Making Modern Melbourne exhibition at Old Treasury Building

We live in a vibrant city, one of the world’s “most liveable”, but it wasn’t always that way.

At the dawn of the 20th century Melbourne was the temporary capital of a new self-governing nation. It was a time of optimism, leading into the “Roaring Twenties”. But all was not well in Melbourne.

The extravagance of the decade contrasted with extreme poverty, while high living costs and food shortages saw strikes and violent protest.

Amid all this Melbourne was growing. Literally! Where once building heights were limited to the length of the fire brigade’s ladder (12 storeys), first Manchester Unity, then ICI House, began an ascent to the sky.

In Making Modern Melbourne, a free new exhibition at the Old Treasury Building, we examine the tumultuous century that saw two world wars and a depression, but also a long post-war boom, strong immigration, then ultimately multiculturalism, rights for all citizens, increased public transport, and belatedly, heritage laws to protect the historic buildings that survived!

In three rooms filled with stunning historical images of Melbourne, you will also find on display an original beaded flapper dress, Melbourne Olympics memorabilia, an original “Whelan the Wrecker” sign, and the sweetest little coin purse showing the conversions from pounds, shillings, and pence to decimal currency.

We show film footage of Melbourne from the 1960s, created to entice migrants to our city, but now a nostalgic look at a familiar city, altered by more than 50 years of change.

In an exhibition highlight, local photographer Sarah Pannell has recaptured well-known cityscapes, from the perspective of historic images. Trace the corner of Flinders Street Station before and after the construction of the present station, and see the streets transition from horse-drawn carriages to modern trams. Or view the streetscape of the “Paris End” of Collins St from the vantage point of the Old Treasury Building, and many more!

This free exhibition is on long-term display at Old Treasury Building, open 10am to 4pm, Sunday to Friday. •