There are many online resources and databases that you can use to explore the city's rich cultural, social and architectural heritage.
Immigration Museum
The Immigration Museum has an extensive range of resources, including topical websites and infosheets based on Museum Victoria's collections and research.
To explore their collection, visit the Immigration MuseumOpens in new tab.
Koorie Heritage Trust
Koorie Heritage Trust is home to a huge array of artifacts, memorabilia, artworks and photographs dedicated to the Koorie culture and heritage of Australia.
To explore this cultural icon, visit Koorie Heritage TrustOpens in new tab.
Melbourne Museum
At the Melbourne Museum, you’ll get an opportunity to explore the real history of Victoria. The museum showcases everything about the state; including its natural environment, cultural history, local communities and urban growth.
To explore their collection, visit Melbourne MuseumOpens in new tab.
Melbourne's public galleries
Melbourne is home to a thriving arts scene and the city is littered with public galleries housing some of the country's finest collections.
From the great Australian painters of the past two hundred years to photography, sculpture and the moving image, Melbourne's public galleries continue to challenge and inspire.
To explore Melbourne's public galleries, see Visit Victoria.Opens in new tab
Museum Victoria
Museum Victoria's priceless collections record Australia's environmental and cultural history. They are an irreplaceable resource for understanding the past, reflecting on the present and looking into the future.
To explore their collections, visit Museum VictoriaOpens in new tab.
National Trust
The National Trust in Victoria has grown since 1956 to become the state's largest community-based heritage advocacy organisation actively working towards conserving and protecting our heritage for future generations to enjoy.
To explore their collection, visit National Trust VictoriaOpens in new tab.
Old Treasury Building
Even though there are no shortage of historic buildings in Melbourne, the Old Treasury Building is truly a masterpiece. In fact, many Melbournians often regard it as one of the finest public buildings in the nation – built back in 1862.
Visit Old Treasury BuildingOpens in new tab for more information.
Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens
The Royal Exhibition Building was built in Melbourne's Carlton Gardens during 1879 and 1880 for the 1880 Melbourne International Exhibition. It subsequently hosted Melbourne's second international exhibition, the 1888 Centennial International Exhibition. It is one of the great enduring monuments to the International Exhibition movement, which began in the mid-19th century. The Royal Exhibition and Carlton Gardens was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2004
Visit UNESCO World Heritage Convention.Opens in new tab
Royal Historical Society of Victoria
The mission of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria is to promote an interest in and understanding of Australian history, with a focus on the Victorian experience, to act as the peak body on behalf of local and specialist historical societies throughout Victoria, and as the historical society for the City of Melbourne.
To explore their collection, visit Royal Historical Society of VictoriaOpens in new tab.
The Lost Melbourne community
The Lost Melbourne community on Facebook comprises photos of forgotten Melbourne. They encourage people to recognise the places in the photos, tag photos, add photos, make comments or relate any memories on Melbourne's history.
Visit Lost MelbourneOpens in new tab to get involved.
The Royal Women's Hospital - online history
The online history of the Royal Women’s Hospital makes available many of the records from its first 150 years, including biographies of people who have contributed to its work and a timeline recording its history and accomplishments during the past century and a half.
To explore this online history, see Royal Women's Hospital - Recording our historyOpens in new tab.
Universities' heritage collections
Many universities in Melbourne, such as The University of Melbourne and Deakin University own cultural and heritage collections comprising rare books, pamphlets and other archives.
Some of those collections are:
