/ Current Exhibitions

RE:Built Environment: Imitating Melbourne Architecture
Until 24 September

An exhibition unlike any previously seen at City Museum, RE:Built Environment: Imitating Melbourne Architecture is a chronological run-through of Melbourne architectural landmarks from 1850 to 2000, placed alongside the building, object or idea which (may have) provided inspiration.

Presented in Melbourne’s Old Treasury Building, itself a nineteenth century reinvention of Classical and Italian Renaissance architecture, the exhibition also showcases large and small scale installation works by contemporary Melbourne artist Glen Walls.

The two disparate exhibition components are bound by a common objective of demythologising the ‘High Art’ of contemporary and historical architectural practice. While many architects are open about their influences and use of pastiche, homage and irony, for many the built environment is wrapped up in impenetrable theory. RE:Built Environment playfully and irreverently debunks the myths surrounding Melbourne architecture.

RE:Built Environment is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue with texts by Peter Andrew Barrett, architectural historian, and Simon Gregg, Curator, City Museum at Old Treasury, Melbourne.
Available from the City Museum Shop from 8 July, $5.00 RRP.
Contact City Museum to enquire about mail order.

For more information about Glen Walls visit www.glenwalls.com

Exhibition Supporters             
     

The 2006 Bald Archy Prize
Until 30 July

It’s irreverent, witty, crazy and ‘just for fun’. It’s the only art competition in the world judged by a sulphur-crested cockatoo, named Maude! And it is now regarded as the alternative competition to The Archibald Prize, attracting ever-increasing numbers of fans to its annual showings.

Created in 1994 as a spoof of that more serious competition, the Bald Archy provides artists of all styles and standards with a genuine opportunity, ranging from the hilarious to the bizarrely vulgar, to create portrait paintings of humour, dark satire, light comedy or caricature.

The acquisitive prize of $5,000 is sponsored by SHIELD MERCANTILE and two People’s Choice Awards (of pearl jewellery) are provided by DEEP SEA MOONLIGHT PEARLS. The Bald Archys will be transported from gallery to gallery courtesy of TOLL IPEC.

“It would defeat the whole purpose if anyone took it seriously. After all, how can anyone make a genuine comment on something intended to defy criticism?” – Canberra Times

“A jibe at the absurdity of attempting to judge art” – Australian Art Review

“The greatest collection of comic art portraits in the land” – Sydney Sunday Telegraph

Exhibition Supporters      
          

Making Melbourne

Tracing the story of the city from early settlement to the present day.

Built on Gold

The story of Victoria’s gold, its journey and legacy in the years 1852-1862.

Growing Up in the Old Treasury

Recreating the caretaker’s apartments, as occupied 1916-1928.

Gold and Prosperity

The Vizard Foundation collection of colonial gold and silver.

/ Coming Up

Hat Tricks
From 30 September to 26 November

Hats of all shapes, sizes and ages come together to celebrate the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival in Hat Tricks. Ranging from the demure to the outrageous, Hat Tricks presents a fascinating journey through time, documenting the trademark Melbourne passion for headwear.

The exhibition showcases the work of contemporary local milliners alongside displays of significant colonial and modern hats. Create your own masterpiece by joining one of the hat-making workshops run in conjunction with Hat Tricks.

/ Events

Thursday 20 July
2.00pm
Simon Says
Join Janet Lukins for an informal talk about the Elizabeth Street flood, on display in Making Melbourne.
Free with entry

Wednesday 26 July
2.00pm
Talking Architecture
Join Architectural Historian Peter Andrew Barrett for an insight into Melbourne architecture, through the exhibition RE:Built Environment.
Free with entry

Tuesday 1 August
2.00pm
Simon Says
Join Education Officer Ian Watts for an informal talk about The Adelaide Hunt Club Cup c.1881, currently on display in Gold & Prosperity.
Free with entry

Tuesday 15 August
2.00pm
Simon Says
Join Curator Simon Gregg for an informal talk about 1880s Boomtown Fashion, currently on display in Making Melbourne.
Free with entry

Thursday 24 August
2.00pm
Artist’s Talk
Join Melbourne artist Glen Walls for an informative discussion about his work showing in RE:Built Environment.
Free with entry

Thursday 31 August
7.00pm
Mysteries of the Old Treasury Building
Join tour leader Cassie May for a peek into the hidden rooms and haunted passageways of the Old Treasury Building.
$22/ $15 concession (includes champagne)

Tuesday 5 September
2.00pm
Simon Says
Join Stephanie McCormick for an informal talk about the Maynards’ Apartment, on display in Growing Up in the Old Treasury.
Free with entry

Thursday 14 September
2.00pm
Curator’s Talk
Join Curator Simon Gregg for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of RE:Built Environment.
Free with entry

Wednesday 20 September
10.00am
Walking Architecture
Discover the secrets and debunk the myths surrounding Melbourne’s built environment on this walking tour, led by Architectural Historian Peter Andrew Barrett and City Museum Curator Simon Gregg.
$22/ $15 concession (includes coffee)

Friday 29 September
Grand Final Parade
Steps of Old Treasury