eHive Object Details

University of Melbourne : Natural History Museum, c. 1900; Nettleton, Charles, 1826–1902; GS-BCS-45

Name/TitleUniversity of Melbourne : Natural History Museum, c. 1900

About this objectThis photograph of Victoria's first museum [National Museum], when situated on the campus of the University of Melbourne, has been taken from the east across the ornamental lake.

The building, which opened in 1864 and is of Gothic revival design by Reed and Barnes, is in the centre of the photograph with the gardens and lawns in the foreground. The building is viewed in full length and face on with its tower in the centre of the picture. The museum housed the numerous collections of zoology, mining technology, geology and agriculture until 1899, when they were moved to a new site.

The building then became the home of the Conservatorium of Music, then in 1911 it was taken over and enlarged by the student representative council. In 1938 the building was partially replaced by the current Union House, and finally dismantled in 1969 when Union House was enlarged. One gothic arched window with surrounding brickwork was incorporated into the east facing wall of the new building.

A creek was dammed to create the lake, and gardens of native and exotic plantings and meandering paths were landscaped.

One of the many glass slides purchased from retailers or specifically made for illustrated lectures given by Isaac Selby between c. 1930 and c. 1955 to raise money for the Old Pioneers Memorial Fund.

For more information about this image contact Royal Historical Society of Victoria.

MakerNettleton, Charles, 1826–1902

Maker RolePhotographer

Measurements8.2 x 8.2 cm

Period1900-1910

Object TypeGlass slide

Subject and Association KeywordsSelby, Isaac, 1859-1956

Subject and Association KeywordsUniversity of Melbourne (Parkville, Vic.)

Subject and Association KeywordsReed and Barnes (Architects)

Subject and Association KeywordsNatural History Museum (University of Melbourne, Vic.)

Subject and Association KeywordsArchitecture

Named CollectionImages collection

Object numberGS-BCS-45

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved