Part of large bluestone prison complex built between 1852-1865. The second cell block was built in response to pressing prison accommodation needs caused by the Victorian Gold Rush and burgeoning metropolis.
Old Melbourne Gaol
![Old Melbourne Gaol Old Melbourne Gaol](https://aumuseums.com/sites/default/files/museum/V372.jpg)
The Old Melbourne Gaol is a vivid and stark reminder of the 19th Century prison life. Only one cell block remains of the original complex, built approximately 150 years ago. The gaol opened in 1845 and closed in 1929, and was the site of 135 executions, including the infamous Ned Kelly. Since closing in 1929 the Gaol has been used as a police storage facility and military detention centre during WWII.
Items
Gaol Cell Block
![Gaol Cell Block](https://aumuseums.com/sites/default/files/items/V372-5.jpg)
Phrenology Head
![Phrenology Head](https://aumuseums.com/sites/default/files/items/V372-4.jpg)
Phrenology was used to predict and explain human behaviour. The head was divided into various sections that related to human behaviour. F. Gall, J. Spurzheim and G. Combe initiated the 'science' and wrote books, lectured and taught phrenology.
Lashing Triangle
Lashing Triangle
![Lashing Triangle Lashing Triangle](https://aumuseums.com/sites/default/files/items/V372-3.jpg)
The lashing triangle was used extensively in prison to punish prisoners who broke prison rules and regulations. The courts could also sentence a prisoner to a whipping. Last used in 1956 to punish William O'meally.
Death Mask
Emma Williams Death Mask
![Death Mask Emma Williams Death Mask](https://aumuseums.com/sites/default/files/items/V372-2.jpg)
Emma Williams death mask was made after her execution at the Old Melbourne Gaol on the 4th of November 1895, for the murder of her baby son at Albert Park. Death masks were used in the study of phrenology. It was thought that phrenologists could help predict and understand criminal behaviour.
Kelly Armour
A Suit of Kelly Armour
![Kelly Armour A Suit of Kelly Armour](https://aumuseums.com/sites/default/files/items/V372-1.jpg)
There were four suits of armour made by the Kelly gang. After Ned's capture, the Victorian Police dismantled the suits and various pieces became muddled. More books have been written on Ned Kelly than any other Australian. Sidney Nolan's famous series of paintings and sketches are based on the Kelly story.