Welcome to the City of Melbourne
In the Weekend’s largest precinct, there is so much to do in the City of Melbourne… here’s just a few suggestions about where to start!
On Friday night, begin with the Edmond and Corrigan open studio + talk, a visit to the former office of the iconic architecture practice Edmond and Corrigan, constructed in 1986, and now the home of architecture practice Simulaa.
Take a self-guided journey of the Secret Laneways Through the City and discover three different paths celebrating urban design initiatives across the central city. Grab a coffee or lunch along the way as you navigate this quintessentially Melbourne experience.
Take a rare look inside Geoff Handbury Science and Technology Hub at Melbourne Grammar School, a unique space for learning and teaching which supports students’ scientific and technology-driven investigations and encourages creativity, learning and social interaction. The building won the 2018 AIA Victorian Chapter Award for Educational Architecture.
Gospel Hall Melbourne is the oldest evangelical Chinese church in Australian with a 150+ history born in the gold rush era. Visit on Saturday to chat with congregation members about the history of the church and its architecture.
On Saturday, tour narrm ngarrgu Library with designers Six Degrees architects. The library is a cornerstone of the Queen Victoria Market precinct renewal which celebrates Kulin arts and culture. Families will love OPEN Play at narrm ngarrgu the following day, a chance for little designers to get creative.
Take a tour or participate in a workshop at Queen Victoria Women’s Centre with activities programmed for all ages, showcasing the centre’s medical and cultural history as a hospital of innovation with feminist values.
Tasma Terrace is the home of the National Trust Australia (Victoria), a terrace building rarely opened to the public and a fine example of 19th-century residential architecture. Tours are available on Saturday and you can wander through to get a sense of life in a grand terrace home.
On Saturday, tour the University of Melbourne Student Precinct Project, a once-in-a-generation infrastructure project for University of Melbourne across throughout 24,000 square metres of new and refurbished buildings and 12,000 square metres of new landscape (and visit the incredible Melbourne School of Design while you’re here).
The Arcadian also known as Loco Hall, is the original home of the Australian Federation of Locomotive Enginemen, or the railways union. Built in 1914, the space is now home to the Panarcadian Association of Melbourne “O Kolokotronis”. Join one of several daily tours of this historic space showcasing its many original features. The building will be open on Saturday and Sunday.
From Ned Kelly’s armour to a LEGO model of the Library, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the State Library of Victoria, established in 1854 and today comprising 23 architecturally-designed buildings. You can wander through the library or book a spot on a Heritage Architecture tour to really get beneath the surface of this important space, open both days of The Weekend.
The Capitol RMIT, built in 1924 and described as ‘the best cinema that was ever built or is ever likely to be built,’ is an important example of Marion Mahoney Griffin and Walter Burley Griffin’s commercial architectural work, and a significant cultural building in Melbourne’s arts spine. The building will be open on Sunday.
Make your way to Melbourne Arts Precinct for a full program of experiences – you may need a second Weekend to fit it all in!
There is so much to see and do in the City of Melbourne, from free activities and cultural experiences now is the time to plan your Weekend to RE/DISCOVER your city.
A selection of City of Melbourne program
Geoff Handbury Science and Technology Hub at Melbourne Grammar School
Saturday 27 July, Sunday 28 July
Queen Victoria Women's Centre
Saturday 27 July, Sunday 28 July
