Royal Historical Society of Victoria
Highlights
- Explore Melbourne's rich history at the Royal Historical Society of Victoria, nestled in a stunning art deco building.
- Discover captivating stories of colonial Melbourne and the gold rush through free gallery exhibitions.
- Join the engaging Flagstaff Gardens heritage tour every Monday to uncover hidden tales of this significant green space.
- Attend insightful events featuring renowned historians and authors, bringing Melbourne's past vividly to life.
Step into Melbourne’s fascinating past at the Royal Historical Society of Victoria, housed in an iconic art deco former military drill hall. As Victoria’s oldest historical society (founded in 1909) and the second oldest in Australia, this is the perfect place to discover the stories that shaped Melbourne.
Just steps from the historic Flagstaff Gardens, this heritage building houses an exhibition gallery showcasing Melbourne’s rich history, a specialist library, and a bookstore filled with local historical treasures. Whether you’re interested in colonial Melbourne, gold rush tales, or the evolution of its neighborhoods, the free gallery exhibitions offer something for every history enthusiast.
Join their popular weekly Flagstaff Gardens heritage tour every Monday, where you’ll uncover the hidden stories of one of Melbourne’s most significant green spaces. There are also regular events featuring nationally-recognised historians, author talks, and book launches that bring Melbourne’s past to life.
Their welcoming spaces are perfect for history lovers, students, researchers, or anyone curious about Melbourne’s remarkable journey. There is also a function room for hire for corporate events in a unique heritage setting.
Images and Video
Features
Actively welcomes people with access needs.
General access
- Offers multiple options for booking – web, email, phone is available.
- Offers a range of contact methods for receiving complaints.
- Companion Cards are accepted.
- Employs people with disabilities.
- Staff are trained in disability awareness.
Physical – Mobility
Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
- Uses floors/coverings which are slip resistant, firm and smooth
- Seating in common areas including reception area
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
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