Rialto Towers

Rialto Towers is a skyscraper in Melbourne's central business district, reaching 251 meters with 55 floors above ground. Its blue-tinted glass exterior changes color throughout the day depending on light and weather conditions.

Construction began in 1982 and was completed in 1986, making it the Southern Hemisphere's tallest office building at that time. The site previously housed Victorian-era structures whose elements were incorporated into the new tower.

The structure blends modern design with preserved elements from the original Victorian-era Rialto building complex, which stood on this site since the 1890s. This combination creates a visual link between different periods of Melbourne's architectural development.

The building is located on Collins Street in the central business district and is easily accessible by public transport. It contains office spaces, a hotel, and other facilities, though access varies depending on business hours and special events.

From the 1980s until 2005, the tower hosted an annual stair climbing competition where participants raced up to the 53rd floor. This event made the building a noted venue for this unusual athletic challenge.

Location: Victoria

Inception: 1986

Floors above the ground: 55

Floors below the ground: 5

Elevators: 33

Height: 251 m

Website: http://rialto.com.au

GPS coordinates: -37.81889,144.95833

Latest update: December 20, 2025 16:19