Marvellous Melbourne’s Architecture

Marvellous Melbourne's Buildings offers an insight into Melbourne's architecture during the late 19th century and early 20th century. Melbourne had rapidly expanded by the 1880s, due to the gold rush in the 1850s, and had become one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the British Empire known as 'Marvellous Melbourne'.

The number of magnificent buildings built during this period is evidence of Melbourne's status and her prospects; their size and grandeur of design are measures of the optimism and pride of Melbourne citizens. Lavish office buildings up to twelve storeys, grand and elaborate institutions, coffee palaces, theatres, cinemas and hotels reflected the fashion and culture of this era.

Marvellous Melbourne's Buildings highlights not only the existing grand landmarks but also some forgotten and smaller buildings that are still noteworthy and part of our Melbourne, as well as capturing historic buildings and institutions that were demolished.