Established as a night school for men in 1887, the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) is a public research university in the heart of Melbourne. It combines beautifully preserved Victorian-era buildings and contemporary architecture on the northern edge of the city’s historic Hoddle Grid.
Admire the chapel and gatehouse of Old Melbourne Gaol, with the university constructed on the site of this 19th-century penitentiary. The east wing cell block and former Melbourne City Watchhouse are now operated as National Trust museums, while the old Melbourne Magistrates Court is used by the university for administrative purposes.
Browse the extensive collection at the Swanston Library, then admire the contemporary art and design exhibitions at the RMIT Gallery, which is housed within historic Story Hall. The School of Architecture and Design boasts a cutting-edge Virtual Reality Centre, while the School of Art exhibits student works throughout the campus.
Getting there
The RMIT University is a five-minute walk from the Melbourne Central railway station or can be accessed from the La Trobe St/Swanston St light rail station. Melbourne Airport is 25 minutes’ drive away.