Old Melbourne Gaol, 19th-century prison complex in Melbourne, Australia
The Old Melbourne Gaol features three levels of cells with thick bluestone walls, iron bars, and narrow corridors representing 19th-century incarceration architecture.
The prison operated from 1842 to 1929, conducting 133 executions including the hanging of notorious bushranger Ned Kelly on November 11, 1880.
The prison museum exhibits death masks of executed inmates, personal belongings, and criminal records that document the development of law enforcement in Australia.
Visitors can explore the facility through guided tours, night tours, and watch house experiences from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
The gaol maintains the original gallows where executions took place, along with the death mask collection displaying facial features of deceased prisoners.
Location: City of Melbourne
Inception: 1839
Official opening: January 1, 1845
Made from material: bluestone
Address: 377 377 Russell Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 3000 Melbourne
Opening Hours: 09:30-17:00; December 25 closed; easter -2 days closed
Phone: +61386637228
Website: https://oldmelbournegaol.com.au
GPS coordinates: -37.80806,144.96528
Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:37
This collection brings together penal institutions that have marked the history of incarceration worldwide through their architecture, detention conditions, or roles in major historical events. From the Guantanamo Bay naval base in Cuba, established in 2002 for holding individuals suspected of terrorism, to high-security facilities like Red Onion in Wise County, Virginia, these sites document the evolution of penal systems across continents. Among the institutions transformed into memorial sites, Diyarbakır Prison in Turkey stands out for its conversion into a cultural center and museum since 2019. Its 24 dormitories spread over two floors, its cells, and corridors allow visitors to explore this chapter of Turkish penal history. In Argentina, Mendoza Prison, built in the early 20th century, reflects the prison practices of that era and the development of the regional judicial system. Other facilities remain operational and raise questions about prisoners' rights and incarceration conditions. Gldani Prison in Tbilisi caused national protests in 2012 after images exposing systemic abuses were released, leading to major reforms in the Georgian penal system. Ciudad Barrios Prison in El Salvador continues to function as a correctional center in the eastern region of the country. These sites, spread across multiple continents, provide documented insights into penal practices in various political and social contexts. From Rwanda to North Korea, passing through Colombia and the United States, they help understand the evolution of judicial and correctional systems while raising current issues related to detention and rehabilitation.
Melbourne combines historic heritage and nature across several notable sites. The Queen Victoria Market, established in 1878, spans seven hectares and offers fresh products and local crafts. The Royal Botanic Gardens have housed over 8,500 plant species on 36 hectares since 1846. Flinders Street Station, built in 1910, marks the city center with its French architecture and green dome. Federation Square covers 3.2 hectares and hosts the Arts Centre, NGV Gallery, and restaurants. The surrounds of Melbourne provide various destinations. The Great Ocean Road stretches 243 kilometers between Torquay and Allansford, along limestone cliffs and rock formations of the Twelve Apostles. St Kilda is popular for its beach, pier, and Luna Park, an amusement park dating back to 1912. Phillip Island is a 100 km² natural reserve where penguins return to the coast each evening, and the island also hosts seal colonies. The Melbourne Museum displays natural history collections and Aboriginal culture, while the Eureka Tower offers views of the city from 297 meters high.
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