We are…
THE FRIENDS
OF FARM VIGANÒ
Photo: Farm Vigano and Ugo Cassio
The Friends of Farm Viganò was established in 2002 to help preserve the heritage property located in South Morang. Constructed in 1935 by Mario and Theresa Viganò, prominent Melbourne restaurateurs, the farm holds significant cultural and historical value.
Maria Theresa Viganò, a talented painter, transformed the farm into a hub for artists, attracting musicians including the Italian Opera Company, as well as visiting artists and political figures. Today, Farm Viganò remains a cherished site of cultural importance for the Italian community and the broader migrant communities of Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
Photo: Working Heritage and Hin Lim
Painting: Maria Theresa Vigano, National Gallery of Victoria
As an incorporated association, the Friends of Farm Vigano have recently acquired the Caretaker’s Cottage on the property. The cottage now serves as our office and will be used to engage the broader community, encouraging people to join our organisation and celebrate the rich history of the farm.
To support this, we host public events that honour Farm Vigano’s cultural legacy, delivered with the support of our dedicated committee of volunteers.
We host art classes at the Caretaker’s Cottage, guided tours of the farm, cooking classes, and are always open to new ideas and community initiatives.
The Friends of Farm Viganò maintain a strong relationship with the Italian restaurant, venue and events space located on the same property; however, we are separate entities. Details about the restaurant and venue can be found at: farmvigano.com.au
Photo: Working Heritage
Mario Viganò (1888–1966) and Maria Teresa Viganò (1884–c.1960s) were Italian-Australian pioneers whose work in hospitality and the arts helped shape Melbourne’s early multicultural and culinary life.
Migrating from northern Italy in the early twentieth century, Mario became a successful restaurateur who introduced authentic Italian dining to Melbourne at a time when European cuisine was still unfamiliar to many Australians.
Maria Teresa, a trained painter educated at Milan’s Brera Academy, brought a strong artistic influence to their shared life, fostering connections between migrant communities and Melbourne’s growing creative scene.
In 1935, the couple established Farm Viganò in South Morang as a rural retreat combining farming, hospitality, and cultural life. The property became a gathering place for artists, musicians, opera performers, and community figures, reflecting Maria Teresa’s vision of the farm as both a home and cultural sanctuary.
Today, their legacy lives on through Farm Viganò’s preservation as a significant heritage site celebrating migration, creativity, and the cultural history of Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
Picture: Friends of Farm Vigano
Picture: Australian Womans Weekly, 1965