At the corner of Swanston Street and Little Collins Street, the Century Building brings 1930s Art Deco design into central Melbourne. Look for its strong white vertical lines and blue-tinted glass, then explore the small shops and specialist services inside, including custom jewellers and repairers. The building was designed by Melbourne architect Marcus Barlow in 1936 and was the city’s first fully air-conditioned building. Its basement, once a cinema, is now a live music venue.
A 1936 building by Marcus Barlow
Melbourne architect Marcus Barlow designed the Century Building in 1936. Its exterior pairs bold white vertical lines with blue-tinted glass, giving the Swanston Street and Little Collins Street corner a distinctive Art Deco presence.
The design drew on American architectural precedents. Barlow also designed the nearby Manchester Unity Building, completed in 1933.
From cinema to live music
The Century Building was the first building in Melbourne to be fully air-conditioned. Its basement originally held a cinema and is now used as a live music venue.
The building also houses offices, small shops and specialist services. Custom jewellers and repairers are among the businesses inside, and jewellery suppliers may run ring-making classes for special occasions.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is the Century Building?
It is at 125 Swanston Street, on the corner of Little Collins Street in Melbourne.
What can you see inside the Century Building?
The building has small shops and specialist services, including custom jewellers and repairers. Its basement is now a live music venue.
When was the Century Building designed?
Melbourne architect Marcus Barlow designed it in 1936.
Is there a cinema in the basement?
The basement originally housed a cinema. It is now used as a live music venue.
