As many of you will be aware, we are currently celebrating the 185th year of operation.

Originally known as the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institution and School of Arts, our Collins St location housed the city’s first official library, art gallery, museum, and exhibition space. Town council meetings were hosted here until the Melbourne Town Hall was completed.

As Melbourne gradually became a more complex city, the organisation evolved to accommodate the changing needs and sophisticated pastimes of the people of the city. Something that it has consistently done ever since.

On 12 November, we will invite you all to celebrate our 185th birthday with us, so please mark that date in your diary. Details will be provided soon.

Members generously supporting this year’s Annual Giving Appeal will invest in the future of our significant organisation. A lighting upgrade in our much beloved Library is a priority that will be funded through donations.