The Cedars is a place of extraordinary breadth, encompassing art, history, and nature in a uniquely harmonious setting. Home to the nationally recognised and highly valuable collections of the Hans and Nora Heysen Foundations, the property features historic architecture, beautifully maintained gardens, native bushland, and welcoming spaces like the Cedars' Kitchen cafe.

The property passed from Hans to his eldest son David in 1968 and onto David's four children in 1990. It remained a private residence until the Heysen descendants officially opened it to the public six days a week in 1994, recognising its value as a national cultural icon. It is now under the custodianship of the non-for-profit Hans Heysen Foundation, set up by the Heysen Family in 2011, whose mission it is to preserve, protect, and promote the Heysen legacy.

Hans Heysen

Hans Heysen (1877–1968) was one of Australia’s most celebrated artists, renowned for his masterful landscapes that captured the grandeur of the Australian bush, particularly its iconic gum trees. Born in Hamburg, Germany, he migrated to Adelaide as a child and discovered a passion for art early on. With the support of benefactors, he studied in Europe before returning to Australia, where he built a career that spanned over seven decades. Settling at The Cedars in Hahndorf, Heysen found endless inspiration in the surrounding landscape, painting scenes that highlighted the beauty and resilience of nature. His commitment to conservation paralleled his artistic vision, advocating for the protection of Australia’s ancient trees. Over his lifetime, Heysen won nine Wynne Prizes and was knighted in 1959 for his contribution to Australian art. His legacy endures through his work, which continues to inspire artists and nature lovers alike.

Nora Heysen

Nora Heysen (1911–2003) was a trailblazing Australian artist, known for her exquisite still lifes, portraits, and as the first woman to win the Archibald Prize in 1938. Born at The Cedars in Hahndorf, she was surrounded by art from an early age, honing her skills under the guidance of her father, Hans Heysen. Determined to forge her own artistic path, she studied at the School of Fine Arts in North Adelaide and later traveled to Europe to further her training. In 1943, she made history again as Australia’s first female war artist, capturing the lives of servicewomen and medical staff during World War II. Throughout her long career, Nora’s work was celebrated for its technical brilliance and emotional depth, earning her an Order of Australia (AM) in 1998 for her contributions to Australian art. Today, her legacy lives on in major public and private collections, continuing to inspire generations of artists.

The Cedars

In 1912 Hans and Sallie Heysen, with Josephine, Freya, Lilian and baby Nora, settled into a colonial style villa surrounded by a garden and 35 acres of land. From 1919 to the late 1920s, the Heysens extensively changed the house to accommodate their growing family, with David, Deirdre, Michael and Stefan born here between 1913 and 1919.

The façade and interiors are described as the most intact example of domestic Federation Arts and Crafts style in Australia. Each generation of the Heysen family has carefully ensured that the house and its furnishings have changed little since the 1920s, with original furniture, personal items, and an extraordinary collection of artworks.

Surrounded by tranquil gardens and 160 acres of native bushland, The Cedars offers visitors a rare glimpse into the world of one of Australia’s most celebrated artistic families, where inspiration flowed from the surrounding landscape into the studios and onto the canvas.

Our People

Chairman, Hans Heysen Foundation
James Sexton

Curator, Head Gardener and Chair, Nora Heysen Foundation
Allan Campbell

General Manager
Emma Farnam

Administration Officer
Naomi Longo

Project Officer
Camila Longarete

Property & Maintenance Manager
Mark Baker

Artwork & Copyright Queries

Please email [email protected] for permission to reprint any Heysen images