Royal Arcade Melbourne located on Bourke Street is a showpiece of charming Victorian architecture. Royal Arcade was Melbourne’s first arcade, opening in 1870 and is today the longest-standing shopping arcade in Australia. A proud part of Melbourne’s rich heritage, this elegant arcade is renowned for its intricate ironwork, beautiful mosaic flooring, and ornate glass ceilings, which combine to create a stunning backdrop for a range of boutique shops and specialty stores.
A prominent feature of Royal Arcade is the impressive Gaunt’s Clock, flanked by giant statues of mythical creatures Gog and Magog who strike chimes every hour. The arcade also features a statue of Chronos, a Greek mythological character also known as Father Time. Royal Arcade is a much-loved Melbourne landmark and a vibrant hub for locals and visitors, a place of historic beauty and quaint shops that’s a delight to explore.
The Melbourne Royal Arcade is part of the Victorian Heritage Register. The land on which the arcade stands was first purchased in 1837 by Joseph Moore for the princely sum of £20. In 1855 it was sold for £650 and in 1868, a major competition was held for the design of the Royal Arcade. The winner was Charles Webb, a 19th-century architect from Suffolk in England. His successful design was in Italianate, drawing on influential French and English styles.
Charles Webb designed many of Melbourne’s prominent buildings including Melbourne Grammar School, South Melbourne Town Hall, The Church of Christ, Banks and Co. Warehouse, Tasma Terrace and the renowned Windsor Hotel. The Royal Arcade was built in 1869 and opened in 1870. Its ambience captures the essence of a bygone era and has only improved over the years making it a must-visit for those interested in Melbourne’s history and culture.
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Whether you're exploring its quaint shops or simply admiring its historic beauty, the Royal Arcade Melbourne provides a wonderful experience steeped in tradition and elegance. It has remained mostly unchanged, with only minor improvements such as the annex that was added in 1902, linking Royal Arcade to Elizabeth Street.
At that time, the arcade was owned by the families of Spensley and Staughton. In 1955 Royal Arcade was auctioned and sold to a company formed by its tenants. Three years later it set a record for the highest price ever paid for real estate in Central Melbourne when it fetched £541,000 at auction.
Between 2002 and 2004, extensive work was completed on skylights and storefronts. This ageing beauty was carefully restored and refurbished to her former glory. This ornate, heritage-listed arcade is home to a fascinating array of fashion boutiques, local jewellers, vintage shops, specialty stores and delightful cafes.
The Royal Arcade is situated on Bourke Street in Melbourne's Central Business District. It is easily accessible by trams and trains, with the nearest tram stop on Bourke Street, and Flinders Street Station just a short walk away.
Gog and Magog are statues of mythical creatures that have been chiming the hour in since 1892. They sit aside the magnificent Gaunt’s Clock and are a much-loved and much-photographed feature of the Royal Arcade. Many myths surround Gog and Magog. Some believe they are guards of the underworld and gods of dark spirits.
Melbourne’s local tour operators often include the Royal Arcade in their city tours. You can also find self-guided tour information online or at tourist information centres.
The Royal Arcade opening hours are Mon - Thurs: 7am - 7pm | Fri: 7am - 8:30pm | Sat: 8am - 7pm | Sun: 9am - 7pm.
Trading hours may vary for individual stores, so check specific store timings before visiting.
Our team is always happy to help if you have any questions about us or our tours. Fill out our form and we will get back to you soon.
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