Central Business District in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia — Oceania

Banking Chamber Commercial Bank of Australia

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, August 22, 2025

1. Banking Chamber Commercial Bank of Australia Marker

Inscription. Built in 1891-93 to a design by architects Lloyd Tayler and Alfred Dunn, this is one of the finest examples of Victorian Classicism. Its octagonal dome and entrance archway are derived from Italian Baroque.

Erected by Heritage Victoria.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.

Location. 37° 48.996′ S, 144° 57.784′ E. Marker is in Melbourne, Victoria. It is in the Central Business District. It is on Collins Street, on the right when traveling east. The plaque is located adjacent the entrance of 333 Collins St and is on the right of that entrance as you look towards the door. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 333 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Oceania,

Australasia,

the Pacific Ocean,

South Pacific,

the Pacific Rim,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of

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this marker: Collins Street (C. 1903) (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Former Bank of Australasia (about 150 meters away); Former National Mutual Life Association Building (about 150 meters away); The Battle of Flinders Street (about 210 meters away); You Should Have Seen It (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Melbourne Town Hall (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Town Hall Foundation Stone (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Princes Bridge Hotel (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Melbourne.

Also see . . . 333 Collins Street.

This baroque–1930s–po mo mash-up is a great example of architecture responding to change, where modern design has worked with, rather than overwritten, history. Built in 1891–93 as the banking chamber for the then prosperous Commercial Bank of Australia, the preserved heritage interior is jaw-droppingly beautiful. The soaring Italian baroque dome is the worthy main draw, but is amply backed by exquisite inlaid marble floorings, gilt-detailed columns and arches, and all the other features and fancywork of the times.

The 1990s saw the historic building
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, August 23, 2025

2. The plaque as seen to the right of the entrance
developed and extended for modern office space with the addition of a 33-floor postmodern tower adjoining it at the rear. The design of the granite and glass skyscraper sensitively echoes the long lines and refined simplicity of the revamped Chicago-style 1930s facade. The tower is topped with a copper dome, echoing the original domed structure.

(Submitted on March 23, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)

333 Collins St image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe

3. 333 Collins St

The Dome - as referred to in the plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe

4. The Dome - as referred to in the plaque

Credits. This page was last revised on March 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 23, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 16 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 23, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.