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Former Synagogue

Other Name City Free Kindergarten Location 275-285 Exhibition Street,, MELBOURNE VIC 3000 - Property No B0444 File Number B0444 Level State

[1/1] B0444 Former Synagogue

Statement of Significance

The City Free Kindergarten is a simple brick structure with pedimented gables, brick pilasters and arched windows with brick dressings. It was constructed in 1859-60 as a Jewish School for the Michveh Yisrael Synagogue. The architects were Knight and Keer who also designed Parliament House, Melbourne. The building was used for worship until 1877 and since then has served several uses. It became a kindergarten in 1920.
This was one of the earliest synagogues in Melbourne and a surviving example of early building in the C.B.D.
It is an interesting example of the conservative classical style and of the small scale work of Knight and Kerr. The projecting pediments with trapezoidal brackets are a distinctive and important motif and can be compared, with the same usage at 'D Estaville' in Kew, also by Knight and Kerr and erected in 1857. The building is essential to the character and historic quality of the neighbouring area.
Windows on the Exhibition and Little Lonsdale Street facades have been deepened; windows down the other side remain intact. From an 1870 photo it seems that part of the pedimented end to Exhibition Street facade has been removed. The brickwork has been painted.
Classified: 31/07/1958
Revised: 24/08/1989