The elegant Block

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The City of Melbourne has many fascinating lanes and shopping arcades, but there’s one iconic walkway that rises high above the rest, it’s the heritage shopping gallery known as The Block Arcade.

The Block Arcade entrance from Collins Street, Melbourne  Photograph:  GRACIE

The Block Arcade entrance from Collins Street, Melbourne Photograph: GRACIE

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The Block Arcade entrance from Collins Street, Melbourne Photograph: GRACIE

Opening in 1892 this L shaped arcade was inspired by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan. Natural light was to be a major charactistic of the design that features an iron and glass canopy.

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Central glass dome Photograph: GRACIE

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View from central dome area to Elizabeth Street entrance Photograph: GRACIE

There are four entrances to the arcade with interior spaces elaborately decorated.  Wrought iron, carved stone and beautiful mosaic tiled flooring, together with elaborate ceilings and stylish light fittings, create an environment of timeless elegance.

Elaborate mosaic tiling  Photograph:  GRACIE

Elaborate mosaic floor tiling Photograph: GRACIE

The heritage shopping area boasts 29 retailers of eclectic mix, plus 4 floors above occupied by commercial interests.

Main promenade  Photograph:  GRACIE

Main promenade Photograph: GRACIE

The highly popular The Hopetoun Tea Rooms opened with the Arcade and this year shares its 125 anniversary.

The iconic Hopetoun Tea Rooms - an all time favourite  Photograph:  GRACIE

The iconic Hopetoun Tea Rooms – an all time favourite Photograph: GRACIE

A big draw card, is the wholly owned Australian iconic Haigh’s chocolate store. This is THE place to be leading up to Easter.

Haigh's Chocolate shop.  Photograph:  GRACIE

Haigh’s Chocolate shop. Photograph: GRACIE

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Arcade without an iconic clock. The little trumpeters call out the hour adding to the Arcade’s old world charm.

The historic clock and trumpeters  Photograph  GRACIE

The historic clock and trumpeters Photograph GRACIE

Not to be missed are the ceiling murals in the Crabtree & Evelyn store at the entrance off Collins Street.

Central mural Crabtree & Evelyn boutique  Photograph:  GRACIE

Central mural Crabtree & Evelyn boutique Photograph: GRACIE

Melbourne has many exciting shopping complexes, malls and laneways, but nothing compares to the timeless elegance and grace of  The Block Arcade.   

125th Anniversary congratulations.

Urns adorn each doorway.  Celebrations ribbons announce the 125th Anniversary  Photograph:  GRACIE

Urns adorn each doorway. Celebration ribbons signal the 125th Anniversary Photograph: GRACIE

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