Former Melbourne Stock Exchange

Adam G _{on Google}

Jun 5th, 2018

Melbourne's former Stock Exchange which adjoins The ANZ Gothic Bank on the corner of Collins and Queens Streets, was constructed in 1887. While both building are Gothic in style, unlike The ANZ Gothic Bank building which has a very much restrained external style, the Stock Exchange is far less restrained and has an extremely ornate facade.
The main trading floor for the Stock Exchange was on the ground level in a large vaulted chamber, known as the Cathedral Room. You just have to see it to believe it as instead of a stock exchange you get the feeling that you're in a cathedral. It has an ornate vaulted ceiling and very ornate stained glass windows.
Due to financial difficulties, in 1921 the Stock Exchange sold its property to the English, Scottish and Australian Chartered Bank (ES&A), the forerunner of today's Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ). Then, in 1923 the bank renovated the site and amalgamated the two buildings and enlarged the banking chamber, but retained the impressive Cathedral Room. This really is a must see whether you're a local or tourist visiting Melbourne.