With member support, the Melbourne Athenaeum raises funds to improve the facilities and services provided by the Melbourne Athenaeum Incorporated, including to enhance its library and cultural program. 

Reflecting our long history as one of Melbourne’s pre-eminent cultural organisations, the Melbourne Athenaeum Incorporated has an archival collection which is of historic, artistic, research and social significance.

Including artefacts, artworks, books, furniture, newspapers and photographs, the collection spans the activities of the organisation since 1839, including its library and reading room and high-profile tenants, the Athenaeum Theatre and the Athenaeum Gallery (1910-c.1971). Annual Reports, Committee Minutes, correspondence files and legal documents, as well as architectural plans and drawings show the development and architectural changes to the building which have ensured it remains fit-for-purpose as Melbourne changes and develops. 

Late last year, an independent assessment of the archives found particular strengths in the historic and research significance of much of the material, a great deal of which is irreplaceable. The significance assessment was the first stage of our program to improve documentation of the collection, identify the best ways to preserve and maintain the items in our care, and, if appropriate, determine how to make the collection more accessible. 

Members generously supporting the Annual Giving Appeal in 2023 will be investing in the future care and management of our significant collection and its capacity to be an incredible resource for researchers, students and authors. As we work through our program, we also look forward to making the archives more visible in the Library and through events for members.