This grand edifice in #ChapelStreetPrahran was built as the Colosseum Department Store in 1914, after a fire destroyed their previous shop built just 6 years previously.

Designed by #TompkinsandTompkins it’s pretty much a copy of London’s Selfridges, completed only 5 years before (complete with flags!), designed by US architect #DanielBurnham. This was the earliest large scale example of American BeauxArts/Neoclassical, a style which would go on to dominate Melbourne in the 1920s.

The end that now has the @revolverupstairs nightclub must be on a different title, being a bit scruffier – the larger part is now apartments. Along with all the other ex-department stores here, this is one of the largest preWW2 commercial buildings outside the CBD, the other concentration being Smith Street, both retail hubs in the early 20thC.

February 2026

Revolver has been there since 1997, and since 2012, what was a sort of arcade running way back now opens on to studios and co-working spaces, along with the double height space above Revolver. The tiled floor on the arcade is all that’s left of the store I think, Update : the Revolver end was put up for sale late last year, not sure if actually sold – I thought this might have endangered the club, but seems they have secure leases. I’ve never actually been, I just like the architecture 😊

• edwardian