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Queen Victoria Women's Centre

Architect: John James Clark

City of Melbourne | C51

The magnificent Edwardian building has a fascinating history that has earned it a special place in the hearts of Victoria's women. It was originally built by Architect JJ Clark in 1912 as part of the Melbourne Hospital, which occupied the whole city block until the end of the Second World War. The site became home to the Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital in 1946, which had commenced life 50 years earlier as Australia's first hospital run for and by women. The building itself is a six-storey structure nestled within the busy QV precinct. The two domed towers are typical features of Edwardian Baroque architecture. The influence of Florence Nightingale can be seen in the evenly-spaced windows of the Victoria Room which is located on level four. The Queen Victoria Women's Centre is now focused on gender equity issues. It houses seven independent women's organisations and over 30,000 women visit the building every year to attend special events, use venue space, and join in the programs offered at the Centre.

Need to Know

• Open: Sat 10am-4pm

Heritage Listed: Yes

• What's Open: Ground Floor Foyer and Gallery, and Level 4

• Special Note: Access for disabled visitors is via the rear of the building which is accessible from Lonsdale St where there is a ramp to the left of the building which will take you to the rear of the building.

• Building Type: Workplace

• Facilities: Toilets

• Access: Pram accessible, Fully accessible

• Year Built: 1912

• Transport: Tram stop 8: Swanston St/Melbourne Central Station on routes 1, 3/3a, 5, 6, 8, 16, 64, 67 and 72

• Photo Credit: Lovell Chen, photographer Shannon McGrath

• Tour Type: Self-guided

Location