Trades Hall tours

The world's oldest continually active trade union building is a tremendous example of Victorian-era Marvellous Melbourne architecture. The Trades Hall and Literary Institute has recently completed stage two of its restoration works with Lovell Chen. Architecturally it is similar to many Gold Rush buildings. The stylistic transition from the building's Doric columns to the more elaborate Corinthian columns demonstrate how Melbourne architecture moved from the Gold Rush to Marvellous Melbourne styles.

As the home of the eight-hour day movement, the people that have been through this building are what make it truly special. The Victorian Branch of the Labor party was formed here, art schools were hosted, the development of the modern welfare state was argued for and campaigned for in the building. It is drenched in history but most importantly it is still the heart of the union movement and campaigns for working people are led from the building to this day.

What's On

There will be two guided tours, self-guided tours, two immersive art events and twenty hours of free digital art.

Visitors will learn the history of the building and some artists takes on the collective city and what it means to them.

This year Trades Hall will be collaborating with Melbourne Fringe Festival to curate a collection of short films by up-and-coming directors that revolve around the concept of collective cities. There will be a panel discussion with some of those involved with the short films as well as Adam Portelli, the Deputy Chief Executive of MEAA.