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Architecture
The Block Arcade is an historic shopping arcade in the central business district of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Constructed between 1891 and 1893, it is considered one of the late Victorian era's finest shopping arcades and ranks among Melbourne's most popular tourist attractions.
{{title}}
Architect David C. Askew of Twentyman & Askew was asked to design a shopping arcade inspired by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan. The Collins Street wing opened in February 1892, and the Elizabeth Street wing opened in October 1893 — with the two wings joined by an octagonal-shaped junction.
The Block is one of Melbourne's most richly decorated interior spaces, replete with mosaic tiled flooring, glass canopy, wrought iron and carved stone finishings.
The arcade is L-shaped with an octagonal rotunda at the corner, connecting Collins Street at the south end to Elizabeth Street on the west. On the north side, the arcade connects to Block Place, a covered pedestrian lane that leads to Little Collins Street, opposite the Royal Arcade, Melbourne's oldest shopping arcade.
The Block Arcade's six-storey external facades on both Collins and Elizabeth Streets are nearly identical, and are some of Australia's best surviving examples of Victorian architecture in the Mannerist style.
The Block Arcade opened with 15 milliners, three lace shops, a photographer and Hopetoun Tea Rooms which was bought for 18 pounds and remains open for business today. Former stores include department store George & Georges Drapers, the Singer Sewing Machine Company and the original Kodak store.
Today, the arcade is home to over twenty retailers including The Tea Rooms 1892, Haigh’s Chocolates, Alpaca Collection, Gewurzhaus, Basements Discs and many others as well as a number of commercial spaces
The arcade takes its name from the practice of "doing the block": dressing fashionably and promenading the section of Collins Street between Elizabeth and Swanston streets. It is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
History
On 1 June 1837, the first auctions of blocks in what is now the Melbourne CBD took place. The block now occupied by the Collins Street portion of the arcade was purchased by William Briscoe & Son. The Briscoes Bulk Grain Store occupied the site from 1856 to 1883, building a large new premise in 1877.
In 1883, the building was sold to the George brothers' George & George Federal Emporium, established in 1880 a few doors up, who refurbished the interior for their expanding drapery business (which would eventually become Georges Store). Financier and landboomer Benjamin Fink was a director of the company, and by 1888 had plans to relocate the store and create an L shaped arcade in the area and began buying up properties.
Construction
At 6:15 pm on Friday 13 September 1889, a huge fire gutted the Georges Emporium, causing over AU$400,00 worth of damage.
The fire occurred at the height of the land boom of the 1880s, when Melbourne grew enormously, and many large and elaborate hotels shops and office blocks rose in the city. The fire allowed the City Property & Co Pty Ltd (principle shareholder Benjamin Fink), to proceed with plans to create a sumptuous arcade on this central site, hiring architects Twentyman & Askew to design it, announced in January 1890, with the name 'The Block' revealed soon after. The Collins Street leg was built first, which was completed by late 1891, to little fanfare, with the grand opening of the whole arcade on 7 October 1893.
The Collins Street leg has an angled kink because the site narrows part way up due to the presence of a narrow laneway on the west side. Originally known as Carpenters Lane, the City Property Co successfully petitioned to roof it, creating a covered access from the Block Arcade to Little Collins Street. This in turn led to the development of shops in the lane, which was soon renamed Block Place. In 1902, Royal Arcade, which has been a dead end, was opened through to Little Collins Street creating a covered walk from Collins right through to Bourke Street.
The design is often said to have been inspired by the 1870s Galleria Vittorio in Milan, which has a similar domed crossing, but on a much vaster scale.
Ownership changes
In the 1986, the arcade was purchased by the Time Corporation for AU$15 million.[14] By 1991, Westpac took over the mortgage and sold the building to the Kearney family in 1993 at public auction.[15] The Kearneys undertook extensive refurbishment, repairing the mosaic floors, repainting the interior in heritage colours, and renovating the office spaces above.
In 2014, the Cohen family purchased the Block Arcade. The Cohen family have had long ties with Melbourne which date back to the 1840s, when Trevor Cohen's great great grandfather struck one of the first leases in Melbourne, for the ground floor of the nearby 'Cashmore's Corner' on the northeast corner of Collins and Elizabeth Streets, and where his great grandmother was born. The Cohens are passionate about the precinct and continue to maintain the Block Arcade to its former glory with an eye for detail.
Block Court
The building adjacent to the Block Arcade at 288-292 Collins Street was built in 1890 as the Athenaeum Club, and in 1930 the ground floor was converted into an arcade, designed by noted architect Harry Norris, one of the earliest and most elaborate Art Deco interiors in Melbourne.[17] This arcade originally connected through to the Block Arcade with the removal of one of the shopfronts in the Elizabeth Street wing. At some point this building was bought by the owners of the Block Arcade, and they are still in the same ownership. In the 1990s, as part of the restoration of the Block Arcade, the shop was reinstated, and the north end of the Block Court arcade was closed off, and the shopfronts removed to create a large area shop. In 2016, the Block Court Arcade was partially restored, reinstating the shopfronts, but as counters for a branch of the Bendigo Bank, with access through the rear to a laneway and then into the Block Arcade.
Architecture
The Block Arcade is an historic shopping arcade in the central business district of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Constructed between 1891 and 1893, it is considered one of the late Victorian era's finest shopping arcades and ranks among Melbourne's most popular tourist attractions.
{{title}}
Architect David C. Askew of Twentyman & Askew was asked to design a shopping arcade inspired by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan. The Collins Street wing opened in February 1892, and the Elizabeth Street wing opened in October 1893 — with the two wings joined by an octagonal-shaped junction.
The Block is one of Melbourne's most richly decorated interior spaces, replete with mosaic tiled flooring, glass canopy, wrought iron and carved stone finishings.
The arcade is L-shaped with an octagonal rotunda at the corner, connecting Collins Street at the south end to Elizabeth Street on the west. On the north side, the arcade connects to Block Place, a covered pedestrian lane that leads to Little Collins Street, opposite the Royal Arcade, Melbourne's oldest shopping arcade.
The Block Arcade's six-storey external facades on both Collins and Elizabeth Streets are nearly identical, and are some of Australia's best surviving examples of Victorian architecture in the Mannerist style.
The Block Arcade opened with 15 milliners, three lace shops, a photographer and Hopetoun Tea Rooms which was bought for 18 pounds and remains open for business today. Former stores include department store George & Georges Drapers, the Singer Sewing Machine Company and the original Kodak store.
Today, the arcade is home to over twenty retailers including The Tea Rooms 1892, Haigh’s Chocolates, Alpaca Collection, Gewurzhaus, Basements Discs and many others as well as a number of commercial spaces
The arcade takes its name from the practice of "doing the block": dressing fashionably and promenading the section of Collins Street between Elizabeth and Swanston streets. It is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
History
On 1 June 1837, the first auctions of blocks in what is now the Melbourne CBD took place. The block now occupied by the Collins Street portion of the arcade was purchased by William Briscoe & Son. The Briscoes Bulk Grain Store occupied the site from 1856 to 1883, building a large new premise in 1877.
In 1883, the building was sold to the George brothers' George & George Federal Emporium, established in 1880 a few doors up, who refurbished the interior for their expanding drapery business (which would eventually become Georges Store). Financier and landboomer Benjamin Fink was a director of the company, and by 1888 had plans to relocate the store and create an L shaped arcade in the area and began buying up properties.
Construction
At 6:15 pm on Friday 13 September 1889, a huge fire gutted the Georges Emporium, causing over AU$400,00 worth of damage.
