Description

The Trades Hall & Literary Institute is the world's oldest continuously active trade union building. It has been the hub of working life in Melbourne since 1859, three years after the eight-hour day was secured for stonemasons in Melbourne.

The current building was constructed in ten stages from 1874 to 1960. It is mainly Neoclassical architecture with a relatively newer 1960s building at the back of the complex. Workers winning the eight-hour day meant the working classes could create art; the complex has always had deep ties with the arts community and to this day hosts the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Melbourne Fringe Festival. However, whilst having a museum, the "Peoples' Palace" is not a museum—it is still a living, fighting union building where working people come together to better their lives.

What's On

Dive into the history of the Trades Hall through a range of tours:

Feminist history tour
Starting at the statue of Zelda D'Aprano, this tour will shine a light on the earliest women's unions and the fight for equal rights through the centuries.

History tour
Join a history tour highlighting the use of the hall for workers to prosecute their case for a better life.

Making a Heritage Building Modern tour
Join this technical tour outlining what was done in the recently completed award-winning Stage 3 restoration works. This tour is for people wanting to understand the challenges of putting modern services into a building that has handmade nails holding the floors together.

You can also explore at your own pace with a self-guided tour. And don't forget to check out the museum!