The featured materials in this late 1930s art deco building are high quality brick and plaster work with strong vertical and horizontal lines, fluted pilasters, arches, keystones, coffered ceilings, built-in seats and Dutch (or stable) doors. Many of the original features are still in place.

Functional and utilitarian, the building has two large drill halls with offices along their northern side. The halls are separated by a public entrance foyer which leads off A’Beckett Street. Messes are placed at the centre – for sergeants – and at the east and west ends of the building – for ‘other ranks’ and officers respectively.

The drill hall had a number of functions: as an indoor parade ground for marching and equipment drill; a gymnasium and for physical training; a social centre offering activities such as dances, film nights etc, and for displays. The mezzanine (the ceiling of a row of offices) allows for observation of the activities on the floor of the hall. The ceiling design itself is reminiscent of suburban cinemas of the time.

By 1990 the Army Medical Corps Drill Hall had been added to the Historic Building register for its state-wide architectural and historical significance. The western end of the building became the premises of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria in August 1999.

Bookings are not necessary. Tours are limited to 12 persons and, if needed, we’ll have more than one tour embarking at the same time.