The Royal Exhibition Building dominates the new gardens laid out by Joseph Reed. Reproduced from Australasian Sketcher, 25 September, 1880.
Source: Museum Victoria
Media are invited to the groundbreaking for the Royal Exhibition Building sustainable garden project at 9.30am, Thursday 22 October 2009.
Museum Victoria is undertaking a major project to transform an unsightly car park at the Royal Exhibition Building, Australia’s first World Heritage listed building, into heritage gardens based on the original 19th century design.
The project will restore the western forecourt of the Royal Exhibition Building, which was covered in asphalt in the 1950s. Funded by a $5.3 million grant from the Victorian Government, the project will begin in late October 2009 with completion in February 2011.
An important component of the project is the installation of an extensive water harvesting and storage system, including a 900,000 litre underground water tank, which will ensure a sustainable future for this much-loved Melbourne landmark.
The first phase of the project will involve the removal of asphalt in the western forecourt, followed by an archaeological exploration of the site to search for traces of historic garden beds and other original features.
WHAT: Groundbreaking for the Royal Exhibition Building sustainable garden project
WHO: Dr Patrick Greene, CEO Museum Victoria, Dr Charlotte Smith, Senior Curator, Museum Victoria
WHEN: 9.30am, Thursday 22 October 2009
WHERE: Royal Exhibition Building Western Forecourt (Rathdowne Street side). Media parking available on gravel area of the Museum Plaza. Please enter via Rathdowne Street.
Royal Exhibition Building sustainable garden project
Open Day, Saturday 14 November 11–2pm, 2009
The public are invited to a viewing and information day on 14 November. Details to be confirmed closer to the date.