Local Guides World
37 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

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Reviews — 8

Daniel Hough
at 2025 Jan 15
Daniel Hough
at 2025 Jan 15
Anybody else look this place up because of Courtney Barnett’s “Elevator Operator” song? Great track. Anyway, after years of wondering what the building is all about I went to check it out. What I learned:

1. You cannot go up to the roof - maintenance access only and there’s loads of cameras
2. You cannot imagine you’re playing Sim City
3. There is no guarantee that a lady will walk into the elevator (aka lift) and wait by your side

Having said that, I am 36 at time of writing, I do not worry I’m going bald (touch wood) and my name is not Oliver Paul.

In the end though I did have a nice time. I saw lots of interesting little studios, and an art gallery run by a very nice man called Ian, where I learned all about the artist Joseph Beuys. It’s a beautiful building which could do with a little more love, and I’m glad it’s still there for artists to make use of. I hope to get a tattoo one day from one of the three or four studios in the building.
V K
at 2024 Jun 17
V K
at 2024 Jun 17
Cool heritage neo-classical building, currently full of various art studios.
Fran Hutcheson
at 2024 Mar 19
Fran Hutcheson
at 2024 Mar 19
Is it normal to fall in love with a building?
😂 What an amazing space. Jump in the lift at ground level, go up to level 7, then walk around each level, then head down the stairs. It’s simply stunning! Obvs no expense spared!
Brigida Veritas
at 2024 Feb 13
Brigida Veritas
at 2024 Feb 13
Beautiful arcade on ground level featuring an intricate and arched leadlight ceiling with interesting clothes boutiques. This building is historic and contains info boards explaining its significance.
Michael Whitmore
at 2023 Aug 04
Michael Whitmore
at 2023 Aug 04
Such a cool piece of history, a gift of a Heritage building filled with beautiful treasures ranging from cool zines, stunning handmade jewellery & tailored clothing, art galleries & even a magic store - a real jewel 💎 in our wonderful city!
Evita Hadiz
at 2023 Aug 03
Evita Hadiz
at 2023 Aug 03
Nice spot for coffee and high tea. Enjoy and relaxing with friends. Lots of cafes serving tasty coffees n teas with cakes to go with. Enjoy browsing at the small shops: jewelry, gifts store.
Thomas Ricks
at 2021 Jun 27
Thomas Ricks
at 2021 Jun 27
What an interesting old building in Melbourne. You wouldn’t think there’s anything inside but in fact, there are heaps inside. Many independent small shops selling different things from clothes, to food, to yoga classes. The old style renovated lifts are interesting to look at. The whole building is worth a visit.

You probably can spend a good hour just to look around the old structure like the gates, the doors and the hallways.

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