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Former Theosophical Society Building

Location 181 - 187 Collins Street,, MELBOURNE VIC 3000 - Property No B4116 File Number B4116 Level Regional

[1/1] B4116 Fmr Theosophical Society

Statement of Significance

The Theosophical Society Building (1936-37) has a long association with an influential international movement and the clear expression of this society's beliefs in the universality of brotherhood and religious beliefs is expressed in features of its facade. The Australian section of the society was among the largest in the world and in the 1920s-30s the Melbourne lodge was second in Australia only to Sydney in importance.
This building is the most impressive and substantial surviving theosophical headquarters to be erected in Australia. Internally, the first floor spaces occupied by the theosophists, which included a lecture hall and library, are near to original, while the facade with its rare Egyptian revival stylism is intact. The architects, Marsh and Michaelson, more renowned for their collaboration in notable Moderne styled designs, skilfully integrated the embodiment of their clients' ancient creeds with the demands of contemporary architectural fashions.
Classified: 07/07/1988