Block Arcade is a heritage shopping arcade experience in the centre of Melbourne but going back a hundred years it was the “place to be seen”.

The arcade which was erected between 1891 and 1893 was designed by architect David C. Askew whose brief was to produce something similar to the Galleria Vittoria in Milan. The result was one of Melbourne’s most richly decorated interior spaces, replete with mosaic tiled flooring, glass canopy, wrought iron and carved stone finishings. The exterior façade of the six storey office has near identical facades on Collins and Elizabeth Streets and is one of Australia’s best surviving examples of the Victorian Mannerist style.

The arcade was formerly known as “Carpenter’s Lane”, however the precinct was widely known as “The Block”. Once the works were complete, local shopkeepers successfully petitioned to have it changed to its present name.

It runs in an L shape from Collins St through to Elizabeth St.

Nikon D700 14-24 f2.8 handheld
ISO 200 f4 @21mm 1/80th sec

5 image HDR +/-1 stop processed in Photomatix Pro