Soaring roof of Royal Arcade
I'm often impressed by our ornate, old-world arcades as I walk around Melbourne. They're a tourist icon for good reason. And I love the way they hide their extravagance until the last moment. It's not until you step inside that they hit you with their lavish, over-the-top interiors.
So which arcade is Melbourne's best? There's a lot to choose from, with 15 arcades throughout the city (according to the
pronouncements of Wikipedia). And that's before we even get started on laneways.
For me, it's a tough battle between three – Block, Royal and Cathedral Arcades.
At first glance, Block Arcade, at 280 - 286 Collins St, seems like a hair-in-a-bun, frosty piano teacher type of arcade. Built in 1893 and modelled on Galleria Vittoria in Milan, this is a place that looks seriously cultured, even forbidding. There are mosaic tiles on the floor, a glass canopy roof, and an overload of decorative arches and carved stone.
Really, how many arches does an arcade need?
But you soon realise it isn't at all unwelcoming - anyone can wander inside, even if you're wearing your Ugg boots.
Tasteful Block Arcade... Ugg boots permitted
Anyway, how can a place that houses
Haighs Chocolates and the cakes of the
Hopetoun Tea Rooms actually be hostile?
Did someone mention the word cake?
But let's move swiftly on - it's important the committed arcade-viewer remains focused.
Royal Arcade, at 335 Bourke Street Mall, connects the mall with Little Collins and Elizabeth Streets.
Gog and Magog in Royal Arcade
Built in 1869, it's Melbourne's oldest trading arcade. It's also kind of democratic – it's been owned by its tenants since the 1950's. I really like its international feel – the carved figures of Gog and Magog striking the clock, the statue of the Greek mythological character, Chronos, and the Russian doll shop
Babushka's.
Um, I'm looking for a doll?
A gentle word of warning, though, for any fatigued arcade-observers suffering low blood sugar – there are considerable distractions at
Koko Black and wide-ranging temptations presented by the lollyologists of
Suga.
Then there's art-deco Cathedral Arcade and, in my view, the most understated of the three. Constructed in 1925, running underneath the Nicholas Building, it connects arty-writer Flinders Lane with the spruiking end of Swanston Street.
Cathredal Arcade by Mike Lehmann Wikipedia
This is an arcade that runs more along raffish, eclectic lines. A mix of wonderful leadlighting, a soaring glass arch, independent designers and artists, strangely fused with the lingering smell of fast food. It's one of the few places you can still experience lift ladies - and the fascinating lift man.
So what do you think? If you have an arcade of preference, please feel free to leave a comment below
