Welcome to the Hidden Hellenism
Digital Hub
Greek influence is embedded in the fabric of multicultural Melbourne, and its architecture is no exception. Discover a world of Greek-influenced landmarks throughout the CBD with Hidden Hellenism: Architectural Walking Tour!
This self-guided, self-paced tour invites participants of all interests, ages and abilities to engage with history, architecture, urban design, built environments, and the many ways Greek culture is visible in Melbourne today.
Tour Locations
Click each landmark to access its architectural and social history, activities and prompts.
Hellenic Museum (Former Royal Mint)
280 William Street, Melbourne
Immigration Museum
Cnr Flinders & William St
State Library of Victoria
Cnr La Trobe & Swanston St
Glyn Davis Building, MSD
Masson Street, Parkville
Shrine of Remembrance
Birdwood Avenue
Temple of Boom
NGV Intl, St Kilda Rd
Parliament House
Cnr Bourke & Spring St
Eureka Tower & Skydeck
7 Riverside Quay, Southbank
Melbourne's GPO
Cnr Bourke & Elizabeth St
Nicholas Building
Cnr Flinders Ln & Swanston St
Collins St Baptist Church
174 Collins Street
Trades Hall
Cnr Victoria & Lygon St
Former Mail Exchange
Cnr Bourke & Spencer St
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Cnr Lonsdale & Spring St
Emily McPherson College, RMIT
Cnr Victoria & Russell St
Greek Centre
Cnr Lonsdale & Russell St
Visited every stop?
Amazing! But the fun doesn't end here. These locations are just some of dozens of buildings in Melbourne city with Greek-inspired architecture. Hopefully Hidden Hellenism has helped you identify common threads between these buildings, and shown you some iconic Greek-inspired architectural features which you'll now be able to notice in other buildings around the city. Go forth and discover!
Tips for a Top Tour!
Some helpful tips and frequently asked questions to make the most of your tour.
How does the tour work?
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Arrive at the Hellenic Museum and collect your Hidden Hellenism map at reception.
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Explore your first stop, the Former Royal Mint, home of the Hellenic Museum.
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Then, choose your own adventure! This is a self-guided tour with many more stops to choose from. Pick the landmarks which interest you and use your map to navigate there. (We’ve included a Highlights Tour if you need inspiration!)
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Explore this digital hub to access information about each spot’s architectural and historical significance, as well as activities and prompts.
When is the tour?
Hidden Hellenism has been created for Open House Melbourne 2023, and is free for the OHM weekend (29–30 July 2023.) After this time, Hidden Hellenism maps will be available to purchase from the Hellenic Museum gift shop. Once you have a map, the tour is self-guided and can be completed at any time, subject to location opening hours.
What should I bring?
This tour can be more or less physical depending on how you choose to travel, and how many/which locations you choose to visit. In any case, we recommend:
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Comfortable clothes and shoes for walking
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A mobile phone for navigating, scanning QRs and accessing the digital hub
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Any essentials for a day out, such as sun protection, water, snacks or wallet (if you choose to take public transport or enter landmarks with paid admission)
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Optional: a notebook and writing/drawing materials for completing the activities
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And of course, once collected, don't forget your Hidden Hellenism map!
Do I need to visit every location? In which order?
Hidden Hellenism is designed for you to tailor your own journey! Pick and choose the landmarks which interest you, and visit them in any order you like. We have included a “Highlights Tour” for inspiration, but it is not necessary to follow. The only requirement is starting at the Hellenic Museum to collect your map.
How do I get to each location?
However you prefer! Where possible, we recommend walking, biking or taking public transport, as inner city traffic and parking availability can make driving difficult. Always travel safely and observe road or public transport rules.
How long does it take?
This is up to you, and varies depending on the stops you choose, the order in which you visit them, your method of transportation and how long you spend at each location. (You can always visit missed locations another day!)
Which parts of the landmarks can I access?
Every location in your Hidden Hellenism map can be viewed from outside; interior access varies. Your Hidden Hellenism map, and the Hub page for each location, indicate if the interior of a landmark is accessible and, where applicable, its opening hours, admission costs or booking requirements. Please note, Hidden Hellenism does not include paid admission to any locations except the Hellenic Museum.
Is the tour accessible?
We encourage people of all abilities to take part in Hidden Hellenism. The self-guided, self-paced nature of the tour allows participants to tailor their chosen locations, routes and transportation to suit their needs. Accessibility at each landmark is indicated through the map key, and on each landmark’s Digital Hub page.
Is the tour child friendly?
People of all ages are encouraged to take part, and each location includes prompts and/or activities which can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Please note, as the tour is self-guided and requires navigating the city, children should be accompanied by a responsible adult.
What happens if…?
For questions and support, please contact the Hellenic Museum at info@hellenic.org.au or (03) 8615 9016.
Please note, the Hellenic Museum accepts no responsibility for incidents which occur outside Hellenic Museum grounds.