Description
The Mission to Seafarers building is listed on the Victorian Heritage Registry for its outstanding architectural, aesthetic, social and historic significance to the State of Victoria. Iconic to the City of Melbourne, it’s considered a fine urban example of a merging of the ‘Arts and Crafts’ style with ‘Spanish Mission Revival’.
Mission to Seafarers is also one of the seven sites featured in Take Hold of the Clouds, a curated exhibition for the Weekend that embeds responsive works within Melbourne’s most-loved architectural spaces.
What's On
Join a tour led by experienced and knowledgeable volunteers. Step inside and hear the remarkable stories of Melbourne’s maritime history: learn about the original use of the Norla Dome; the history of the chapel with its timber truss and pulpit in the form of a ship’s stern; and the stained-glass windows depicting stories and scenes of the sea. Admire the large mariner’s compass inlaid in the terrazzo floor of the lobby.
Visitors are also welcome to explore the building and discover its many treasures at your own pace.
Images: (1) Chapel, stock photo. (2) Exterior Flinders St. Photo: Sarah Louise Jackson. (3) Bell Tower. Photo: Sarah Louise Jackson. (4) Courtyard. Photo: Sarah Louise Jackson. (5) Norla Dome, stock photo.
Important Details
Time & Date
Open 10am-6pm
Tours run 11am (Saturday only), 1pm, 3pm
Running for 60 minutes (approx.) in groups of 20 people
Bookings not required. Tour group capacity is limited and operates on a first come, first in basis.
Mission to Seafarers also showcases creative practitioner Ying-Lan Dann's work Circular Temporalities (2022) as one of the seven sites featured in Take Hold of the Clouds. The curated exhibition embeds responsive works within Melbourne's most-loved architectural spaces across the Weekend. More information here.
Age Requirements
Accessibility
Fully wheelchair accessible
Accessible parking nearby
Location
Mission to Seafarers-Victoria, 717 Flinders St, Docklands VIC 3008