting stage plays and film shows for the patients and staff. Dances and concerts were also hosted in the purpose-built hall.
Montgomery Hall has risen from the ruins of what was Perth’s first and largest purpose-built hospital for the care of people with a mental illness. The Hall was originally built in 1904 as a large dining room for the hospital’s patients. And at night, the room – with its theatre-style stage surrounded by a high proscenium arch – became an entertainment venue presenting stage plays and film shows for the patients and staff. Dances and concerts were also hosted in the purpose-built hall.
Montgomery Hall opened in 1907 presenting the stage comedy Quite Unexpected.
Gallery
Dr Sydney Montgomery arrived in Western Australia in 1901 from Belfast, UK, to take up the position Of Surgeon Superintendent Medical Officer. And in just a few years, he had overhauled the State’s mental health system. His major achievement was building Claremont Hospital for the Insane, and the adjoining dining room and theatre which today bears his name.
Dr Sydney Montgomery arrived in Western Australia in 1901 from Belfast, UK, to take up the position Of Surgeon Superintendent Medical Officer. And in just a few years, he had overhauled the State’s mental health system. His major achievement was building Claremont Hospital for the Insane, and the adjoining dining room and theatre which today bears his name.
The dining hall – as it was originally known – was in use until the Hospital closed its doors in 1984. In its heyday, the hall was the second biggest theatre venue in Perth. It presented its first production – a comedy play called Quite Unexpected – in 1907.
The dining hall – as it was originally known – was in use until the Hospital closed its doors in 1984. In its heyday, the hall was the second biggest theatre venue in Perth. It presented its first production – a comedy play called Quite Unexpected – in 1907.
In the 1950’s, attitudes towards the treatment of mental health changed and the idea of occupational therapy became popular. The hall’s undercroft was fitted out as a small factory where patients were employed to make mattresses for the hospital beds. The program proved popular and was later extend to include other therapeutic activities such as art classes.
In the 1950’s, attitudes towards the treatment of mental health changed and the idea of occupational therapy became popular. The hall’s undercroft was fitted out as a small factory where patients were employed to make mattresses for the hospital beds. The program proved popular and was later extend to include other therapeutic activities such as art classes.
For many years, the old hospital and the hall lay abandoned falling into dereliction and decay until the site was bought by Aegis in 2012. It took four years of dedicated building and restoration work to turn the dilapidated heritage buildings into a contemporary aged care facility and
heritage venue. Hundreds of craftspeople and specialist trades integrated contemporary building methods with techniques from a bygone time to bring the building back to life. The result is a stunning blend of old and new which offers modern amenities in a truly unique heritage setting.
For many years, the old hospital and the hall lay abandoned falling into dereliction and decay until the site was bought by Aegis in 2012. It took four years of dedicated building and restoration work to turn the dilapidated heritage buildings into a contemporary aged care facility and heritage venue. Hundreds of craftspeople and specialist trades integrated contemporary building methods with techniques from a bygone time to bring the building back to life. The result is a stunning blend of old and new which offers modern amenities in a truly unique heritage setting.
