THE iconic Rutherglen convent will throw open its doors as part of major heritage event next month.
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The Mount Carmel Convent will be the first port of call in Rutherglen & Corowa Unlocked, which was launched this week.
Inspired by Open House Melbourne and hosted by Federation Council and Destination Rutherglen, the event will allow people interested in history, design and architecture to explore buildings of significance on August 25 and 26.
New owners of the convent, home hotel agency Luxico, will reveal early progress on the redevelopment.
Heritage architects Wendy Jacobs and Deborah Kemp will share their passion for functional heritage architecture at the convent and finish off with a building tour.
Other sites listed in Rutherglen & Corowa Unlocked include Olive Hills Estate, Morris Wines, The Hermitage, Mount Ophir, Rutherglen Agricultural Research Station, Rutherglen Estates Winery and Art Gallery, Clendon House, Circa 1936, Corowa Whisky and Chocolate Factory, Oddfellows Hall, Corowa Country Women’s Association Hall, Pfeiffer Wines and The Royal Hotel.
Destination Rutherglen executive officer Alexandra Campbell said the program allowed visitors to choose the sites they wanted to explore at leisure during that weekend.
Ms Campbell said they hoped to boost tourism and overnight stays during a traditionally quieter period.
“We are encouraging people to visit the websites to learn about what’s on offer at each site, and then book their tours via the Eventbrite listing,” she said.
“There is something of interest to everyone and people may choose to visit one or many of the properties included on the program.”
Some sites will host guided tours, allowing visitors to explore areas not normally open to the public and learn more about the history, architecture and use of each property.
Corowa architects Regional Design Service will run children’s workshops at Oddfellows Hall, where participants learn the basic principles of architecture and design as they recreate local landmarks using Lego.
The Federation Museum and Rutherglen Historical Society will host guided walking tours of the Corowa and Rutherglen town centres.
For details and bookings visit visitcorowaregion.com.au and explorerutherglen.com.au.