The Ned Kelly Discovery Hub was created as a striking gateway to the Glenrowan Siege site and a key attraction for visitors travelling along the Hume Highway. Commissioned by the Rural City of Wangaratta, the project brought together Content Studio and a vision to celebrate Ned Kelly’s Last Stand through bold architecture and cultural storytelling.
The architectural brief called for a circular lookout platform, naturally evoking the shape of Ned Kelly’s iconic helmet. To capture this, the building was formed using interwoven helices of varying radii—creating a dynamic, sculptural structure.
The viewing platform houses a central cast bronze map, which highlights key siege locations. Stainless steel mesh wraps the platform, offering open views.
Explore the Glenrowan Heritage Siege Walk
Every detail in the Hub’s construction speaks to both landscape and legend:
Steel helices – Chosen for their strength and flexibility, the steel not only enabled the complex structure but also echoes the bulletproof armour of the Kelly Gang.
Charred timber cladding – Inspired by traditional bush building techniques, the blackened board-and-batten cladding represents the role of fire in the Australian environment and during the siege itself. It also provides natural durability.
Blending bold design with powerful storytelling, the Ned Kelly Discovery Hub elevates Glenrowan as a must-visit cultural destination. Through form, materials, and interpretation, it connects visitors to one of Australia’s most fascinating and debated historical chapters.