Victoria University law students showed off their historic campus to more than 800 curious people taking part in the recent Open House Melbourne weekend.
The 114-year-old Queen Street building – now home to VU’s College of Law and Justice’s law school – was originally built as Victoria’s public records office to house official records, including births, deaths and marriages, as well as legal records and wills.
Situated in the heart of Melbourne’s legal precinct, the building is an outstanding example of the French Second Empire architectural style that developed in response to Melbourne’s early aspiration to replicate the grandeur of European cities. Typical of the style, the main façade has projecting center and end bays, with an internal main staircase that rises on granite columns through three floors.
Enthusiastic and knowledgeable law student volunteers enjoyed showing people around the building, a much loved part of VU’s Queen Street Campus.
Trang Chau has studied at the campus for two years and said the weekend offered a rich experience for the public as well as the student tour guides.
“It gave me the opportunity to really notice all the wonderful features of the historic building,” she said. “Open House is a brilliant program and I would do it again next year.”
Dominique Burnett said the people she showed around all said they loved the building.
“Most had wanted to have a peek inside for years but never had the opportunity until now. It was a crazy busy, but fun day.”
Vanessa Elliot said she received excellent feedback about the tour from the public, many who happily queued to view the building.
Lavanya Manohara said she loved learning more about VU’s beautiful Queen Street Campus.
“I feel so lucky that I go to uni at such a unique location.”
