Manchester Unity Building

Melbourne's iconic Manchester Unity Building represents a rare blend of art, science, culture and commerce.

As a magnificent structure, as a monument to human endeavour and as a hub of personal interaction, it has a special place in the history of Melbourne and the hearts of its citizens as well as the city's economy.

Melbourne's iconic Manchester Unity Building represents a rare blend of art, science, culture and commerce. As a magnificent structure, a monument to human endeavour and a hub of personal interaction, it has a special place in the history and fortunes of Melbourne as well as the hearts of its people.

Built in 1932 on the site of Stewart Dawson's corner (plus the adjoining site), it was the new headquarters of the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF), a non-profit friendly society with a strong sense of tradition and the noble motto 'Friendship, Love and Truth'. The prominent Melbourne architect Marcus Barlow was entrusted with the design and W E Cooper Pty Ltd contracted to build. Barlow had drawn his inspiration from the 1927 Chicago Tribune Building in the United States.

Manchester Unity Building

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