The 1888 Building, standing proudly on Grattan Street, has witnessed generations of students and academics come and go. Its grand facade, a testament to the Queen Anne style, speaks of a bygone era. Built in 1888, the building was originally part of the Victorian Teachers’ College, a residential institution dedicated to training teachers. Now known as the Graduate Centre, it houses the University of Melbourne Graduate Student Association and the School of Graduate Research. Imagine the hallways echoing with the whispers of aspiring educators, their dreams taking shape within these walls. The 1888 Building has also played a role in shaping Melbourne’s educational landscape, reflecting the Victorian government’s commitment to teacher training during the late 1880s. Look closely at the Grattan Street facade, and you’ll notice its intricate details: three-storey mansard-roofed towers, rendered quoins, deep-moulded cement cornices, ionic pilasters, urns and prominent Dutch gables. You can almost hear the footsteps of past students on the cobblestones, their anticipation building as they enter through the elliptical arches decorated with rusticated blocks and pressed cement floral decorations. The building’s iconic griffins, perched atop the parapet, stand guard, silently observing the constant flow of students and researchers. They are a reminder of the building’s enduring presence on the University of Melbourne campus, a symbol of knowledge, growth and the pursuit of academic excellence. This is the 1888 Building, a testament to the rich history of education in Victoria, a living monument where generations have learned, discovered and pursued their passions.
Kororoit Creek
Is this where the river meets the sea? This is Kororoit Creek. It flows right here through Melbourne’s western suburbs