Melbourne Art and Architecture
More of the exploration of Melbourne. This truly is a wonderful city, no wonder it produces such beautiful women. From the Legends at the MCG to some of the sculptures, statues art and architecture Melbourne has so much to offer. Get off the tram and walk the streets.
The Sir Donald Bradman, 1908-2001. The Don who played 52 Tests for Australia from 1928 to 1948. He was captain in 24 Tests scoring 6996 runs at a world record average of 99.94. His amazing first class batting record of 117 centuries included 19 at the MCG. Sculptor was Louis Laumen.
Keith R Miller AM MBE, 1919-2004. A mecurial match winning all-rounder. Keith Miller played 55 Tests for Australia (he also played 50 games of “Aussie Rules” for St Kilda Football Club) and was universally admired as one of the game’s greatest players in the decade after World War II. He represent Victoria at cricket and football. Sculptor Louis Laumen.
Ron Barassi AM. A champion player, inspirational Captain and Coach and strong advocate of the national competition, Barassi played 254 games from 1953 to 1969. He coached in 514 games from 1965 to 1995 at Carlton, North Melbourne, Melbourne and Sydney. Ron is a AFL Hall of Fame Legend whose achievements include playing in or coaching in 10 premierships from 17 Grand Finals. Sculptor Louis Laumen.
RMIT University building was originally started as a Working Man’s College, based in La Trobe St, in 1887 and having had several name changes along the way, RMIT is one of Australia’s biggest universities.
The Forum Melbourne is one of Australia’s most exciting and best live act venues for showcasing local and international artists. From chart-topping rock bands, stand-up comics and variety shows to publicity events and record launches, the Forum offers a unique experience in entertainment.
The Ceremony and Vehicle for Conveying Spirit is located on Russell St and the corner of Little Collins Street outside the Portland Hotel. Built on the concept of a journey and the pomp of a ceremonial procession by Maurie Hughes. It serves as a vent.
A History Apparatus – Vessel, Craft and Beacon. An aluminium and fibreglass sculpture representing the past, present and future. The structure replaced a public toilet which is why it may also look a little like a cistern’s ball cock. Located on Russell St and the corner of Bourke St, outside the Greater Union cinema.
The Melbourne Mint became a vital part of Melbourne’s growth after the discovery of gold in Victoria. From 1869 coins minted were considered legal tender. The Melbourne Mint on William St was one of four buildings used for minting coins before coining ceased in 1968.
Cow Up A Tree is an intriguing work has a water-based thematic connection to Melbourne Docklands. Many years ago, a violent flood swept up herds of cattle in the Gippsland area of Victoria before subsiding and revealing the carcass of a cow stranded at the top of a tree. At 5 tons of bronze and 8 metres high, Cow up a Tree creates a surreal experience. The work also makes reference to Australian artist William Dobell who, during World War II, served as a camouflage labourer and worked on papier-mache cows that were moved around the base of airfields in the hope of fooling Japanese pilots. The artist contemplated what would happen during a flood on Dobell’s airfield.
The magnificent Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens was completed in 1880 for Melbourne’s first International Exhibition, a product of the optimism, enthusiasm and energy of the people of Melbourne in the late nineteenth century. Melbourne was a prosperous city basking in the wealth from the richest gold rush in the world… how better to publicise the achievements and opportunities in the (then) colony of Victoria than by hosting an international exhibition?
International exhibitions were staged around the world to demonstrate the confidence and achievements of the industrial age. They provided a mechanism for the worldwide exchange of goods, technology, ideas, culture and values, and heralded a new era of trading networks and the modern international economy. The exhibitions were a spectacular shop front for the industrial revolution, which shaped some of the greatest global social and economic transformations.
Today, the Royal Exhibition Building flourishes as one of the world’s oldest exhibition pavilions, symbolising the great 19th century international exhibition movement, and on 1 July 2004 became the first building in Australia to achieve World Heritage listing.
With its meticulously restored opulent interior, expansive galleries and soaring dome, the Great Hall offers a magnificent setting for trade shows, fairs and cultural and community events.
The Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens, Melbourne, were inscribed on the World Heritage List at the 28th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Suzhou, China in July 2004.
