Old Treasury Building, Melbourne

The Old Treasury Building is a former government building on Spring Street in central Melbourne. Built between 1858 and 1862 in the Renaissance Revival style, it originally housed the Treasury Department and basement vaults for gold from the Victorian gold rush.

Don't miss

• The grand forecourt and cast iron lamps, added in 1868 and also designed by Clark
• J. J. Clark's original architectural drawings displayed throughout the building
• The basement gold vaults, originally built to store gold rush bullion
• The building's role as the terminus of the vista along Collins Street, Melbourne's financial spine
• The Renaissance Revival exterior, described by architectural historian Miles Lewis as the 'finest public building exterior in Australia'

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Old Treasury Building, Melbourne

Cheapest way inShrine of Remembrance Cultural Guided Tour in Melbourne4.9★ · 62 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$18 per personSee dates →Best full dayMelbourne: Yarra Valley Wine, Gin, Whisky and Chocolate Tour5★ · 4,635 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$85 per personSee dates →Top ratedMelbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops5★ · 146 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$36 per personSee dates →

Getting there

Know before you go

• The building is part of the Treasury Reserve government precinct, next to the Treasury Gardens.
• It has been used as a filming location, including the climactic sequence of the film Knowing (2009).
• The museum has changed names over time, including Gold Treasury Museum and City Museum at Old Treasury.

A bit of history

Constructed from 1858 to 1862, the building was designed by architect J. J. Clark when he was just 19 years old. Its basement gold vaults were intended for bullion from the gold rush, but by completion the rush had ended, so they stored government documents instead. The building also housed offices for the Chief Secretary, Treasurer, Registrar-General, and other colonial officials. After the treasury moved next door in 1877–78, it became known as the 'Old Treasury'. It served as a meeting place for the National Executive Council when Melbourne was Australia's temporary capital after Federation.