The fire occurred at the height of the land boom of the 1880s, when Melbourne grew enormously, and many large and elaborate hotels shops and office blocks rose in the city. The fire allowed the City Property & Co Pty Ltd (principle shareholder Benjamin Fink), to proceed with plans to create a sumptuous arcade on this central site, hiring architects Twentyman & Askew to design it, announced in January 1890, with the name 'The Block' revealed soon after. The Collins Street leg was built first, which was completed by late 1891, to little fanfare, with the grand opening of the whole arcade on 7 October 1893.
The Collins Street leg has an angled kink because the site narrows part way up due to the presence of a narrow laneway on the west side. Originally known as Carpenters Lane, the City Property Co successfully petitioned to roof it, creating a covered access from the Block Arcade to Little Collins Street. This in turn led to the development of shops in the lane, which was soon renamed Block Place. In 1902, Royal Arcade, which has been a dead end, was opened through to Little Collins Street creating a covered walk from Collins right through to Bourke Street.
The design is often said to have been inspired by the 1870s Galleria Vittorio in Milan, which has a similar domed crossing, but on a much vaster scale.
Ownership changes
In the 1986, the arcade was purchased by the Time Corporation for AU$15 million.[14] By 1991, Westpac took over the mortgage and sold the building to the Kearney family in 1993 at public auction.[15] The Kearneys undertook extensive refurbishment, repairing the mosaic floors, repainting the interior in heritage colours, and renovating the office spaces above.
In 2014, the Cohen family purchased the Block Arcade. The Cohen family have had long ties with Melbourne which date back to the 1840s, when Trevor Cohen's great great grandfather struck one of the first leases in Melbourne, for the ground floor of the nearby 'Cashmore's Corner' on the northeast corner of Collins and Elizabeth Streets, and where his great grandmother was born. The Cohens are passionate about the precinct and continue to maintain the Block Arcade to its former glory with an eye for detail.
Block Court
The building adjacent to the Block Arcade at 288-292 Collins Street was built in 1890 as the Athenaeum Club, and in 1930 the ground floor was converted into an arcade, designed by noted architect Harry Norris, one of the earliest and most elaborate Art Deco interiors in Melbourne.[17] This arcade originally connected through to the Block Arcade with the removal of one of the shopfronts in the Elizabeth Street wing. At some point this building was bought by the owners of the Block Arcade, and they are still in the same ownership. In the 1990s, as part of the restoration of the Block Arcade, the shop was reinstated, and the north end of the Block Court arcade was closed off, and the shopfronts removed to create a large area shop. In 2016, the Block Court Arcade was partially restored, reinstating the shopfronts, but as counters for a branch of the Bendigo Bank, with access through the rear to a laneway and then into the Block Arcade.
Harvey Galleries is your ‘Art of Dr. Seuss’ Agent in the Southern Hemisphere. You will find our dedicated ‘Art of Dr. Seuss’ Gallery at the historic Melbourne hub of The Block Arcade.
“If you never did, you should. These things are fun, and fun is good!”
Dr. Seuss
His artistic vision emerged as the golden thread that linked every facet of his varied career, and his artwork became the platform from which he delivered forty-four children’s books, more than 400 World War II political cartoons, hundreds of advertisements, and countless editorials filled with wonderfully inventive animals, characters, and humor.
Harvey Galleries is your ‘Art of Dr. Seuss’ Agent in the Southern Hemisphere. You will find our dedicated ‘Art of Dr. Seuss’ Gallery at the historic Melbourne hub of The Block Arcade.
“If you never did, you should. These things are fun, and fun is good!”
Dr. Seuss
His artistic vision emerged as the golden thread that linked every facet of his varied career, and his artwork became the platform from which he delivered forty-four children’s books, more than 400 World War II political cartoons, hundreds of advertisements, and countless editorials filled with wonderfully inventive animals, characters, and humor.
ADRIANO CARBONE
MASTER TAILOR
THE BLOCK ARCADE
282 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
ADRIANO CARBONE
MASTER TAILOR
THE BLOCK ARCADE
282 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
The ARt of Dr Seuss
Presented by harvey galleries
THE BLOCK ARCADE
282 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
Opening Hours:
Monday to Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday to Sunday: 10:00 – 5:30
The ARt of Dr Seuss
Presented by HArvey Galleries
THE BLOCK ARCADE
282 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
Phone: +61 3 9639 0680
Opening Hours:
Monday to Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday to Sunday: 10:00 – 5:30
The Block
THE BLOCK ARCADE
282 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
Phone: 03 9654 5244
ARCADE HOURS
Monday to Thursday 8.00 am to 6:00 pm
Friday 8.00 am to 8:00 pm
Saturday 8.00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday 9.00 am to 5:00 pm
The Block
THE BLOCK ARCADE
282 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
ARCADE HOURS
Monday to Thursday 8.00 am to 6:00 pm
Friday 8.00 am to 8:00 pm
Saturday 8.00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday 9.00 am to 5:00 pm
Welcome to Adriano Carbone Master Tailor we would like to welcome everyone in Melbourne, and indeed the world to the fine art of tailoring at its highest level, in the historic Block Arcade.
With over 40 years of passion for tailoring, Adriano warmly invites you to visit and discuss all your tailoring needs.
Each garment is individually designed and hand-crafted, making each garment from start to finish, right here in our Melbourne Sartoria. Our fabrics used are sourced from the finest houses in Italy and England with a strict quality performance.
We are renowned for creating everything from military uniforms, to wardrobes for major musicals.
Each garment is meticulously hand-crafted by Adriano and his craftsman. This personalised service is why our suits are a cut above the rest.
Adriano Carbone provides his customers with bespoke, quality garments, and an experience to match. This is why our clients come back time and again.
We have a wide range of accessories to complement your new suit. No matter what the occasion, we’ll help complete the ‘look’.
Welcome to Adriano Carbone Master Tailor we would like to welcome everyone in Melbourne, and indeed the world to the fine art of tailoring at its highest level, in the historic Block Arcade.
With over 40 years of passion for tailoring, Adriano warmly invites you to visit and discuss all your tailoring needs.
Each garment is individually designed and hand-crafted, making each garment from start to finish, right here in our Melbourne Sartoria. Our fabrics used are sourced from the finest houses in Italy and England with a strict quality performance.
We are renowned for creating everything from military uniforms, to wardrobes for major musicals.
Each garment is meticulously hand-crafted by Adriano and his craftsman. This personalised service is why our suits are a cut above the rest.
Adriano Carbone provides his customers with bespoke, quality garments, and an experience to match. This is why our clients come back time and again.
We have a wide range of accessories to complement your new suit. No matter what the occasion, we’ll help complete the ‘look’.
Australian By Design was established more than fifteen years ago and is located in Melbourne’s beautiful historic The Block Arcade. We are one of the few stores in Australia exclusively specializing in genuine Australian made products. Much of our stock is hand made by Australian craftspeople whose skills and finished products are equal to the best in the World.
All of our gifts come beautifully presented where required ready for immediate gift presentation or prepared for transporting safely home. We offer same day delivery within the immediate Melbourne City region. We also have access to an excellent engraving service.
We open 6 days a week, please telephone for orders or email us your telephone number so we can call you for your order.
Orders will be shipped within Australia the next business day by Registered Post, Express Post if preferred. Overseas delivery is available per Express Courier Internationalhttp://auspost.com.au/parcels-mail/express-courier-international.html
Our friendly and experienced staff are dedicated to customer service and will be happy to provide you with every assistance.
Take something home from Australia that is Australian!
