Looking for something a little different to do in Melbourne that won’t cost you a cent?
Hidden inside one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Melbourne’s CBD is the ANZ Banking Museum, a fascinating little spot where you can step back in time and discover Melbourne’s banking history.
Located inside the spectacular ANZ Gothic Bank on Collins Street, the museum is FREE to visit, making it another great stop to add to your list of free things to do in Melbourne.
Step Inside Melbourne’s Incredible Gothic Bank
You might have walked past this building countless times without realising what’s inside.
The ANZ Gothic Bank sits on the corner of Collins and Queen Streets and is considered one of Melbourne’s significant heritage buildings.
Originally opened in 1887, the building was constructed as the Australian head office of the English, Scottish and Australian Chartered Bank, one of the banks that later became part of ANZ.
The building underwent a major restoration before reopening in 2024, bringing many of its beautiful historic details back to life.
Even if banking history isn’t usually your thing, the building itself is worth seeing!
What Can You See at the ANZ Banking Museum?
The museum explores the history of banking in Australia and the story behind ANZ and its predecessor banks.
Visitors can see historical items and displays relating to money, banking and Melbourne’s past, including old banking memorabilia and collectables.
One of our favourite things about places like this is getting kids to compare how different everyday life was generations ago – especially when it comes to how people saved, spent and looked after their money.
ANZ has even displayed some of its historic money boxes, which have been produced in different designs over the decades.
A Melbourne Hidden Gem
This isn’t a huge museum that will take up your entire day.
Instead, we’d add it to a Melbourne CBD adventure and combine it with some of the other free attractions nearby.
You could wander along Collins Street, explore some of Melbourne’s beautiful historic architecture or jump aboard the free City Circle Tram afterwards.
For families with older children and teens who enjoy history, architecture or discovering unusual Melbourne locations, it’s definitely worth popping in.
Younger kids may move through the museum fairly quickly, so we’d recommend making it one stop as part of a bigger day exploring the city.
The Historic Gothic Bank
The building itself has an incredible history.
Construction took place during Melbourne’s booming gold-rush era, with the Gothic Bank built between 1883 and 1887.
The upper levels once included the residence of the bank’s first General Manager, Sir George Verdon, while beneath the building are original banking vaults that were once used to secure money, gold and other valuables.
The Gothic Bank is recognised by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) as being of world significance.
ANZ also runs selected tours throughout the year that can include areas of the building not normally seen during a general museum visit, including the historic vaults and upper-floor chambers.
Visiting the ANZ Banking Museum
📍 Where: ANZ Gothic Bank, 388 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC
🎟️ Entry: FREE
🕤 Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am–4pm
🚫 Closed: Public holidays
🏛️ Where you’ll find it: Corner of Collins and Queen Streets, Melbourne CBD
As opening hours and access can occasionally change, we always recommend checking directly with ANZ before making a special trip.
Is the ANZ Banking Museum Worth Visiting With Kids?
If you’re already exploring Melbourne CBD, we think it’s a great little FREE addition to your day.
It’s particularly suited to school-aged children, teens and adults who enjoy history, architecture and seeing places they might normally walk straight past.
And when admission costs nothing, it’s an easy one to add to your Melbourne itinerary!
Looking for More FREE Things to Do in Melbourne?
Melbourne adventures don’t have to cost a fortune.
From free museums and galleries to playgrounds, gardens, libraries and Melbourne landmarks, there are plenty of ways to explore the city with kids without blowing the family budget.
Keep following Melbourne With Kidz for more family-friendly places, events, attractions and FREE things to do around Melbourne and Victoria.
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