Melbourne has several time capsules buried in schools, civic sites, and public spaces, each holding a frozen moment from the past, waiting to be uncovered.
Contents
- 1 What is a time capsule?
- 2 Why are time capsules buried?
- 3 Quick Summary Table
- 4 Where is Melbourne’s oldest time capsule?
- 5 Royal Exhibition Building (Carlton)
- 6 What’s inside the Federation Square time capsule?
- 7 Federation Square (CBD)
- 8 Was a time capsule buried in North Melbourne Town Hall?
- 9 North Melbourne Town Hall
- 10 Is there a missing time capsule in Melbourne?
- 11 Melbourne High School (South Yarra)
- 12 What’s the most unexpected time capsule found in Melbourne?
- 13 Private Home Discovery – Belgrave
- 14 Can you visit any of Melbourne’s time capsules?
- 15 Can you bury your own time capsule in Melbourne?
- 16 What to put in a time capsule in 2025?
- 17 When should you open a time capsule?
- 18 Are there school time capsules in Melbourne?
- 19 How are time capsules found or forgotten?
- 20 Are there any myths or hoaxes about Melbourne time capsules?
- 21 Common Questions About Time Capsules in Melbourne
- 22 Melbourne’s Hidden Gems
What is a time capsule?
A time capsule is a container filled with objects or messages from the present, sealed and buried with the intention of being opened at a future date. They preserve history for future generations to rediscover.
Why are time capsules buried?
Time capsules are buried to mark milestones, capture everyday life, and send messages to future generations.
Time capsules are commonly used to:
- Celebrate events (e.g. school centenaries, national anniversaries)
- Document what daily life was like at a specific moment in time
- Leave behind cultural or personal artifacts
- Strengthen the link between the past, present, and future
Quick Summary Table
| Place | Description |
|---|---|
| Royal Exhibition Building | One of Melbourne’s oldest time capsules, buried in 1880 |
| Federation Square | Contains messages from 2001 citizens, sealed under the plaza |
| North Melbourne Town Hall | A 1985 capsule from school kids and locals marking 150 years |
| Melbourne High School | A lost capsule from the early 1990s, still being searched for |
| Belgrave Home Discovery | A WWII-era capsule found in a private residence during renovation |
Where is Melbourne’s oldest time capsule?
Melbourne’s oldest known time capsule is beneath the Royal Exhibition Building, buried during the 1880 Melbourne International Exhibition.
Royal Exhibition Building (Carlton)
- Year buried: 1880
- Contents: Newspapers, documents, and objects representing Melbourne’s global aspirations at the time
- Location: Beneath or near the building’s foundation (exact spot undocumented)
- Internal link: Royal Exhibition Building Events (future content)
What’s inside the Federation Square time capsule?
Federation Square’s 2001 time capsule includes written reflections from Melbourne residents about life at the turn of the millennium.
Federation Square (CBD)
- Year buried: 2001
- Contents: Citizen letters, community photos, memorabilia
- To be opened in: 2101
- Location: Buried beneath the main square during the precinct’s construction
Was a time capsule buried in North Melbourne Town Hall?
Yes, a community-led capsule was buried in 1985 to celebrate Victoria’s 150th anniversary.
North Melbourne Town Hall
- Contents: Schoolchildren’s names, handwritten letters, predictions
- Plaque location: 521 Queensberry Street
- Source: ReadThePlaque.com
Is there a missing time capsule in Melbourne?
Melbourne High School has a time capsule buried in the 1990s that remains undiscovered.
Melbourne High School (South Yarra)
- Group involved: The “Time Travelers Society” formed by students to search for it
- Contents (expected): Yearbooks, letters, school memorabilia
- Status: Still missing
What’s the most unexpected time capsule found in Melbourne?
A time capsule from 1945 was discovered in a Belgrave house wall during a renovation project.
Private Home Discovery – Belgrave
- Year sealed: 1945
- Contents: WWII-era newspaper, personal letters, matchbooks
- Discovered: 2024
Can you visit any of Melbourne’s time capsules?
Most time capsules are sealed and inaccessible but marked by plaques or known sites, which can be visited and included in walking tours.
| Location | Public Access | Visible Marker? |
|---|---|---|
| Federation Square | Yes | No |
| North Melbourne Town Hall | Yes | Yes |
| Royal Exhibition Building | Yes | No |
| Melbourne High School | No | No |
| Belgrave Private Property | No | No |
Can you bury your own time capsule in Melbourne?
Yes, but you need permission if you’re using public land. On private land, you can create one freely.
Recommended places:
- Backyard garden or under a tree
- Beneath a house foundation slab (if being renovated)
- Inside a wall cavity (sealed box or safe)
For public areas, check local council or school policies.
What to put in a time capsule in 2025?
Common 2025 capsule items include letters, coins, USBs, photos, receipts, and pop culture items.
Checklist:
- Handwritten letter to the future
- Photo of family or street
- Receipt or menu from a local café
- News clipping or printout of a current website homepage
When should you open a time capsule?
Most time capsules are sealed for 25 to 100 years, depending on their purpose.
Examples:
- Federation Square: 100-year seal (2001 to 2101)
- School capsules: Often 20–30 years
- Personal ones: As short as 5–10 years
Are there school time capsules in Melbourne?
Yes, many Melbourne schools have buried capsules to mark anniversaries or graduating years.
How are time capsules found or forgotten?
Most are lost due to poor records or being buried without plaques.
Found by:
- Renovators
- Archaeologists
- Urban explorers
Forgotten when:
- No marker is placed
- Location isn’t documented or archived
- Property ownership changes
Are there any myths or hoaxes about Melbourne time capsules?
Yes, rumours exist of capsules under Flinders Street Station or the MCG that have never been confirmed.
Is there a time capsule opening in Melbourne soon?
Not officially. Most openings are decades away unless an old one is discovered.
- 2030: Possible school capsule openings
- 2045: WWII 100-year capsules?
- 2101: Federation Square (locked in)
Common Questions About Time Capsules in Melbourne
Q: Are there time capsules buried under Federation Square?
Yes. A time capsule was placed beneath Federation Square in 2001, with instructions to open it in 2101.
Q: Has anyone found a time capsule in their house in Melbourne?
Yes. A 1945 capsule was discovered during a 2024 renovation of a Belgrave home.
Q: Where is Melbourne’s oldest time capsule?
Melbourne’s oldest time capsule is under the Royal Exhibition Building, dating back to 1880.
Q: Can I visit Melbourne’s time capsules?
Most are not accessible, but some have visible plaques or landmarks, like at North Melbourne Town Hall.
Q: Can I make my own time capsule in Melbourne?
Yes. On private land, no permit is needed. On public land, council permission may be required.
Melbourne’s Hidden Gems
Many of these time capsule sites are easy to overlook, nestled in quiet town halls, beneath public squares, or hidden in the walls of old homes.
While they aren’t destinations you can step inside, their locations often overlap with places most tourists miss.
If you’re the kind of explorer who enjoys discovering Melbourne’s lesser-known stories and places, you’ll want to check out our guide to Melbourne’s hidden gems.
It includes unusual landmarks, secret gardens, and cultural curiosities that pair perfectly with the city’s buried histories.