Our website operates as a Catalogue. Please contact us anytime either by phone 03 9663 9883 (within Australia) or +61 3 9663 9883 (from Overseas) or email with your enquiry or contact details and we will be happy to assist or call you. As most of our products are hand made they will vary slightly. Our website contains a small selection of our total products.
Australian By Design was established more than fifteen years ago and is located in Melbourne’s beautiful historic The Block Arcade. We are one of the few stores in Australia exclusively specializing in genuine Australian made products. Much of our stock is hand made by Australian craftspeople whose skills and finished products are equal to the best in the World.
All of our gifts come beautifully presented where required ready for immediate gift presentation or prepared for transporting safely home. We offer same day delivery within the immediate Melbourne City region. We also have access to an excellent engraving service.
We open 6 days a week, please telephone for orders or email us your telephone number so we can call you for your order.
Orders will be shipped within Australia the next business day by Registered Post, Express Post if preferred. Overseas delivery is available per Express Courier Internationalhttp://auspost.com.au/parcels-mail/express-courier-international.html
Our friendly and experienced staff are dedicated to customer service and will be happy to provide you with every assistance.
Take something home from Australia that is Australian!
Our website operates as a Catalogue. Please contact us anytime either by phone 03 9663 9883 (within Australia) or +61 3 9663 9883 (from Overseas) or email with your enquiry or contact details and we will be happy to assist or call you. As most of our products are hand made they will vary slightly. Our website contains a small selection of our total products.
Welcome to La Crepiere Saint Germain
Located at the heart of The Block Arcade, La Crêperie Saint Germain serves authentic, traditional crêpes, prepared and cooked right in front of you, daily.
Escape Melbourne for a bit. At La Crêperie Saint Germain, you’ll be transported to a little corner of France.
Here you’ll find Les Galettes made with simple delicious ingredients, efficiently cooked on professional French crêpe hotplates. La Chêvre miel, Raclette, Campagnarde… all authentic and delicious.
If you have a sweet tooth, then the “Sucrée” options are for you. The Tatin, the diabolique (Nutella heaven!)… need we say more.
See you at La Crêperie.
Welcome to La Crepiere Saint Germain
Located at the heart of The Block Arcade, La Crêperie Saint Germain serves authentic, traditional crêpes, prepared and cooked right in front of you, daily.
Escape Melbourne for a bit. At La Crêperie Saint Germain, you’ll be transported to a little corner of France.
Here you’ll find Les Galettes made with simple delicious ingredients, efficiently cooked on professional French crêpe hotplates. La Chêvre miel, Raclette, Campagnarde… all authentic and delicious.
If you have a sweet tooth, then the “Sucrée” options are for you. The Tatin, the diabolique (Nutella heaven!)… need we say more.
See you at La Crêperie.
Mr Wares
THE BLOCK ARCADE
282 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
Mr Wares
THE BLOCK ARCADE
282 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
Phone: 03 9663 6441
La Crepiere Saint Germain
THE BLOCK ARCADE
Shop 9 & 10, 282 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
La Crepiere Saint Germain
THE BLOCK ARCADE
Shop 9 & 10, 282 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
Welcome to Mr Wares
Mr Wares offers well-crafted giftware, homeware and accessories; cleverly curated with a man-in-mind yet sure to appeal to all lovers of the beautiful and unusual.
Mr Wares seeks quality-based products from specialist manufacturers with proud and ongoing commitments to craftsmanship, utility, sustainability and socially responsible practices.
Mr Wares values contemporary heirlooms; classic designs, crafted using traditional techniques, guaranteed to enrich contemporary living with a moment of joy or a lifetime of service.
Welcome to Mr Wares
Mr Wares offers well-crafted giftware, homeware and accessories; cleverly curated with a man-in-mind yet sure to appeal to all lovers of the beautiful and unusual.
Mr Wares seeks quality-based products from specialist manufacturers with proud and ongoing commitments to craftsmanship, utility, sustainability and socially responsible practices.
Mr Wares values contemporary heirlooms; classic designs, crafted using traditional techniques, guaranteed to enrich contemporary living with a moment of joy or a lifetime of service.
Welcome to Essensorie
It’s vitally important that we go about this in the most environmentally conscious way possible. Sustainability is at the forefront of our business decisions and we’re constantly working to lower our carbon and waste footprint. We believe that businesses must lead the way and empower customers to look after our planet. You can read the Sustainability at Essensorie page to see what initiatives we have implemented.
All of our products are blended and bottled in our upstairs studio at The Block Arcade by our founder and perfumer Nicole Thomas and her team. Nicole spent the formative years of her life on her parent’s plant nursery. It was here that her lifelong love of plants and natural fragrance blossomed. A serial entrepreneur from a young age, she worked as a designer and marketer for much of her early career before a chance genealogical discovery inspired a voyage to her ancestral homeland, the south of France. Here she discovered the ancient art of natural perfumery.
Now, over a decade on, Nicole’s plant obsession, her exquisite designer’s eye and love for natural perfumery are passionately packed into each product batch she carries downstairs to our boutique. Located on the Collins Street wing of the historic, mosaic-tiled Block Arcade, the Essensorie store has been described as a sensory experience like no other.
Here you can explore - and sniff - our entire range. Each product is scented with a bespoke essential oil combination blended by Nicole. We sell products for your self and your spaces, all of which contain no synthetic aroma-chemicals. Whether it be an Ambience Essence, bottle of our famous Pillow Perfume or nourishing Body Lotion, we’re sure that your senses will be delighted.
If you can’t make it in to our boutique, we encourage you to browse our online store. Simply navigate to “shop” in the main menu.
We invite you to indulge in our masterful fusion of art and organics.
Yours naturally,
Essensorie
Welcome to Essensorie
Mother Nature is at the heart of Essensorie.
Developed in 2008 by French-trained botanical perfumer and Essensorie founder Nicole Thomas, this exclusive range of aromatic products celebrates the artistry of natural perfumery and the majesty of nature herself. Each of their pure plant essence fragrances contains a complex alchemy of scent masterfully formulated with a base, heart and top note to captivate the senses with complexity and intrigue.
Essensorie believe that the depth and complexity of their fragrances are simply not replicable using synthetic molecules in a laboratory. Essential oils and absolutes - extracted from leaves, flowers, timbers, fruits, seeds, resins and roots - intimately connect us with the natural world through scent. Essensorie exists to facilitate this bond; it is their goal to bring you nature, bottled.
Here you can explore - and sniff – the entire range. Each product is scented with a bespoke essential oil combination blended by Nicole. All products are blended and bottled in the upstairs studio at The Block Arcade by founder and perfumer Nicole Thomas and her team
Essensorie sell products for yourself and your spaces, all of which contain no synthetic aroma-chemicals. Whether it be an Ambience Essence, bottle of their famous Pillow Perfume or nourishing Body Lotion, your senses will be delighted.
Come in and indulge in Essensorie’s masterful fusion of art and organics.
Essensorie
THE BLOCK ARCADE
282 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
Essensorie
THE BLOCK ARCADE
282 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
About Us
The Age Epicure sums it up pretty well: “Think of the lolly shop of your childhood dreams, substitute herbs and spices and you’re at Gewürzhaus”.
Opened in June 2010 on Carlton’s Lygon Street, Gewürzhaus offers more than 350 single-origin spices, herbs, salts, peppers, teas and sugars from around the world. We mix and mill over 100 unique small-batch blends, which are exclusive to Gewürzhaus; they are made on a weekly basis, here in Melbourne, from whole ingredients ensuring freshness and the highest quality.
Cooking from the home and the heart has always been an integral part of preserving traditions for four generations of women in our family, going all the way back to our great Oma Rosa, a baker by trade.
