Description

The world’s oldest continually active trade union building is a tremendous example of the Victorian era Marvellous Melbourne architecture. The Trades Hall and Literary Institute has recently completed stage two of its restoration works with Lovell Chen. Architecturally it is similar to many gold rush buildings. The stylistic transition from the building’s Doric columns to the more elaborate Corinthian columns demonstrate how Melbourne architecture moved from the gold rush to Marvellous Melbourne styles.

As the home of the eight hour day movement, the people that have been through this building are what make it truly special. The Victorian Branch of the Labor party was formed here, art schools were hosted, the development of the modern welfare state was argued for and campaigned for in the building. It is drenched in history but most importantly it is still the heart of the union movement and campaigns for working people are led from the building to this day.

Trades Hall is 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 guided tour of this historic building, taking you to spaces not usually open to the general public.