A History Of Melbourne's Iconic Block Arcade In 1 Minute

Modeled after the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, Melbourne’s Block Arcade is a ‘place to shop and be seen.’ Connecting Collins Street and Elizabeth Street with Little Collins Street, the L-shaped shopping arcade was completed in 1893. Previously called Carpenters Lane, the name ‘Block Arcade’ evolved through the popular saying ‘doing the block,’ a tradition where men and women would circle the block prior to VFL games. The phrase was also mentioned by Fergus Hume in The Mystery of a Hansom Cab, published in 1886.

In 1837 the site was auctioned and purchased by Henry Batman, brother of Melbourne’s founder John Batman, for eighteen pounds and in 1856 was acquired by Briscoes Bulk Grain Store. After a series of owners The Block Arcade now belongs to the Cohen family who have a strong Victorian ancestry. On Friday the 13th of September 1889, a fire started at the Georges store in the Block Arcade and as fire brigades at the time were owned by various companies, it took a long time before the blaze could be extinguished. This led to a revision of fire response units and subsequently the Metropolitan Fire Brigades was created. The damage bill was two hundred thousand pounds.

Architect David C. Askew of Twentyman & Askew was asked to design a shopping arcade inspired by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan. The Collins Street wing opened in February 1892, and the Elizabeth Street wing opened in October 1893 — with the two wings joined by an octagonal-shaped junction. The Victorian-era arcade features detailed mosaic-tiled floors, stained glass windows, a glass canopy and skylights, wrought iron fixtures and carved stone finishes.

Royal Arcade, Melbourne, Australia – April 2004

Tea rooms store front in Collins Street, Melbourne

Considered to be one of ‘Australia’s top 10 landmarks’, The Block Arcade is one of Melbourne’s most iconic destinations, where you can stroll through 19th century Melbourne, snap Instagram-worthy pictures and find one-of-a-kind gifts.

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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