Our mission is simple: to provide a wide range of high-quality ingredients to inspire you to create new recipes and traditions to cherish for generations to come.
About Us
The Age Epicure sums it up pretty well: “Think of the lolly shop of your childhood dreams, substitute herbs and spices and you’re at Gewürzhaus”.
Opened in June 2010 on Carlton’s Lygon Street, Gewürzhaus offers more than 350 single-origin spices, herbs, salts, peppers, teas and sugars from around the world. We mix and mill over 100 unique small-batch blends, which are exclusive to Gewürzhaus; they are made on a weekly basis, here in Melbourne, from whole ingredients ensuring freshness and the highest quality.
Cooking from the home and the heart has always been an integral part of preserving traditions for four generations of women in our family, going all the way back to our great Oma Rosa, a baker by trade.
Our mission is simple: to provide a wide range of high-quality ingredients to inspire you to create new recipes and traditions to cherish for generations to come.
Gewurzhaus
THE BLOCK ARCADE
Shop 26 282 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
STORE TRADING HOURS
Monday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Friday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Gewurzhaus
THE BLOCK ARCADE
Shop 26 282 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
STORE TRADING HOURS
Monday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Friday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Haighs CHocolates
THE BLOCK ARCADE
Shop 7 & 8, 282 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
Haighs CHocolates
THE BLOCK ARCADE
Shop 7 & 8, 282 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
Welcome to Haigh’s Chocolates
It was 1st May 1915, when Alfred E Haigh opened the doors of the very first Haigh’s Chocolates store at 34 King William Street, Adelaide South Australia.
At Haigh’s we’re very proud to be the oldest family-owned chocolate maker in Australia. Today the company is run by fourth generation Haigh's, Alister and Simon, who joined the business in the 1970s and worked their way through all areas of the company. They’ve been joint Managing Directors since 1990. Their father John Haigh continues with Haigh’s Chocolates today as Board Chairman with an active interest in the business.
Over the century that we have been in business some things have changed, yet many remain the same. Our traditions, quality and passion for chocolate making continue. We still use only the very best, freshest ingredients and pride ourselves on being chocolate 'bean to bar' specialists. We are committed to the art of premium chocolate making from cocoa beans sourced from plantations around the world. Roasting our own cocoa beans enables us to develop our own unique blends of premium milk and dark chocolate with distinct aroma, texture and flavour.
Our cooking processes are unique. Our factory teams use meticulous artisan skills combined with the latest in modern manufacturing, high levels of training, equipment and techniques to create chocolates that look and taste delicious. Many of our chocolates continue to be hand-made and finished.
Each year our team of confectioners work to create new recipes and perhaps fine-tune old favourites to ensure we continue to offer our customers a diverse selection of the most delectable chocolates. There is something for everyone with a choice of over 250 varieties from chocolate frogs to gift boxes of hand-dipped truffles.
Our flagship store in Melbourne is located at the fashion end of Collins Street, in The Block Arcade. This historic Victorian building is undoubtedly the most beautiful shopping arcade in Australia, with its magnificent architecture, majestic decorative arches and grand display window; just perfect for artistic and tempting chocolate displays. So after a day of shopping, why not call in. Our team will be pleased to assist you and offer a taste or two.
Welcome to Haigh’s Chocolates
It was 1st May 1915, when Alfred E Haigh opened the doors of the very first Haigh’s Chocolates store at 34 King William Street, Adelaide South Australia.
At Haigh’s we’re very proud to be the oldest family-owned chocolate maker in Australia. Today the company is run by fourth generation Haigh's, Alister and Simon, who joined the business in the 1970s and worked their way through all areas of the company. They’ve been joint Managing Directors since 1990. Their father John Haigh continues with Haigh’s Chocolates today as Board Chairman with an active interest in the business.
Over the century that we have been in business some things have changed, yet many remain the same. Our traditions, quality and passion for chocolate making continue. We still use only the very best, freshest ingredients and pride ourselves on being chocolate 'bean to bar' specialists. We are committed to the art of premium chocolate making from cocoa beans sourced from plantations around the world. Roasting our own cocoa beans enables us to develop our own unique blends of premium milk and dark chocolate with distinct aroma, texture and flavour.
Our cooking processes are unique. Our factory teams use meticulous artisan skills combined with the latest in modern manufacturing, high levels of training, equipment and techniques to create chocolates that look and taste delicious. Many of our chocolates continue to be hand-made and finished.
Each year our team of confectioners work to create new recipes and perhaps fine-tune old favourites to ensure we continue to offer our customers a diverse selection of the most delectable chocolates. There is something for everyone with a choice of over 250 varieties from chocolate frogs to gift boxes of hand-dipped truffles.
Our flagship store in Melbourne is located at the fashion end of Collins Street, in The Block Arcade. This historic Victorian building is undoubtedly the most beautiful shopping arcade in Australia, with its magnificent architecture, majestic decorative arches and grand display window; just perfect for artistic and tempting chocolate displays. So after a day of shopping, why not call in. Our team will be pleased to assist you and offer a taste or two.
L’Occitane
Born in France in 1976, L’Occitane utilises traceable and natural ingredients that are as good for the planet as they are for your skin.
It all began in the markets of Provence. With nothing but an alembic, a small truck and a solid knowledge of plants, a 23-year-old named Olivier Baussan began distilling rosemary essential oil to sell locally.
He expanded his production from oils to soaps to creams, taking inspiration from the land he grew up on to bring natural beauty to homes across the world.
Australia’s first L’OCCITANE flagship boutique has arrived at The Block Arcade, Melbourne. It is an immersive destination like no other.
Through endless discoveries in the spirit of Provence from their high-quality skincare, fragrance to body care, L’Occitane at the Block will allow you to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The flagship store is also home to L’Occitane Spa – call the store or visit their website for bookings.
L’Occitane
Born in France in 1976, L’Occitane utilises traceable and natural ingredients that are as good for the planet as they are for your skin.
It all began in the markets of Provence. With nothing but an alembic, a small truck and a solid knowledge of plants, a 23-year-old named Olivier Baussan began distilling rosemary essential oil to sell locally.
He expanded his production from oils to soaps to creams, taking inspiration from the land he grew up on to bring natural beauty to homes across the world.
Australia’s first L’OCCITANE flagship boutique has arrived at The Block Arcade, Melbourne. It is an immersive destination like no other.
Through endless discoveries in the spirit of Provence from their high-quality skincare, fragrance to body care, L’Occitane at the Block will allow you to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The flagship store is also home to L’Occitane Spa – call the store or visit their website for bookings.
Australian By Design
THE BLOCK ARCADE
3rd floor, 282 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
Australian By Design
THE BLOCK ARCADE
3rd floor, 282 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
We have been selling fine antique jewels in Melbourne since 1984 when we took over the iconic Block Arcade boutique which has been providing jewels since 1905.
Our pieces are selected for their beauty, quality & authenticity. We have educated ourselves so we truly understand what makes a gem or piece special, being both gemologists & Valuers.
Our belief is that the delight of owning a successful business comes from the deep satisfaction felt when the right person finds the right piece because you bought them together…that never gets old!
We have been selling fine antique jewels in Melbourne since 1984 when we took over the iconic Block Arcade boutique which has been providing jewels since 1905.
Our pieces are selected for their beauty, quality & authenticity. We have educated ourselves so we truly understand what makes a gem or piece special, being both gemologists & Valuers.
Our belief is that the delight of owning a successful business comes from the deep satisfaction felt when the right person finds the right piece because you bought them together…that never gets old!
