The Melbourne Camera Club

Architect: R.Adamson & W.McKean, 1876

Inner South | IS03

Building Description

Built in 1876, the heritage-listed neo-classical Corinthian-style building was designed by local architects Robert Adamson and William McKean. Once home to the Freemasons’ Yarra Yarra Lodge, the building has been restored to its original Victorian-era splendour, with much of its masonic symbolism intact.

Occupied by the Freemasons until 1881, the building was subsequently used as a furniture warehouse and by the Try Boy Society during the 1890s. The building was re-acquired by the Freemasons in 1910 when the Yarra Yarra and Emerald Hill (now South Melbourne) lodges merged, remaining occupied until the mid 1920s. After falling into disrepair, the building was purchased by the Melbourne Camera Club in 1979, who restored and repurposed the space into club rooms and exhibition space.

Carefully restored to the specifications of Heritage Victoria, the interior features an impressive auditorium accessed via a winding staircase. Another notable feature is the coat-of-arms above the Dorcas Street entrance.

What's On

All areas of the building will be open and club members will be available to provide information to visitors. There will be an exhibition in the Gallery of prints from the clubs extensive archives that date back some 70 years.

Location