The ultimate guide to the Nicholas Building

The heritage-listed Nicholas Building at 37 Swanston Street is an icon of Melbourne ingenuity and style. Built in 1926, its labyrinthine corridors lead to a hive of creative communities. You’ll meet bespoke shoemakers and milliners, artists and purveyors of magic. And so much more.

Cathedral Coffee

Make Cathedral Coffee your first or last stop, for caffeine by day and wine at night. It’s on the ground floor, in the leadlight-roofed Cathedral Arcade. While you’re here, browse Melbourne-made fashion at Kuwaii and 1960s style at Vintage Sole.

Flinders Lane Gallery

Up on Level 1, Flinders Lane Gallery showcases the latest in contemporary art. New solo exhibitions are installed every three weeks. Stop by to see works by emerging, mid-career and established Australian artists.

Stephen McLaughlan Gallery

Level 8 leads to exhibitions of contemporary art in the Stephen McLaughlan Gallery. A Nicholas Building institution since 1994, the gallery features artworks from new and emerging artists.

Retrostar

Go vintage at Retrostar, also on the 1st floor. From Hawaiian shirts to hotpants, it’s a cornucopia of clothes and accessories from around the world and across the decades. You’ll also find a mega selection of band T-shirts.

Sticky Institute

Purveyor of quirky zines Sticky Institute has joined the Nicholas Building family. Pick up indie publications or grab supplies to craft your own zine. Head up to level 8 to flip through new titles.

Little Mandarin Yoga

There’s mat yoga, Pilates and more at Little Mandarin Yoga on the 2nd floor. The intimate studio offers classes for beginners to experts, including aerial yoga in hammocks. To learn the basics, book into the Aerial 101 workshop.

Muses of Mystery

There’s everything a pagan could need at Muses of Mystery. Shop for magickal products like candles and balms. Or make a booking for a spell consultation or tarot reading. This metaphysical mecca is upstairs on Level 2.

Laneway Learning

Laneway Learning puts a fun spin on community education. Held on weekday evenings on Level 3, the classes are cheap and inspiring. There are myriad topics to explore. Try queer cross-stitch or mulled wine-making for starters.

Brendan Dwyer

Brendan Dwyer handcrafts custom footwear from quality leathers, using traditional techniques. You’re sure to stand out in the crowd with these unique bespoke designs. You’ll find Brendan on Level 3 of the Nicholas Building.

World Food Books

You won’t find cookbooks at World Food Books. This bookstore sells food for the brain. The shelves are stacked with a superb choice of international art and design titles. Find World Food Books on Level 6.

Blindside Gallery

See what’s showing at Blindside, on Level 9. The artist-run gallery hosts more than 25 exhibitions each year. There’s bound to be something cutting-edge on display. Soundscapes, sculpture, installations and more.

Serena Lindeman

It’s all about the head-turning millinery at Serena Lindeman, on the 6th floor. Buy a race-day fascinator that’s ready-to-wear. Or book a customised fitting for made-to-order headwear. Serena also runs hat-making classes.

Louise Macdonald

For more marvellous millinery, visit Louise Macdonald. She’s open by appointment on the 8th floor. Order an exclusive made-to-measure design, or choose a model from her collection. To learn hat-making basics, join a class.