You know those places that just get Melbourne? The spots that somehow nail both the city’s rich history and its cutting-edge vibe? Morris House is exactly that – a historic building turned hospitality hotspot that’s quickly becoming the talk of the town.
Nestled at the corner of Exhibition and Little Collins Streets in Melbourne’s CBD, this four-level venue has transformed from a 1920s charitable organization headquarters into one of the coolest multi-level entertainment venues in the city. Let’s take a tour through this architectural gem and see why it should be your next Melbourne destination.
The History Behind the Brick Walls
Before it was serving cocktails and hosting comedy nights, Morris House had a much more serious purpose. Built in 1924, it wasn’t named after some random dude – it honors Edward E. Morris, a University of Melbourne professor who founded the Victorian Charity Organisation Society.
The building’s foundation stone was laid by Melbourne’s Lord Mayor on July 16, 1924. For decades after, it served as the headquarters for various welfare organizations that shaped Melbourne’s social landscape.
One of its longest residents? The Victorian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, which moved in back in ’24. The building essentially functioned as ground zero for Melbourne’s early social work and charitable activities.
From Charity Hub to Cultural Hotspot
The transformation of Morris House tells a classic Melbourne story – preserving architectural heritage while creating something new and exciting.
After serving as a charity hub through the mid-20th century, the building was purchased by the Australian-American Association in 1957 for £36,500 (which was serious cash back then). Fast forward to recent years, and the space operated as the European Bier Cafe before its 2023 rebirth under its original name.
Today’s Morris House keeps its classic interwar architecture intact while housing four distinct entertainment spaces. The Australian Venue Co team partnered with Red Design to create a space that feels both timeless and totally current – exactly what Melbourne does best.
What’s Inside: A Floor-by-Floor Tour
The Basement Comedy Club
The basement level takes its cues from iconic New York comedy institutions like the Comedy Strip and Gotham Comedy Club. This NYC-inspired space hosts both local stand-ups and international comics, bringing serious comedy credentials to Melbourne’s already thriving scene.
It’s dark, intimate, and has that perfect slightly underground feel that makes comedy clubs work. You’ll find both established names and up-and-comers taking the stage – the perfect spot to catch tomorrow’s streaming special headliners before they blow up.
Ground Floor Dining: Not Your Average Pub Grub
Forget basic bar food. The ground floor dining room serves up seasonal, produce-driven meals that focus on quality shared plates. During the day, you can grab loaded bagels and gourmet burgers, while evenings bring platters of quality cured meats and reimagined pub classics.
The menu strikes that perfect balance – elevated enough to impress your foodie friends but accessible enough that you won’t need a dictionary to order. It’s the kind of place where both suit-wearing professionals and weekend warriors feel equally at home.
Level One Bar & Terrace: Day-to-Night Vibes
The first floor is where Morris House really flexes its versatility. By day, it’s an airy space perfect for after-work drinks with colleagues. By night, especially weekends, it transforms with live music and a buzzing atmosphere.
The comfortable booths make it perfect for small groups, while the sunny outdoor terrace offers that quintessential Melbourne indoor-outdoor experience. It’s designed for those long sessions that start with “just one drink” and somehow turn into an entire evening.
Rooftop Bar: Melbourne’s Newest Sky-High Oasis
If there’s one thing Melbourne does right, it’s rooftop bars, and Morris House’s offering doesn’t disappoint. This open-air oasis serves up shareable plates alongside wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails that blend nostalgic classics with modern twists.
With views of the CBD skyline, it’s the perfect spot to watch the sun set over the city before diving into Melbourne’s famous nightlife. The cocktail menu deserves special mention – think classics with unexpected twists that’ll have you snapping pics for the gram before you take your first sip.
Architecture That Tells a Story
Morris House isn’t just another pretty face. The building is a legit piece of Melbourne’s architectural heritage, recognized on the Heritage Overlay of the Melbourne Planning Scheme as an Individual Heritage Place.
Its interwar classical style features tall, narrow steel-framed windows, decorative pilasters, and a distinctive entrance porch. These elements have been carefully preserved during the renovation, creating a space that feels authentically Melbourne – where old and new coexist perfectly.
The building stands as a textbook example of adaptive reuse – preserving historical significance while creating something completely fresh. It’s this blend of preservation and innovation that makes Morris House feel special among Melbourne’s crowded hospitality scene.
Why Morris House Matters in Melbourne’s Cultural Landscape
In a city famous for its hidden bars, lane-way restaurants and thriving arts scene, what makes Morris House stand out? It’s all about the complete package.
Rather than focusing on just one experience, Morris House offers a vertical journey through different vibes under one roof. Start with dinner downstairs, catch some comedy in the basement, head up for cocktails on the terrace, and finish the night on the rooftop – all without dealing with Melbourne’s notoriously fickle weather between venues.
As venue manager Dylan Howlett puts it, “We’re bringing all the best parts of Melbourne together in one place which means there will always be something to come and enjoy.” That’s not just marketing talk – it’s exactly what Morris House delivers.
When to Visit and What to Know
Morris House accommodates up to 550 guests across all levels, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan ahead. The comedy club events often sell out, especially for bigger names, so booking tickets in advance is smart.
For dining, weekday lunches tend to be quieter if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, while Friday and Saturday nights bring the full Melbourne energy. The rooftop is predictably busy during summer evenings and weekend afternoons, so arrive early to snag the best spots.
Each level has its own opening hours, with the ground floor typically opening earliest and the comedy club operating on show schedules, so check the website before planning your visit.
The Final Word on Morris House
Morris House represents Melbourne at its best – respecting history while constantly evolving. It’s a place that can be whatever you need it to be: a quick lunch spot, a date night destination, a place to catch rising comedy stars, or simply somewhere to enjoy a skyline view with a perfectly crafted cocktail in hand.
In a city famous for its hospitality, Morris House has quickly established itself as a must-visit destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a Melbourne local looking for your new regular spot or a visitor trying to experience the city like a local, Morris House delivers an authentic slice of Melbourne’s cultural scene.
Next time you’re in the CBD looking for something that captures Melbourne’s unique blend of history, culture, and cutting-edge hospitality, make your way to the corner of Exhibition and Little Collins. Morris House is waiting to show you what makes Melbourne special – all under one historic roof.
