Melbourne's Town Hall station named 1 of the 7 most beautiful train stations in the world

Town Hall Station, located beneath Swanston Street in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, was selected for the prestigious Prix Versailles World’s Most Beautiful Stations list. The international award recognizes outstanding architecture, innovation, cultural character and sustainability in major transport projects.

The station was designed by Hassell, RSHP and WW+P as part of Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel project. Its large underground concourse features eight enormous tree-inspired columns, creating a dramatic, cathedral-like interior.

The station also features copper-coloured vaulted ceilings rising around ten metres above the platforms, while daylight enters the underground space through the station’s design. Artworks by Melbourne artist Maree Clarke are also featured throughout the Metro Tunnel stations, including Town Hall.

Town Hall Station is one of five new underground stations delivered as part of the Metro Tunnel, which includes Arden, Parkville, State Library and Anzac stations.

Melbourne’s station has been selected alongside six other international finalists, including stations in France, Italy, Saudi Arabia, the United States and Naples.

Three stations from this year’s list will later receive additional World Titles at an awards ceremony scheduled for December at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

The recognition adds another international design accolade to Melbourne, highlighting the city’s growing reputation for combining public transport, architecture and art.