At 220 Collins Street, opposite Melbourne Town Hall, the Manchester Unity Building is a 1932 Art Deco landmark with Gothic details. Step inside to see marble and mosaic in the entrance, original fittings and light fixtures, and the building’s distinctive lifts. A guided tour adds stories about its history and restoration; tours are available on weekends. The building was designed by Marcus Barlow and once stood above Melbourne’s other buildings. Allow about 1.5 hours for the tour, which can begin with coffee and cake at the café.
A landmark built in 1932
The Manchester Unity Building stands at 220 Collins Street, on the corner of Collins and Swanston streets and opposite Melbourne Town Hall. Architect Marcus Barlow designed it for the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows, an organisation now known as Australian Unity. The site was bought in 1928, but construction was held up by the Great Depression. Work began in 1932.
The design draws on Chicago’s Tribune Tower and combines Gothic forms with the streamlined geometry associated with Art Deco. Its elaborate corner tower and terracotta exterior give the building a distinctive profile on the street. When completed, it was Melbourne’s tallest building. It was also the first building in the city to have an escalator and air conditioning.
Details to look for inside
The entrance is a good place to begin. Marble and mosaic cover the foyer, with copper-plated lift doors among its striking features. As you move through the building, look for original fittings, light fixtures and tiled details. The lifts, escalator and different levels reveal more of the design than the street façade alone.
The building has been restored, with original elements preserved. Take your time as you explore; small details appear throughout the interior. The building also has small spaces that have been available for lease, a reminder that it remains a working property rather than a museum.
Taking a guided tour
Weekend tours provide a closer look at the building and its history, with a guide sharing historical information and personal stories connected to the place. A visit can take about 1.5 hours. The tour does not go up into the tower, so plan to focus on the areas included in the guided visit and the accessible interior details.
Coffee and cake at the café can be part of the experience before the tour. If you are visiting on a weekday, you can still appreciate the building’s entrance and architecture, with a quieter atmosphere noted as a possibility. Check the tour arrangements before planning around a specific visit.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is the Manchester Unity Building?
It is at 220 Collins Street, on the corner of Collins and Swanston streets, opposite Melbourne Town Hall.
When was the Manchester Unity Building built?
Construction began in 1932, after delays caused by the Great Depression.
Are guided tours available?
Guided tours are available on weekends. The tour takes about 1.5 hours and does not include access to the tower.
What should I look for inside the building?
Look for the marble and mosaic entrance, copper-plated lift doors, original fittings, light fixtures and tiled details.
