Victorian Trades Hall

Victorian Trades Hall is a two-story building in Carlton featuring classical columns and a pediment at the corner of Lygon and Victoria Streets. Inside, meeting spaces, conference rooms, a bar for members, and a bookstore with political literature serve the labor movement community.

Construction of the original timber building began in 1859 after Melbourne trade workers received a land grant from Premier John O'Shanassy. The structure was later expanded and remains a symbol of Australia's labor movement history.

The roof displays four flags - the Australian Flag, Eureka Flag, Aboriginal Flag, and red flag - each representing different values in the labor movement. These flags serve as visible symbols of the ideals and struggles that shaped the place.

The building sits on a busy corner with good public transport access via nearby tram and bus stops. Most interior spaces welcome visitors, though some areas are reserved for members.

The building holds the distinction of being the world's oldest continuously operating trade union headquarters since its founding. This uninterrupted service makes it exceptionally rare among labor movement institutions.

Location: City of Melbourne

Inception: May 1859

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture

GPS coordinates: -37.80630,144.96600

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:47