French Jewel Box
THE BLOCK ARCADE
Shop 2A 282 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
Hours
Monday to Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday 10:00am to 4:30pm or by appointment
Public Holidays Excepted
French Jewel Box
THE BLOCK ARCADE
Shop 2A 282 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
Hours
Monday to Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday 10:00am to 4:30pm or by appointment
Public Holidays Excepted
L'Occitane
THE BLOCK ARCADE
282 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
L'Occitane
THE BLOCK ARCADE
282 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
Truefitt & Hill
THE BLOCK ARCADE
282 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
Truefitt & Hill
THE BLOCK ARCADE
282 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
Welcome to Truefitt & Hill
The world’s oldest Barber shop has now opened at The Block Arcade.
For over two centuries Truefitt & Hill, recognised as the finest traditional gentlemen’s barber and perfumer in London, has provided discerning gentlemen with only the finest in grooming products and services. Their offering truly gives men the opportunity to look and feel their very best.
Established in 1805, Truefitt & Hill remain the world’s oldest barbershop as stated in the Guinness Book of records and are barbers & Royal Warrant holders to H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh. Today’s product offering is the result of over 210 years of research and intimate customer relationships.
Gentlemen deserve the best in everything they do. If you are looking for the finest in men’s grooming, we are confident you will find Truefitt & Hill’s unmatched product quality and prestigious tradition unrivalled.
Welcome to Truefitt & Hill
The world’s oldest Barber shop has now opened at The Block Arcade.
For over two centuries Truefitt & Hill, recognised as the finest traditional gentlemen’s barber and perfumer in London, has provided discerning gentlemen with only the finest in grooming products and services. Their offering truly gives men the opportunity to look and feel their very best.
Established in 1805, Truefitt & Hill remain the world’s oldest barbershop as stated in the Guinness Book of records and are barbers & Royal Warrant holders to H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh. Today’s product offering is the result of over 210 years of research and intimate customer relationships.
Gentlemen deserve the best in everything they do. If you are looking for the finest in men’s grooming, we are confident you will find Truefitt & Hill’s unmatched product quality and prestigious tradition unrivalled.
INFORMATION
How to use this tour
Welcome to our virtual tour. Our tour has many features and is viewable on both PC and mobile.
We believe that most of the features of our tour are intuative but just in case they aren't here a few of the key features.
INFORMATION
How to use this tour
Welcome to our virtual tour. Our tour has many features and is viewable on both PC and mobile.
We believe that most of the features of our tour are intuative but just in case they aren't here a few of the key features.
What’s inside the Box?
Make Me An Insider
Become a friend of The French Jewel Box and be the first to know about our new arrivals!
What’s inside the Box?
Make Me An Insider
Become a friend of The French Jewel Box and be the first to know about our new arrivals!
The Alpaca Collection
THE BLOCK ARCADE
Shop 4 /282 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
The Alpaca Collection
THE BLOCK ARCADE
Shop 4 /282 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
The Alpaca Collection’ is a boutique-clothing store for both women and men, located in the historic Block Arcade in the heart of the city.
Established in 1998, with clothing made exclusively from alpaca yarn from Australia and around the world, the business has continued to diversify.
Today, we offer a wide range of clothing, including dresses, tops, pants, cardigans, jumpers, coats and scarves. And our clothing is still made from alpaca yarn but we also have a wide range of other natural materials, including wool, cotton, silk and luxurious cashmere.
At ‘The Alpaca Collection’ we have always cherished our customers. It’s why we offer clothing made from beautiful materials with stylish design and provide excellent service. If everyone could look and feel good about themselves, just imagine how much better life would be!
The Alpaca Collection’ is a boutique-clothing store for both women and men, located in the historic Block Arcade in the heart of the city.
Established in 1998, with clothing made exclusively from alpaca yarn from Australia and around the world, the business has continued to diversify.
Today, we offer a wide range of clothing, including dresses, tops, pants, cardigans, jumpers, coats and scarves. And our clothing is still made from alpaca yarn but we also have a wide range of other natural materials, including wool, cotton, silk and luxurious cashmere.
At ‘The Alpaca Collection’ we have always cherished our customers. It’s why we offer clothing made from beautiful materials with stylish design and provide excellent service. If everyone could look and feel good about themselves, just imagine how much better life would be!
Unique collection of beautiful scarves
In store and online are the latest super fine alpaca wool and silk scarves.
So many amazing and vibrant colours to choose from.
Unique collection of beautiful scarves
In store and online are the latest super fine alpaca wool and silk scarves.
So many amazing and vibrant colours to choose from.
The Melbourne Map Jigsaw Puzzle
For serious puzzle enthusiasts, The Melbourne Map Jigsaw Puzzle will delight.
Enjoy Melbourne piece by piece in this beautiful 1000-piece jigsaw.
The Melbourne Map Jigsaw Puzzle
For serious puzzle enthusiasts, The Melbourne Map Jigsaw Puzzle will delight.
Enjoy Melbourne piece by piece in this beautiful 1000-piece jigsaw.
Be My Valentine
Straight to someone’s heart with our special Large Valentine’s Hamper.
So many of Haigh’s favorites inside
Be My Valentine
Straight to someone’s heart with our special Large Valentine’s Hamper.
So many of Haigh’s favorites inside
The Tea rooms 1892
THE BLOCK ARCADE
Shops 1 & 2 284 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
The Tea rooms 1892
THE BLOCK ARCADE
Shops 1 & 2 284 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
The Frog Collection
Haigh’s chocolate frogs have been enjoyed by generations of Australians since they were introduced in the 1930s.
They have grown in popularity over the years to now being be one of our most well-known and loved chocolates.
Every year we make approximately 3 million chocolate frogs in three sizes — Small (14g), Midi (125g) and Super Frog (375g) in four fabulous flavours – milk, dark, milk peppermint and dark peppermint.
Our Midi and Super Frogs are hand foiled in three colours Milk (gold foil), Milk Peppermint (green foil) and Dark (bronze foil) and make an ideal gift. When you visit one of our stores one single small frog also makes a great treat for one, straight from the jar on the counter!
The Frog Collection
Haigh’s chocolate frogs have been enjoyed by generations of Australians since they were introduced in the 1930s.
They have grown in popularity over the years to now being be one of our most well-known and loved chocolates.
Every year we make approximately 3 million chocolate frogs in three sizes — Small (14g), Midi (125g) and Super Frog (375g) in four fabulous flavours – milk, dark, milk peppermint and dark peppermint.
Our Midi and Super Frogs are hand foiled in three colours Milk (gold foil), Milk Peppermint (green foil) and Dark (bronze foil) and make an ideal gift. When you visit one of our stores one single small frog also makes a great treat for one, straight from the jar on the counter!
History
On 1 June 1837, the first auctions of blocks in what is now the Melbourne CBD took place. The site was auctioned and purchased by Henry Batman, brother of Melbourne’s founder John Batman, for eighteen pounds
The block now occupied by the Collins Street portion of the arcade was purchased by William Briscoe & Son in 1956. The Briscoes Bulk Grain Store occupied the site from 1856 to 1883, building a large new premise in 1877.
In 1883, the building was sold to the George brothers' George & George Federal Emporium, established in 1880 a few doors up, who refurbished the interior for their expanding drapery business (which would eventually become Georges Store). Financier and land boomer Benjamin Fink was a director of the company, and by 1888 had plans to relocate the store and create an L shaped arcade in the area and began buying up properties.
Construction
At 6:15 pm on Friday 13 September 1889, a huge fire gutted the Georges Emporium.
As fire brigades at the time were owned by various companies, it took a long time before the blaze could be extinguished. This led to a revision of fire response units and subsequently the Metropolitan Fire Brigades was created. The damage bill was two hundred thousand pounds.
