Victorian Archives Centre
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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).
Let the knowledgeable staff at PROV and NAA 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 take a peek inside the drawers, boxes and cabinets. Historic records from both collections will be on display, bringing to light the narratives contained within the many maps, plans, images and documents. From love letters used in a criminal trial to snap shots taken by government photographers, delve into the people and places captured in the archives, including the stories of those marginalised by history’s selective memory.Â
What's On
You’ll be taken on a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the Victorian Archives Centre, including the archival repository, and have the opportunity to talk to staff from the Public Record Office Victoria and the National Archives of Australia.
In the reading room, we’ll have records on display from both collections, giving you a glimpse into the lives captured within the archives. Meanwhile, in the Victorian Archives Centre Gallery is our new 2025 Creative-in-Residence group exhibition, where five artists and designers have been interrogating PROV’s collection to produce new work inspired by the stories they’ve uncovered.
This site is mobility-friendly and neurodiverse considerate. Find out more on our new Access Map.Â
Images: (1) Petition in the repository. Photo: courtesy of Public Record Office Victoria. (2) Looking through maps in the chest drawers. Photo: courtesy of Public Record Office Victoria. (3) At the Victorian Archives Centre. Photo: Hanna Komissarova at North West City News. (4) The repository doors. Photo: courtesy of Public Record Office Victoria. (5) Exterior of the Victorian Archives Centre. Photo: courtesy of Public Record Office Victoria.
Important Details
Tour/event summary information
Saturday 26 July
Open access to gallery exhibition and reading room 10am—4pm
Tours running every half hour starting at 10am (last tour departs at 3.30pm)
Running for 45 minutes in groups of 20
Bookings
No bookings required. Tour group capacity is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Meeting Point
Enter via 99 Shiel Street, or use our free carpark at 112 Macaulay Road, and take the lift up to level 3. On arrival, use the sign-up sheet to add your name to a tour, and stow your bag in the cloakroom.
Accessibility
Fully wheelchair accessible, Accessible bathroom, Accessible parking nearby, Auslan interpreter available on request, Elevator access, Step-free access
The site is fully wheelchair accessible. If someone requires an Auslan interpreter, we recommend they email us at media@prov.vic.gov.au as early as possible, as we'll need to book an external contractor. If you require an Auslan interpreter, please email media@prov.vic.gov.au by 2pm, Friday 18 July, so we can book an external contractor.
