Old Treasury Building — Attraction in Melbourne

The Old Treasury Building is widely regarded as one of the finest 19th century buildings in Melbourne.

Sitting at the top end of Collins Street in the Melbourne CBD,.

The Old Treasury building was designed by nineteen-year-old architect JJ Clark and built between 1858 and 1862.

What can I see?

The Old Treasury Building hosts the original gold vaults where gold bullion was stored during the gold rush era, as well as rare and historic documents from Public Record Office Victoria highlighting key moments from Victoria’s history.

Construction The first contract was given to Robert Huckson in January 1858 for the substructure, basement and ground floor. Huckson would later receive the contract for the next stage of the first and second floors.

The exterior was constructed with Bacchus March sandstone (or freestone) from the Bald Hills quarry, approximately 50 kilometres west of Melbourne. This is over brick walls, with bluestone foundations. The bluestone foundations were mined from Footscray, and the floor above the barrel-vaulted basement is one metre thick.

Although bluestone was plentiful, architects preferred the appearance of sandstone. The available building materials were limited for the relatively new colony of Melbourne. Local stones had not been tested over long periods of time, the Bacchus Marsh sandstone was chosen as it was the best available from accessible quarries. It was to prove rather soft and prone to weathering. The roof was clad with slate during 1861.

The Treasury was one of the first Melbourne buildings to benefit from some innovative technologies then appearing. They included a version of Cooper’s system of fireproof flooring, a travelling crane and a steam stone-cutting machine.

While the building itself was completed in 1862, a shortage of funds meant that the forecourt remained unfinished. Until 1868 the front steps and terrace were temporary, with individual staircases leading to the three main front doors. These were replaced with the grand forecourt still standing today. Eventually the forecourt would have a guardhouse as well.

The interior of the building was completed in 1872, when Alexander Borthwick designed the decorative scheme still visible in the Deakin Room on the...

The Old Treasury Building in Melbourne is one of the city's most treasured historic landmarks, located at the top of Collins Street, near the intersection with Spring Street. Completed in 1862, this grand Renaissance Revival building was designed by the young architect John James Clark when he was just 19 years old. It served as the Treasury for the colony of Victoria during the height of the gold rush, a period of immense wealth and rapid growth for Melbourne.

The building is renowned for its stunning classical architecture, featuring a grand facade with intricate stonework, tall columns, and arched windows. Inside, the Old Treasury Building is equally impressive, with richly decorated interiors that reflect the building’s significance during Victoria’s prosperous gold rush era.

Today, the Old Treasury Building functions as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into Melbourne's past. Exhibits cover a range of topics, including the city's gold rush history, the workings of the Victorian government, and the lives of early settlers. The building also contains the original gold vaults, where gold bullion was once stored. As one of Melbourne’s most iconic structures, the Old Treasury Building is a must-visit for anyone interested in the city’s history and...

Are you getting married here soon? For the last half a decade, I've photographed tons of wedding ceremony here and finally I'm leaving a google review!

It's a true preservation of classic architecture, with stunning details here and there, from the grand staircase to the intricate moldings, every corner of this building is photo-worthy. It's the perfect backdrop for a classic, timeless wedding!

There are a few different sized room so whether you're having a small, intimate wedding or a larger one, they can help make it happen!

Oh, and let's not forget the building facade and the shadows cast by the structure around the stair / fence outside, these are yet another highlight and photo opportunity!

Whether you're shooting during the day or in the evening, you'll find that the building's exterior and shadows cast by it adds a unique touch to your photo!

If you wanna know more about some...