The fire occurred at the height of the land boom of the 1880s, when Melbourne grew enormously, and many large and elaborate hotels shops and office blocks rose in the city. The fire allowed the City Property & Co Pty Ltd (principal shareholder Benjamin Fink), to proceed with plans to create a sumptuous arcade on this central site.
Architect David C. Askew of Twentyman & Askew was asked to design a shopping arcade inspired by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan. The Collins Street wing opened in February 1892 with little fanfare, and the Elizabeth Street wing opened on 7th October 1893 with a grand opening — with the two wings joined by an octagonal-shaped junction. The Victorian-era arcade features detailed mosaic-tiled floors, stained glass windows, a glass canopy and skylights, wrought iron fixtures and carved stone finishes.
The Block Arcade opened with 15 milliners, three lace shops, a photographer and Hopetoun Tea Rooms which was bought for 18 pounds and remains open for business today. Former stores include department store George & Georges Drapers, the Singer Sewing Machine Company and the original Kodak store.
The Collins Street leg has an angled kink because the site narrows part way up due to the presence of a narrow laneway on the west side. Originally known as Carpenters Lane, the City Property Co successfully petitioned to roof it, creating a covered access from the Block Arcade to Little Collins Street. This in turn led to the development of shops in the lane, which was soon renamed Block Place. In 1902, Royal Arcade, which has been a dead end, was opened through to Little Collins Street creating a covered walk from Collins right through to Bourke Street.
Ownership changes
In the 1986, the arcade was purchased by the Time Corporation for AU$15 million. By 1991, Westpac took over the mortgage and sold the building to the Kearney family in 1993 at public auction. The Kearneys undertook extensive refurbishment, repairing the mosaic floors, repainting the interior in heritage colours, and renovating the office spaces above.
In 2014, the Cohen family purchased the Block Arcade. The Cohen family have had long ties with Melbourne which date back to the 1840s, when Trevor Cohen's great great grandfather struck one of the first leases in Melbourne, for the ground floor of the nearby 'Cashmore's Corner' on the northeast corner of Collins and Elizabeth Streets, and where his great grandmother was born. The Cohens are passionate about the precinct and continue to maintain the Block Arcade to its former glory with an eye for detail.
Block Court
The building adjacent to the Block Arcade at 288-292 Collins Street was built in 1890 as the Athenaeum Club, and in 1930 the ground floor was converted into an arcade, designed by noted architect Harry Norris, one of the earliest and most elaborate Art Deco interiors in Melbourne. This arcade originally connected through to the Block Arcade with the removal of one of the shopfronts in the Elizabeth Street wing. At some point this building was bought by the owners of the Block Arcade, and they are still in the same ownership. In the 1990s, as part of the restoration of the Block Arcade, the shop was reinstated, and the north end of the Block Court arcade was closed off, and the shopfronts removed to create a large area shop. In 2016, the Block Court Arcade was partially restored, reinstating the shopfronts, but as counters for a branch of the Bendigo Bank, with access through the rear to a laneway and then into the Block Arcade.
Melbourne’s Block Arcade is a ‘place to shop and be seen.’ The arcade takes its name from the practice of "doing the block": dressing fashionably and promenading the section of Collins Street between Elizabeth and Swanston streets. It is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and classified by the National Trust.
Photographic credits: National Archives 1955, The Argus 1934, Mark Strizic 1955, State Library of Victoria Phot Archives (1930’s), Herald Sun Retro Photos, Heidi Victoria Photography
History
On 1 June 1837, the first auctions of blocks in what is now the Melbourne CBD took place. The site was auctioned and purchased by Henry Batman, brother of Melbourne’s founder John Batman, for eighteen pounds
The block now occupied by the Collins Street portion of the arcade was purchased by William Briscoe & Son in 1956. The Briscoes Bulk Grain Store occupied the site from 1856 to 1883, building a large new premise in 1877.
In 1883, the building was sold to the George brothers' George & George Federal Emporium, established in 1880 a few doors up, who refurbished the interior for their expanding drapery business (which would eventually become Georges Store). Financier and land boomer Benjamin Fink was a director of the company, and by 1888 had plans to relocate the store and create an L shaped arcade in the area and began buying up properties.
Construction
At 6:15 pm on Friday 13 September 1889, a huge fire gutted the Georges Emporium.
As fire brigades at the time were owned by various companies, it took a long time before the blaze could be extinguished. This led to a revision of fire response units and subsequently the Metropolitan Fire Brigades was created. The damage bill was two hundred thousand pounds.
The fire occurred at the height of the land boom of the 1880s, when Melbourne grew enormously, and many large and elaborate hotels shops and office blocks rose in the city. The fire allowed the City Property & Co Pty Ltd (principal shareholder Benjamin Fink), to proceed with plans to create a sumptuous arcade on this central site.
Architect David C. Askew of Twentyman & Askew was asked to design a shopping arcade inspired by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan. The Collins Street wing opened in February 1892 with little fanfare, and the Elizabeth Street wing opened on 7th October 1893 with a grand opening — with the two wings joined by an octagonal-shaped junction. The Victorian-era arcade features detailed mosaic-tiled floors, stained glass windows, a glass canopy and skylights, wrought iron fixtures and carved stone finishes.
The Block Arcade opened with 15 milliners, three lace shops, a photographer and Hopetoun Tea Rooms which was bought for 18 pounds and remains open for business today. Former stores include department store George & Georges Drapers, the Singer Sewing Machine Company and the original Kodak store.
The Collins Street leg has an angled kink because the site narrows part way up due to the presence of a narrow laneway on the west side. Originally known as Carpenters Lane, the City Property Co successfully petitioned to roof it, creating a covered access from the Block Arcade to Little Collins Street. This in turn led to the development of shops in the lane, which was soon renamed Block Place. In 1902, Royal Arcade, which has been a dead end, was opened through to Little Collins Street creating a covered walk from Collins right through to Bourke Street.
Ownership changes
In the 1986, the arcade was purchased by the Time Corporation for AU$15 million. By 1991, Westpac took over the mortgage and sold the building to the Kearney family in 1993 at public auction. The Kearneys undertook extensive refurbishment, repairing the mosaic floors, repainting the interior in heritage colours, and renovating the office spaces above.
In 2014, the Cohen family purchased the Block Arcade. The Cohen family have had long ties with Melbourne which date back to the 1840s, when Trevor Cohen's great great grandfather struck one of the first leases in Melbourne, for the ground floor of the nearby 'Cashmore's Corner' on the northeast corner of Collins and Elizabeth Streets, and where his great grandmother was born. The Cohens are passionate about the precinct and continue to maintain the Block Arcade to its former glory with an eye for detail.
Block Court
The building adjacent to the Block Arcade at 288-292 Collins Street was built in 1890 as the Athenaeum Club, and in 1930 the ground floor was converted into an arcade, designed by noted architect Harry Norris, one of the earliest and most elaborate Art Deco interiors in Melbourne. This arcade originally connected through to the Block Arcade with the removal of one of the shopfronts in the Elizabeth Street wing. At some point this building was bought by the owners of the Block Arcade, and they are still in the same ownership. In the 1990s, as part of the restoration of the Block Arcade, the shop was reinstated, and the north end of the Block Court arcade was closed off, and the shopfronts removed to create a large area shop. In 2016, the Block Court Arcade was partially restored, reinstating the shopfronts, but as counters for a branch of the Bendigo Bank, with access through the rear to a laneway and then into the Block Arcade.
Melbourne’s Block Arcade is a ‘place to shop and be seen.’ The arcade takes its name from the practice of "doing the block": dressing fashionably and promenading the section of Collins Street between Elizabeth and Swanston streets. It is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and classified by the National Trust.
