Drop by the Royal Historical Society of Victoria
The Royal Historical Society of Victoria serves as a reminder that history is not just about dates and events; it’s about the stories that connect us to our past and to each other.
Nestled on A’Beckett Street, this historic treasure not only offers a captivating bookshop and gallery but also a vibrant meeting space for history enthusiasts. Right now, Melbourne Laneways can be explored through an intriguing exhibition of stories and photos.
Anyone can visit the exhibition space and bookstore open on weekdays from 9 am – 5 pm.
Uncovering Laneways Melbourne
A visit to the Royal Historical Society of Victoria is a chance to explore, learn, and appreciate Melbourne’s rich culture. As part of the Society’s offerings, you can join a weekly history tour of Flagstaff Gardens for just $10 per person. There’s also a range of self-guided podcast walking tours, perfect for discovering the city at your own pace.
One of our highlights of visiting the Royal Historical Society of Victoria is the current exhibition, Melbourne’s Storied Laneways. Curated by David Thompson, this exhibition takes you through the hidden alleyways of Melbourne. The laneways that are often overlooked but are rich with history and stories!
As we wander around the one-room gallery, we’re transported back in time.
The exhibition, running until the end of October 2024, invites you to explore how these spaces have evolved. Learn the stories from their industrial origins to their current status as trendy hotspots filled with cafes and street art.
It’s a fascinating reminder of how the city has adapted and changed over time.
Join a curators tour hosted at the Royal Historical Society of Victoria each month to delve deeper. Free entry, booking required.
Our Review
The red-brick, 2-storey building on the corner of William and A’Beckett Streets looks a little unexciting, but if you’re interested in our Country’s history, that is far from the case.
The words “Army Medical Corps”, in a distinctive 1940s style font, are embossed above the A’Beckett Street entrance and give a clue to the origins of the structure as an Army Drill Hall. In fact, the long building housed two drill halls and whilst the interior layout has obviously been changed over the decades, the architecture still has a military feel.
Today, the Eastern Hall is used as rehearsal space for music and dance groups including the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic. We entered the Western Hall to spend an interesting time exploring the home of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria.
The work of the Society is carried out in offices here but the space also houses their extensive collection of books, maps and artefacts. There’s also a bookshop featuring hard-to-find history titles and an exhibition space.
The exhibition that on display for our visit, “Melbourne’s Storied Laneways,” features photos and story pieces of a selection of the many narrow laneways found in our City.
Choosing a particular laneway in the display you can discover it’s story from origins, usually for access to rear entrances not used by people except for deliveries and waste removal. Then, over the years, uses of the lanes varied, some giving access to very cheap housing and others being centres of particular light industries until today where the lanes feature popular cafes, bars and street art.
History buff or only slightly interested, a visit to the Royal Historical Society of Victoria is a really worthwhile way to spend a couple of hours exploring.
– Chris
The Bookshop
After immersing yourself in laneway history, the Royal Historical Society of Victoria bookshop is the perfect place to continue your exploration.
It’s not just a typical shop but a haven for history enthusiasts. The shelves are lined with rare and hard-to-find titles that delve into the stories of Melbourne and Victoria.
From insightful local history tomes to engaging narratives about significant figures and events, the bookshop provides a wealth of resources for those wishing to manage history in their own lives.
A Meeting Space with Purpose
The Royal Historical Society of Victoria provides a welcoming space for meetings, workshops, and community events.
If you’re part of a local group or organisation, this venue offers a charming setting steeped in history. It’s a place that encourages conversations and ideas to flow, providing a unique backdrop for any gathering.
Valuable History Resources
Anyone can become a member (from $90 per year) for access to the extensive library. For those keen to dig a little deeper into Victoria’s past, the Royal Historical Society of Victoria offers extensive resources.
From historical documents and photographs to artefacts that trace the city’s evolution. This isn’t just for academics or researchers—anyone with a keen interest in history can become a member. And you could spend hours here, uncovering the stories that shaped Melbourne.
The Society also runs cataloguing clinics, where you can learn how to manage your own historical materials or family records.
It’s a fantastic way to connect with your heritage and ensure that your stories are preserved for future generations.
A Warm Welcome Awaits
The staff are passionate about history and eager to share their knowledge with you.
Located conveniently near public transport, the Royal Historical Society of Victoria is easy to get to, and there are plenty of nearby cafes and parks to round off your day.
After exploring here why not take a leisurely stroll through the city and see how history and modern life blend beautifully in Melbourne?
Side Trip
On A’Beckett Street, the Royal Historical Society of Victoria is not far from The Queen Vic Market, and Flagstaff Gardens. We stop at the Tram Cafe for a coffee, or the Angliss Bistro for great value meals at 555 La Trobe St.
Related reading: Fresh Food, Gifts and Nostalgia at Queen Victoria Market
Tidbits for visiting Royal Historical Society of Victoria
- Free entry to Melbourne’s Storied Laneways exhibition, on until the end of October 2024;
- Free curator tours run each month to gain a deeper understanding of the exhibition;
- The Bookshop has an extensive range of rare and unique historical books plus secondhand books;
- The gallery space and bookshop are open to the public on weekdays from 9 am – 5 pm;
- Become a member (from $90 per year) for access to the extensive library;
- Join a Flagstaff Gardens tour for $10 per person every Monday at 11 am;
- Check out the free self-guided podcast walking tours of city locations, find them here;
- Note that the Royal Historical Society of Victoria on A’Beckett Street is not to be confused with the Royal Society of Victoria on LaTrobe Street, which is not open to the public;
Accessibility at Royal Historical Society of Victoria
- Ramp access at building entrance;
- Contact the Society directly via the details below to confirm specific accessible requirements;
Getting there
- Flagstaff Station is 550 metres away; and
- Trams and buses also operate along Williams St and La Trobe St very close.
Royal Historical Society of Victoria
239 A’Beckett Street Melbourne, 3000
03 9326 9288
[email protected]
Bookshop & Gallery: Weekdays 9 am – 5 pm
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