While Melbourne was founded in 1835 by John Batman (who wanted to call it "Batmania", but was overruled), it was not incorporated until 1842, and did not get its first town hall until 1854. Construction had begun in 1851 but was interrupted by Australia's Gold Rush. The current building was opened in 1870, after the original structure was demolished; with the clock tower (which was named after Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh) being added in 1874. A disastrous fire in 1925 destroyed much of Melbourne 's Town Hall, including its auditorium. It was quickly rebuilt, and enlarged. The newly reconstructed auditorium now houses a magnificent 9000 pipe concert organ and serves as a multipurpose venue (e.g.theatrical plays, concerts, exhibitions, and weddings).This beautiful building is one of the showcase features for the city. We thoroughly enjoyed the free tour of the structure offered by the city. Melbourne's Town Hall decorated for Christmas. Portrait of Viscount Melbourne, Prime Minister of the Victoria, after whom the city was named. The City Council, composed of eleven members, which includes the Lord Mayor and the Deputy Lord Mayor, meet regularly in these chambers. Like all government buildings in the city, Melbourne's Town Hall displays the Coat of Arms for the city... ...even in the ceiling skylight. On the day of our tour of Town Hall, the impressive auditorium was holding a concert for seniors. In 1964, the Beatles visited Melbourne and greeted their fans from the balcony of the Town Hall.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Carl and Lorraine Aveni are two retirees planning on traveling through Europe for at least one year.
Archives
September 2020
Categories |