Description

The Victorian Archives Centre holds Colonial, State and Commonwealth Government records in the collections of the Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) and the Victorian office of National Archives of Australia (NAA).

For Open House Melbourne 2024, the knowledgeable staff at PROV and NAA will take you behind the scenes, and into the heart of the Victorian Archives Centre - the archival repository. Beyond the airlocked doors, in a carefully maintained dust-free and climate-controlled environment, there are over 100 kilometres of significant records dating back to 1836. Here you'll learn how records are selected and preserved, and discover the stories contained within the many maps, plans, photographs and documents.

Historic records from both collections will be on display throughout the tour. With the theme of ‘RE/DISCOVER your City,’ in mind, they’ll introduce you to some of Melbourne’s hidden heritage and lost buildings, and bring to light the stories of communities marginalised by history’s selective memory.

What's On

You’ll be taken on a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the Victorian Archives Centre, and will also have the opportunity to view the newly launched exhibition Reception This Way, which takes a look at the classic Aussie motel of the 20th century through the National Archives of Australia’s photographic collection.