Photographic credits: National Archives 1955, The Argus 1934, Mark Strizic 1955, State Library of Victoria Phot Archives (1930’s), Herald Sun Retro Photos, Heidi Victoria Photography
Architectural features
The Block Arcade features lavish interior decoration, a beautiful glass dome, and an intricate mosaic tiled floor.
The Block Arcade's six-story external facades on both Collins and Elizabeth Streets are nearly identical, and are some of Australia's best surviving examples of Victorian architecture in the Mannerist style.
Mosaic floor
The mosaic floor was designed by the UK company Craven Dunnell and each tile was imported from Italy. In fact, the Block Arcade still holds in reserve samples of all colours used, except for dark chocolate. The Building and Engineering Journal noted that this was the largest expanse of mosaic to be laid down in Australia at the time.
Facade
The Collins Street and Elizabeth Street facades of the Block Arcade are extraordinary examples of the Victorian style of Mannerism. Significant features include lower-level rustication and triangular pediments.
Spectacular ceilings
The Collins Street entrance to the Block Arcade is flanked by two shops featuring spectacular ceilings.
In 1907, the Singer Sewing Company commissioned the scenic artist, Phillip Goatcher, to paint this beautiful ceiling mural. The American company had moved into the premises in 1902 and wished to have a stand-out ceiling which would attract customers and represent new technologies of the time.
As such, references to mathematics, chemistry and medicine are incorporated into the ceiling painting. Goatcher depicts these modern pursuits in classical and idyllic terms, which to me seems reminiscent of the murals of Mervyn Napier Wallace. Not only does the painting seek to establish the Singer Sewing Company as being on a par with significant technologies, it also suggests that technology is harmonious with classical ideals. The pastoral-like scenes takes on added significance as the country played such a major role in Australia's economy and sense of identity, especially back at this time.
This ceiling is in the L’occitane retail tenancy.
The second interesting ceiling can be found in the Wittner shoe shop, on the left of the Collins Street entrance, and adjacent to Chelsea. A glimpse of this ceiling can also easily be seen by looking through the window as you pass.
This beautifully elaborate pressed metal ceiling was installed by Kodak over one hundred years ago. Kodak opened its first Melbourne shop at this premises at a time when cameras were first becoming accessible. In the early days, the Kodak slogan was "You press the button, and we’ll do the rest!"
Central Rotunda
A notable feature is the octagonal glass rotunda with carved stone, intricate lead lighting on the magnificent glass dome and patterned wrought iron.
Dame Nellie Melba sang here in 1915 to raise funds for the war effort, and occasionally you will still hear the melodic strains of an aria being sung – which befits the ambience of such a historic place
Weighing scales
These 1880 weighing scales were originally housed in Sydney’s Central Station but found their way to The Block Arcade. As a sign of the times, take a close look at the average height and weight of Men and Women…oh how times have changed!
The Block’s Minstrels
Languishing in the bowels of The Block Arcade for nearly half a century, the four trumpeters now perform every hour on the hour. These minstrels have been brought back to life as eighteenth-century Italian musicians costumed by The Blocks’ Master Tailor Adriano Carbone and proudly play their tunes above The Block’s dome.
Lighting
Originally gas lighting was used to illuminate the upper floors of the Block arcade buildings with electric arc lights used in the arcade itself. This is one of the earliest known uses of electricity in the city of Melbourne in a commercial application. The lights today are faithful reproductions of the original fittings.
Architectural features
The Block Arcade features lavish interior decoration, a beautiful glass dome, and an intricate mosaic tiled floor.
The Block Arcade's six-story external facades on both Collins and Elizabeth Streets are nearly identical, and are some of Australia's best surviving examples of Victorian architecture in the Mannerist style.
Mosaic floor
The mosaic floor was designed by the UK company Craven Dunnell and each tile was imported from Italy. In fact, the Block Arcade still holds in reserve samples of all colours used, except for dark chocolate. The Building and Engineering Journal noted that this was the largest expanse of mosaic to be laid down in Australia at the time.
Facade
The Collins Street and Elizabeth Street facades of the Block Arcade are extraordinary examples of the Victorian style of Mannerism. Significant features include lower-level rustication and triangular pediments.
Spectacular ceilings
The Collins Street entrance to the Block Arcade is flanked by two shops featuring spectacular ceilings.
In 1907, the Singer Sewing Company commissioned the scenic artist, Phillip Goatcher, to paint this beautiful ceiling mural. The American company had moved into the premises in 1902 and wished to have a stand-out ceiling which would attract customers and represent new technologies of the time.
As such, references to mathematics, chemistry and medicine are incorporated into the ceiling painting. Goatcher depicts these modern pursuits in classical and idyllic terms, which to me seems reminiscent of the murals of Mervyn Napier Wallace. Not only does the painting seek to establish the Singer Sewing Company as being on a par with significant technologies, it also suggests that technology is harmonious with classical ideals. The pastoral-like scenes takes on added significance as the country played such a major role in Australia's economy and sense of identity, especially back at this time.
This ceiling is in the L’occitane retail tenancy.
The second interesting ceiling can be found in the Wittner shoe shop, on the left of the Collins Street entrance, and adjacent to Chelsea. A glimpse of this ceiling can also easily be seen by looking through the window as you pass.
This beautifully elaborate pressed metal ceiling was installed by Kodak over one hundred years ago. Kodak opened its first Melbourne shop at this premises at a time when cameras were first becoming accessible. In the early days, the Kodak slogan was "You press the button, and we’ll do the rest!"
Central Rotunda
A notable feature is the octagonal glass rotunda with carved stone, intricate lead lighting on the magnificent glass dome and patterned wrought iron.
Dame Nellie Melba sang here in 1915 to raise funds for the war effort, and occasionally you will still hear the melodic strains of an aria being sung – which befits the ambience of such a historic place
Weighing scales
These 1880 weighing scales were originally housed in Sydney’s Central Station but found their way to The Block Arcade. As a sign of the times, take a close look at the average height and weight of Men and Women…oh how times have changed!
The Block’s Minstrels
Languishing in the bowels of The Block Arcade for nearly half a century, the four trumpeters now perform every hour on the hour. These minstrels have been brought back to life as eighteenth-century Italian musicians costumed by The Blocks’ Master Tailor Adriano Carbone and proudly play their tunes above The Block’s dome.
Lighting
Originally gas lighting was used to illuminate the upper floors of the Block arcade buildings with electric arc lights used in the arcade itself. This is one of the earliest known uses of electricity in the city of Melbourne in a commercial application. The lights today are faithful reproductions of the original fittings.
Pillow Perfume!
Set the scene for a restful sleep with this pure plant essence scented pillow perfume.
This relaxing fragrance combines the herbaceous note of Tasmanian lavender with the balsamic note of cedarwood Atlas.
It's topped with the zingy citrus note of juicy pink grapefruit. It evokes a sense of peacefulness and tranquility and assists in setting the scene for slumber.
Spray sparingly on or under your pillow before going to sleep and enjoy an aromatic delight throughout the night.
Pillow Perfume!
Set the scene for a restful sleep with this pure plant essence scented pillow perfume.
This relaxing fragrance combines the herbaceous note of Tasmanian lavender with the balsamic note of cedarwood Atlas.
It's topped with the zingy citrus note of juicy pink grapefruit. It evokes a sense of peacefulness and tranquility and assists in setting the scene for slumber.
Spray sparingly on or under your pillow before going to sleep and enjoy an aromatic delight throughout the night.
