Melbourne’s most beautiful buildings and iconic architecture

From Gothic gargoyles to decadent deco and modern museums. A wander through Melbourne delivers design inspiration at every turn. Explore the city's stunning architectural history when iconic buildings throw open their doors for Open House Melbourne on 27 and 28 July.

Government House

Completed in 1876, Government House in Melbourne was the largest governor’s residence of its time with almost 240 rooms. It features three sections – the state apartments, private apartments and the ballroom. The latter could well be the most striking room in the building. It's home to three crystal chandeliers made up of 1,000 crystals. Fun fact: the dining room table is as long as a cricket pitch and can seat up to 54 people. Visit during Open House Melbourne. Or join a Government House tour year round.

The Capitol

This cinema was brought to life by architects Marion Mahony Griffin and Walter Burley Griffin in 1924. Today it stands as a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. Its intricate interior attempts to capture the feeling of being inside a glittering cave. A geometric ceiling houses thousands of coloured lamps. The Capitol has been recently revived with a five-year restoration by RMIT and Six Degrees Architects. Visit during Open House Melbourne.

narrm ngarrgu Library

narrm ngarrgu Library is a brand new community space right next to Queen Victoria Market. It spans three levels and features a special kid’s library and rooftop terrace overlooking the stunning city skyline. Explore over 30,000 books in a variety of languages. Check out the makerspaces featuring 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines and sound studios. You can event book an event space for your next workshop, meeting or gathering. Visit during Open House Melbourne.

Melbourne Recital Centre

The swirling wooden interior of the Melbourne Recital Centre may look beautiful but it also serves an important function. Lauded as one of the best in the city for its state-of-the-art acoustics, it has earned its tagline as ‘the best place to hear’. The honeycomb exoskeleton and bubble-like glass exterior were designed to look like gift wrapping. Protection for the delicate ‘gift’ inside. 

Arts Centre

The Arts Centre combines a twinkling spire resembling a ballerina’s tutu, with the stark, concrete curves of Hamer Hall. Inside the partly-subterranean building are a series of stages and performance rooms. Academy Award-winning costume designer John Truscott designed the lush gold and red interiors. Explore the Melbourne Arts Precinct during Open House. 

NGV

The monolithic exterior of the NGV International building betrays its airy, light-filled interior. Enter via the much-photographed water wall, and head towards the Great Hall. It houses the world’s largest stained glass ceiling. The gallery regularly hosts some of Australia’s best exhibitions, as well as events in the pretty rear garden.

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. On the ground floor you'll find Cathedral Arcade with its striking stained glass ceiling. Upstairs you’ll meet bespoke shoemakers and milliners, artists and purveyors of magic. Plan a vertical adventure with our ultimate guide to the Nicholas Building.

Old Melbourne Stock Exchange

The former stock exchange building is also a Gothic glamour. It’s decorated with gargoyles, carved stonework, and stained glass. Mid-1800s architect William Wardell designed the cathedral-like ANZ Gothic Bank building. Look up and spot the gilded ceilings that adorn the sandstone building. Explore the Gothic Bank museum as part of Open House Melbourne.

Royal Exhibition Building

This architecture icon of the Melbourne landscape is as striking up close as it is from afar. Located in the Carlton Gardens, the impressive 140-year-old Royal Exhibition Building was constructed for the 1880 Melbourne International Exhibition and is now a World Heritage Listed site. It now hosts dozens of events and exhibitions, including the upcoming music line-up for Now or Never festival. For first time in a century, the dome promenade can now be explored by the public when you book an expert tour. 

Manchester Unity Building

One Gothic beauty in Melbourne’s bustling CBD is the Manchester Unity Building. Built in 1932, it was the first building in Melbourne with an escalator. The stunning entry level is lined with marble and mosaic, punctuated with copper plated elevator doors. Book a tour of the building to visit the lovingly restored eleventh-floor boardroom. You’ll also get a rare peak at the rooftop terrace, once the location for a buzzing cafe and tearoom. 

Flinders Street Station

One of Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks, Flinders Street Station has a long and interesting history. The first ever station on the site opened in 1854 and was merely a collection of weatherboard sheds. Today it features a state-of-the-art lighting system, which illuminates the iconic green-domed station in a dazzling display at night.

ACCA

With its striking red rusted exterior, you can't miss the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. It was designed to resemble the warehouses and foundries that once occupied the site. Its shed-like steel and metal appearance is a sculpture in itself; a nod to the art it contains within. Speaking of art, look for the giant, yellow sculpture by Ron Robertson-Swann, and snap a picture within the walls of its geometric structure.