Melbourne Club

Melbourne Club

The Melbourne Club is a private social club established in 1838 and located in Melbourne, Australia. It is the oldest club in Victoria and the third oldest in Australia. The club is renowned for its distinguished membership, which includes many of Australia's most prominent figures in business, politics, and the arts.

History

The Melbourne Club was founded by a group of gentlemen who sought to create a place where they could gather for social and intellectual exchange. The club's original premises were located in a rented house in Collins Street, but in 1858, the club moved to its current location in a grand, Italianate-style building on the corner of Collins Street and William Street.

Membership

Membership to the Melbourne Club is by invitation only and is considered a mark of social and professional distinction. The club has a strict dress code and code of conduct, which members are expected to adhere to at all times. The club's membership is predominantly male, although women have been admitted as guests since the 1980s.

Facilities

The Melbourne Club's facilities include a dining room, bar, library, billiards room, and several private meeting rooms. The club also has a garden, which is one of the largest private gardens in Melbourne's CBD.

Controversies

The Melbourne Club has been the subject of controversy due to its male-only membership policy. Despite calls for the club to admit women as full members, the club has maintained its policy, citing its right to freedom of association.

See Also

• List of Australian gentlemen's clubs
• History of Melbourne
• Culture of Melbourne

External Links

• Official website