From 1893 until 1907, The Victorian ladies’ Work Association ran a small tearoom, previously located at shop number 6 in the Arcade.
Frequented by polite society, it was a fashionable spot for lady shoppers to take lunch or afternoon tea in the 1890’s and as the popularity of the rooms began to grow they relocated to shops 12 and 13 where they have remained for roughly 130 years.
Although the Association disbanded in 1907, they renamed the tearooms after their founder Lady Hopetoun, wife of Victorian Governor and first Governor General of Australia, Lord Hopetoun.
Today the The Tearooms are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and The National Trust ensuring that not only are they protected but the tradition of the quaint atmosphere of old-world gentility, refinement and quality continues.
From the emerald green printed wallpaper, the magnificent etched mirror, the chandeliers and the white and gold fine bone china, the decor is much the same as it was back then, and we look forward to delighting you in the experience of yester-year.
From 1893 until 1907, The Victorian ladies’ Work Association ran a small tearoom, previously located at shop number 6 in the Arcade.
Frequented by polite society, it was a fashionable spot for lady shoppers to take lunch or afternoon tea in the 1890’s and as the popularity of the rooms began to grow they relocated to shops 12 and 13 where they have remained for roughly 130 years.
Although the Association disbanded in 1907, they renamed the tearooms after their founder Lady Hopetoun, wife of Victorian Governor and first Governor General of Australia, Lord Hopetoun.
Today the The Tearooms are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and The National Trust ensuring that not only are they protected but the tradition of the quaint atmosphere of old-world gentility, refinement and quality continues.
From the emerald green printed wallpaper, the magnificent etched mirror, the chandeliers and the white and gold fine bone china, the decor is much the same as it was back then, and we look forward to delighting you in the experience of yester-year.
Let’s get this par-tea started!
A Melbourne Institution located in the Block Arcade since 1892 - 1892 The Tea Rooms have THE most Instagrammable cake window in Melbourne.
The cakes are fresh, the tea and coffee are hot and the a-la-carte savoury menu always pleases.
High tea is available every day, by clicking the button below (reservations essential)
Step back to a bygone era when elegance and ambience reigned.
Let’s get this par-tea started!
A Melbourne Institution located in the Block Arcade since 1892 - 1892 The Tea Rooms have THE most Instagrammable cake window in Melbourne.
The cakes are fresh, the tea and coffee are hot and the a-la-carte savoury menu always pleases.
High tea is available every day, by clicking the button below (reservations essential)
Step back to a bygone era when elegance and ambience reigned.
The Quintessential Shaving Kit
For the man that has everything.
Treat someone special with the ultimate from TrueFitt & Hill- this brand is the oldest barbershop in the world and renowned for luxurious grooming kits.
The Quintessential Shaving Kit
For the man that has everything.
Treat someone special with the ultimate from TrueFitt & Hill- this brand is the oldest barbershop in the world and renowned for luxurious grooming kits.
Ambience Essence collection
Custom-blended from pure plant-distilled essential oils, these 100% natural ambience essences are designed for use in a diffuser or vaporiser.
Blended with a base, heart and top note accord, these alchemies of natural plant oils not only have a complex, alluring aroma but also possess grounding aromatherapeutic properties to stimulate mind, body and soul.
Ambience Essence collection
Custom-blended from pure plant-distilled essential oils, these 100% natural ambience essences are designed for use in a diffuser or vaporiser.
Blended with a base, heart and top note accord, these alchemies of natural plant oils not only have a complex, alluring aroma but also possess grounding aromatherapeutic properties to stimulate mind, body and soul.
Have your cake and eat it too!
From 1893 until 1907, The Victorian ladies’ Work Association ran a small tearoom, previously located at shop number 6 in the Arcade.
Frequented by polite society, it was a fashionable spot for shoppers to take lunch or afternoon tea in the 1890’s and as the popularity of the rooms began to grow, they relocated to shops 1 and 2 where they have remained for roughly 130 years.
Today you can order any of the beautiful cakes made by our chefs at The Block Arcade, for your special occasion at home.
Please browse through our cake list below and select the size that you would like to order.
Have your cake and eat it too!
From 1893 until 1907, The Victorian ladies’ Work Association ran a small tearoom, previously located at shop number 6 in the Arcade.
Frequented by polite society, it was a fashionable spot for shoppers to take lunch or afternoon tea in the 1890’s and as the popularity of the rooms began to grow, they relocated to shops 1 and 2 where they have remained for roughly 130 years.
Today you can order any of the beautiful cakes made by our chefs at The Block Arcade, for your special occasion at home.
Please browse through our cake list below and select the size that you would like to order.
The Ultimate Shaving Experience!
Enjoy the pleasures of our Traditional Hot Wet Shave or Beard Shave with the addition of an indulgent deep relaxing face massage.
The Ultimate Shaving Experience!
Enjoy the pleasures of our Traditional Hot Wet Shave or Beard Shave with the addition of an indulgent deep relaxing face massage.
Spa L’Occitane
L’Occitane invites you a Provencal retreat to experience the brand through a sensorial holistic journey.
View the luxurious treatments available.
Spa L’Occitane
L’Occitane invites you a Provencal retreat to experience the brand through a sensorial holistic journey.
View the luxurious treatments available.
ADDRESS
282 Collins Street
Block Arcade
Melbourne VIC 3000
ARCADE HOURS
Monday - Thursday
8.00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday
8.00 am - 8:00 pm
Saturday
8.00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday
9.00 am - 5:00 pm
management@theblock.com.au
(03) 9654 5244
ADDRESS
282 Collins Street
Block Arcade
Melbourne VIC 3000
ARCADE HOURS
Monday - Thursday
8.00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday
8.00 am - 8:00 pm
Saturday
8.00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday
9.00 am - 5:00 pm
management@theblock.com.au
(03) 9654 5244
The Block Arcade
management@theblock.com.au
Tlf.: +61 (03) 9654 5244
The Block Arcade
management@theblock.com.au
Tlf.: +61 (03) 9654 5244
One of our bestsellers!
Immortelle Reset Serum
Enriched with Immortelle Oil Extract and other anti-aging ingredients, the Immortelle Reset Serum helps hydrate and repair your skin while reducing fine lines.
One of our bestsellers!
Immortelle Reset Serum
Enriched with Immortelle Oil Extract and other anti-aging ingredients, the Immortelle Reset Serum helps hydrate and repair your skin while reducing fine lines.
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Sri Lankan Curry Blend
Travel to Sri Lanka with this mild and aromatic all-purpose curry blend. It’s our take on the complex island flavours traditionally found in the kitchens of Sri Lanka.
Try our recipes for an addictive Sri Lankan chicken curry, a beetroot curry or a creamy cashew curry. Also great to flavour sambal for a real Sri Lankan feast.
Dry roast before using for a robust curry flavour or add directly for a delicate final dish.
Sri Lankan Curry Blend
Travel to Sri Lanka with this mild and aromatic all-purpose curry blend. It’s our take on the complex island flavours traditionally found in the kitchens of Sri Lanka.
Try our recipes for an addictive Sri Lankan chicken curry, a beetroot curry or a creamy cashew curry. Also great to flavour sambal for a real Sri Lankan feast.
Dry roast before using for a robust curry flavour or add directly for a delicate final dish.
Sri Lankan Chicken Curry Recipe
If its curry night at your place, plate up this tasty feast with this favorite recipe using our Sri Lankan Curry Blend.
Sri Lankan Chicken Curry Recipe
If its curry night at your place, plate up this tasty feast with this favorite recipe using our Sri Lankan Curry Blend.
Navigation
How to explore our virtual tour
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How to explore our virtual tour
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