New pop-up gift shop for Koorie Heritage Trust

The Koorie Heritage Trust's gift shop has moved into a temporary home in the Crossbar building at Federation Square as works begin to transform the Yarra Building into a dedicated First Nations arts and culture centre.

Studio Peter King has designed the pop-up Shop Koorie, which is open from 20 July.

Described as a "fresh and vibrant" space, the pop-up is home to unique products designed and produced by Victorian First Peoples artists and designers.

The expansion of the Koorie Heritage Trust's headquarters to occupy all three levels of the Yarra Building was announced in January 2023.

Designed by Lyons, Greenaway Architects and Architecture Associates, the project will add an extra 600 square metres of exhibition spaces, community engagement and education spaces, and retail spaces.

"An expanded footprint in the heart of the Melbourne Arts Precinct recognizes the importance of First Peoples, culture and community as central to Narrm and consolidates KHT [Koorie Heritage Trust] as a place for everyone: a unique space rich in culture, heritage and history, which welcomes and encourages all people to come together in the spirit of learning and reconciliation'', said Tom Mosby, Koorie Heritage Trust CEO.

Koorie Heritage Trust will remain open during the renovations, although there will be some disruptions to normal daily operations. Visitors will be unable to access the centre through the main doors to the Yarra Building but will still be able to access the top floor to view the permanent collections display via the lift on the west side of the building.

Renovations are expected to be completed by November 2023.