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Hi V .. This is the dome of the Royal Exhibition Building, 9 Nicholson Street, Carlton Gardens in Melbourne. Construction of the building was completed in 1880 and it hosted the Melbourne International Exhibition from 1880-1881. It was the site of the sitting of the first Parliament of Australia upon Federation in 1901.
In the 1880's visitors were able to access the exterior of the dome from a promenade deck which I am guessing is the area pictured around in the dome in the aerial view above. One visitor described the experience:
"At one's feet lies the city, with its well-planned and equally well-executed streets, its commendable buildings, its domes, its churches and its towers. Then the suburbs, green almost as the country beyond end the water of Port Phillip ... The sight was grand enough to be subduing ... and as we filed down the apparently endless stairs it was to the tune of silence."
Recent reports indicate that there are plans afoot to re-open the "Roam the Dome" experience enjoyed at the People's Palace over a century ago .. .J.
Now, that would be something. I bet it will require a finger hovered over buttons when the bookings open.
ReplyDeleteLast year the Historic Houses Trust had a series of tours around the dome of the Queen Victoria Building which is all that I can find which may be similar. The view had well and truly been squeezed!
I was reading about Sydney's own exhibition building the other day, which was burnt down in about 1882. I think James Barnet was involved in the design and construction of them both. Oh how I wish it had not been burnt to the ground!
It is so sad to lose our historic architecture.
DeleteWonderful Joe. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteNo worries Luis.
DeleteWhere were you to take that awesome shot?? Have a nice weekend.
ReplyDeleteHi Val, I was lucky enough to take a helicopter ride over Melbourne a few years ago.
DeleteI really do hope that the plans to reopen the "Roam the Dome" come to fruition Joe.
ReplyDeleteI will be there, camera ready, if it does Rae. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteAfter that description of the view from the dome Joe, even though I have a biggest fear of heights, I think I would be tempted to 'roam the dome' if it reopened.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great view, Joe!
ReplyDelete