Salvation Army Heritage Centre

The Salvation Army Heritage Centre is a museum located at 69 Bourke Street in central Melbourne, dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of The Salvation Army in Australia and its global mission. The museum occupies a historic building that once served as a Salvation Army hall, and its exhibits trace the organization's origins in 19th-century London to its work in Australia, including disaster relief, social welfare, and community outreach. Visitors can explore a range of artifacts, such as vintage uniforms, musical instruments (including the iconic brass band instruments), photographs, and personal stories of officers and volunteers. Interactive displays allow you to listen to oral histories, watch archival footage, and even try on replica uniforms. The museum also highlights the Army's response to major events like the 1918 influenza pandemic, the 2009 Victorian bushfires, and its ongoing work with homeless and disadvantaged communities. The centre is small but thoughtfully curated, offering a poignant look at an organization that has been a fixture in Australian society for over a century. Its location on Bourke Street makes it easy to combine with a visit to the nearby State Library of Victoria, Old Melbourne Gaol, or the shops and cafes of the CBD.

Don't miss

• See original Salvation Army uniforms and brass instruments from the 1800s
• Listen to oral histories from former officers and volunteers
• Explore exhibits on disaster relief, including the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires
• Try on replica uniforms in the interactive area
• View rare photographs and documents from the Army's early days in Australia

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Salvation Army Heritage Centre

Cheapest way inShrine of Remembrance Cultural Guided Tour in Melbourne4.9★ · 62 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$18 per personSee dates →Most bookedUltimate Melbourne Walking Tour: History, Laneways & Culture4.9★ · 1,560 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$91 per personSee dates →Top ratedChinatown Heritage Centre (Admission Ticket)4.9★ · 273 travelers1–2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$20 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Check the official website before visiting, as hours may vary and it's closed on weekends.
• Photography is allowed in most areas, but flash may be restricted.
• Audio guides or listening stations are available for oral histories.
• Entry is free, but a gold coin donation is appreciated.

A bit of history

The Salvation Army arrived in Australia in 1880, and the Melbourne branch quickly became a hub for social work. The Bourke Street building was acquired in the early 20th century and has served various roles, including a hall and now the heritage centre.