Phase 1 - Archaeological Explorations
Completed November 2009
An archaeological investigation of the site took place to search for traces of historic garden beds and other landscape features. Slowly but surely artefacts began to emerge from beneath the asphalt. Different soil deposits, artefacts from night soil trenches, the edge of the circular driveway, a brick plinth footing and timber pad. Significant findings included amortar footing from the 1880 German Kiosk, footings from the 1888 temporary annexe, pathways from Edward La Trobe Bateman’s garden layout of the 1850s and the circular path and garden edging from 1890, overlaying the 1880 layout.
Phase 2 - Water Harvesting
Completed June 2010
Museum Victoria is committed to sustainable management practices. In this second phase of the project underground tanks with a storage capacity of 1.35 million litres were installed. Water is now being captured from the extensive roof of the Royal Exhibition Building, and from the hardstand areas. This water provides a reliable source for the fountains, lakes, and irrigation of the garden beds and trees.
Phase 3 - Garden Restoration
Completed February 2011
The western forecourt of the Royal Exhibition Building was one of the main components of the ‘palace garden’ setting for the site. Using archaeological and historical research, the 1880 garden landscape and plantings will be restored to their original splendour. Once again, the western forecourt will unify Victoria’s most significant historic building with its garden landscape.