Old Treasury Building
Highlights
- Explore the stunning Renaissance Revival architecture of the Old Treasury, a true gem of Melbourne's historical landscape.
- Discover Melbourne's rich history through engaging exhibitions like 'Yarra: Stories of Melbourne's River' and 'Protest Melbourne'.
- Join a guided tour to access exclusive areas like the Executive Council Chamber and delve into the gold rush era.
- Experience the unique temporary exhibition 'Belongings: Objects and Family Life', reflecting personal stories and transformations.
The Old Treasury is regarded as one of the finest public buildings in Australia. Completed in 1862, it was the major government office in Melbourne throughout the 19th century, and second only to Parliament House as the centre of state affairs.
Designed by a 19 year old architect, John James Clark, it is widely considered to be one of the finest examples of Renaissance Revival architecture in Australia.
Until 1992, the building housed a succession of government departments including the city office of the Victorian Governor.
Restored and opened to the public as a museum in 1994, it provides an ideal orientation to Melbourne for visitors wishing to understand and explore the city’s history, architecture, art and contemporary life.
It houses permanent exhibitions: ‘Yarra: Stories of Melbournes River’, ‘Melbourne: Foundations of a City’, ‘Making Modern Melbourne’ ‘Protest Melbourne’, Growing Up in the Old Treasury’ and the story of gold in the original vaults. Current temporary exhibition ‘Belongings: Objects and Family Life’ looks at the objects you own and how you’ve changed them, and they’ve changed you.
See areas of the building inaccessible to the general public, including the Executive Council Chamber, find out more about Melbourne’s fascinating gold rush past and see rare paintings from the Roy Morgan Research Centre collection by joining their monthly guided tour.
Images and Video
Accreditations
- National Trust
- Australian Museums and Galleries Association
- National Trust
Features
Tags
Actively welcomes people with access needs.
General access
- Staff are trained in disability awareness.
- Accessibility information and photos, including of a bathroom, room and/or floor plan on their website (can be emailed on request).
- Advise tour guides of the access needs of guests at the time of booking (includes pick up and drop off requirements)
- Assistance with booking arrangements (includes providing clear itineraries with written instructions on what to do at various destinations)
Communication
Welcomes and assists people who have challenges with learning, communication, understanding and behaviour. (includes people with autism, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury (ABI), dyslexia and dementia)
Hearing
Caters for people who are deaf or have hearing loss.
- A low noise reception areas with hearing loss friendly acoustics and adequate lighting for viewing facial expressions (includes common areas which are free of background noise, background music) is available.
Physical – Wheelchair
Caters for people who use a wheelchair.
- Step free outdoor pathways (includes picnic areas, barbecues and shelters)
- A doorbell or intercom at an accessible height and display a contact number (accessible height is 900mm-1100 mm)
- A step free main entrance to the building and/or reception area (includes ramps or slopes with a maximum gradient of 1:14, otherwise are too steep for wheelchairs)
- Step free access to the conference or function room
- An accessible public toilet which is unlocked.
- A wheelchair accessible toilet / shower and change room is available.
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