Columns and pediment of neoclassical Trades Hall building.

Trades Hall

Home to the Victorian trade union movement, Trades Hall is also a vibrant arts and theatre venue, hosting events as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Melbourne Fringe Festival.

The building was constructed in 1859 as a rallying point for the labour movement and a place to educate workers and their families.

Between 1874 and 1925, the original timber structure was transformed into today’s impressive two-storey building, with its classical columns and pediment.

Today, it remains Australia’s oldest trades hall building, still used for its original purpose.

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