Art Deco on the streets of Melbourne

The recent blockbuster Art Deco 1910-1939 exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria, has given many Melburnians and visitors a new-found appreciation of this glamorous and spectacular era of design, art and architecture.

The NGV website describes Art Deco as follows:

Spanning the boom of the roaring Twenties and the Depression–ridden 1930s, Art Deco came to epitomise all the glamour, opulence and hedonism of the Jazz age. It was the era of the flapper girl, the luxury ocean liner, the Hollywood film and the skyscraper.

The exhibition, which was organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum of London contained over 300 works from a variety of artistic media such as painting, photography, fashion, film, architecture and jewellery.

While I think exhibitions such as these are must-see experiences, in this fair city there are many opportunities to enjoy Art Deco without stepping inside a gallery. Sometimes we take for granted some of the art and beauty that surrounds us everyday.

Within the CBD alone, there are many examples of Art Deco design and architecture. These are some of my favourites.

Manchester Unity Building, (Cnr Swanston and Collins Streets)


Century Building, (Cnr Swanston and Little Collins Street)

Newspaper House, (247 Collins Street)


Myer department store, (314-336 Bourke Street) David Jones, (294-296 Bourke Street)
Australian Natives Association Building, (28-32 Elizabeth Street)

Commonwealth Bank, (225 Bourke Street)

Are there examples of Art Deco in your neighbourhood?

PS: don't forget to leave a comment on the washcloth post for your chance to win the fabulous, hand-knitted pink ribbon washcloth.