When: Friday 22nd August, 1:15 – 1:45 pm
Where: Courtyard out the back of the ANZ Gothic Bank, North East cnr Collins and Queen st.
Meet in the courtyard behind the branch. Enter either via the branch from Collins st or via the alleyway on Queen st. The event will last for 30 minutes.
“Built between 1883 and 1887 the ‘Gothic Bank', as it is affectionately known, was the Australian head office and residence of the General Manager of the English, Scottish and Australia Chartered Bank (ES&A): the forerunner of today's Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ).
The residence, known as Verdon Chambers, majestically crowns the banking hall that has charmed Collins Street for over a hundred years. Built in Venetian-Gothic style over two floors atop the magnificent banking chamber, the residence hosts more than 17 rooms and boasts valuable artwork and lavish features that ANZ has diligently restored and maintained to preserve this iconic landmark for future generations.”
Click here for more information.
The building was commissioned by Sir George Verdon, General Manager of the English, Scottish and Australia Chartered Bank. No expense was spared, and that included the first floor which is where he lived.
The ground floor was the banking chamber which was restored several years ago as a working bank branch. It has since been turned into a banking museum, open to the public, but with limited, non-cash transactions still available. Next door is the old Stock Exchange building which was also restored to its former glory.
Following the event, there will be a 45 minute tour of the museum and the Verdon Chambers on beginning at 2:00 pm. This is not a geocaching event and will be run by the Museum Concierge. There is a limit of 20 people. At this stage (23/07/2025), all 20 places have been filled, so any further requests will be used in case there are cancellations or "No Shows". There is also the possibility of a tour on a different date, so keep the requests coming. If that eventuates, I'll organise another event.
To be added as a standby, please message me (Muzza) via geocaching.com with the names of interested parties.