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See Yup Society Temple

Location 76 Raglan Street,, SOUTH MELBOURNE VIC 3205 - Property No B0582 File Number B0582 Level State

[1/1] B0582 See Yup Joss House South

Statement of Significance

The See Yup Society Temple was erected in 1866 for the See Yup Society, as the principal centre of worship and death registry of the Cantonese in Victoria. See Yup means four towns of Canton. The temple, flanking pavilions and enclosed axially arranged forecourt were designed by architect George Wharton, tenders being called in April 1866. The buildings and associated fences are in the style of the classical revival enhanced by contrasting oriental detail and statuary.
The See Yup Society Temple South Melbourne was the most important centre of Chinese worship in Victoria in the nineteenth century and integral with the turbulent history of the Chinese people in Victoria in that era. The building group, unique in Victoria as an historical document and architecturally important as an outstanding work by architect George Wharton, is notable for the apparent axial and spatial qualities and the successful fusion of classical with traditional chinoiserie details and statuary.
The See Yup Temple has been partially restored by the See Yup Society in conjunction with the National Trust but is still in need of extensive rehabilitation work.
Classified: 'Regional' 16/01/1964
Revised: 05/05/1966