The Queen Victoria Women’s Centre is an iconic Melbourne landmark that supports women (cis, trans and non-binary inclusive) through creative experiences, community resources and the power of connection. We program creative events onsite, online and around Victoria, have beautiful venues available to hire, QVWC SHOP and offer space to like-minded organisations.
Birnbeal exhibition space provides an opportunity for local Victorian artists to exhibit and sell their work. Birnbeal features exhibitions and artworks made by artists who identify as women (cis, trans & non-binary) or programmed exhibitions curated by QVWC. The heritage listed space features parquetry floorboards, expansive ceilings & natural light, located on the ground floor of the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre. Birnbeal is open to the general public and aims to showcase the range and diversity of women (cis, trans & non-binary) artists working in Victoria.
getting to the gallery
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Travelling By Train: QVWC is only a short walk from Melbourne Central Train Station, which services all train lines.
Travelling By Bus: A number of bus routes travel along Lonsdale Street. Visit the PTV website to see all routes and timetables.
Travelling By Tram: Many tram routes stop along Lonsdale Street. Visit the PTV website for timetable information.
By Car
There is parking at the QV Centre with entrances off Lonsdale Street, Little Lonsdale Street and Russell Street. More information here.
accessibility
General Access
Short term parking (15 mins) is available at the Lonsdale St front entrance. There is a ramp from the left-hand-side of building (Shilling Lane) which takes guests to the rear entrance via QV courtyard. Alternative access is from Russell St and Artemis Lane or from QV shopping centre carpark. From QV carpark, there is a lift to the ground level QV Square lawn area (noted Level 2), then a lift down the stairs (near QVWC SHOP) to the rear entrance on the building. There is a lift in the building.
Wadjil - Pelican (formerly QVWC Meeting Room)
Located on Level 1. Access to the hallway is via an accessible lift for 2 steps, then a glass door which must be open during business hours. The closest accessible bathroom is Level 2. This bathroom is in a tenant area and provides adequate space inside the cubicle for motorised wheelchairs. The width of the door is 890cm and the current standard requirement is 1100cm.
Millarri Murnmut - Outside Breeze (formerly Rooftop)
Located on Level 5. The closest accessible bathroom is Level 2, noted above.
Birnbeal - Rainbow (formerly Exhibition Space)
Located on Ground floor. This bathroom is currently closed for accessibility upgrades.
Wayi Djerring - Us Together (formerly Victoria Room)
Located on Level 4. This bathroom is for venue hirers only. It is located in the female bathroom, so all gender access applies if the client group approves. The width of the door does not meet current standard requirements and at its narrowest point measures 720cm. The door from the balcony entry is 890cm.
Shop
On International Women's Day 2020 we opened our feminist makers store QVWC SHOP! in the heart of Melbourne’s QV shopping precinct as a way to bring our creative community together and celebrate some of Victoria's finest women and non-binary artists, designers and makers.
The Queen Victoria Women's Centre Shop is a curated design store showcasing unique and one of a kind, locally sourced, ethically made gifts, fashion, art, homewares, books, treats and more!
QVWC SHOP is a social enterprise and operates on consignment, and our makers take home a higher percentage of the sale price than traditional wholesale. 100% of our profit goes back into the Queen Victoria Women's Centre and supporting Victorian Women through our creative and community projects.
For Women, by Women.
Visit:
Rear of 210 Lonsdale Street,
Melbourne VIC 3000.
Access via QV Square.
Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday: 11am - 6pm
Sunday: 12 - 5pm
Online 24/7: shop.qvwc.org.au
Images:
Main image: Installation view, Emilia Storm: Nature Invasions, Birnbeal exhibition space, Queen Victoria Women's Centre, 24 March to 23 April 2021.
Above image: Installation view, Present Memory: Katie Sfetkidis, Birnbeal exhibition space, Queen Victoria Women's Centre, 16 February - 13 March 2022. Photo: Lauren Dunn.
