/ Current Exhibitions

Gardens of Earthly Delight: The Story of Melbourne's Public Gardens
5 November 2005 - 26 February 2006

Gardens of Earthly Delight presents the story of Melbourne's public parks & gardens, as told through their historic development. The exhibition focuses on the gardens which encircle the CBD - Carlton, Fitzroy, Flagstaff, Treasury, Queen Victoria, Alexandra and Royal Botanic Gardens, and Birrarung Marr.

Historic photographs are shown alongside contemporary aerial photographs of each garden. The exhibition also identifies key events in the gardens' history, and the gardeners and bureaucrats who helped shaped them. The transition from wasteland to wonderland has been anything but smooth for most of the gardens, and the exhibition places Melbourne's major gardens in an historical and social context, by illustrating their uses over the last 150 years.

The exhibition features works by contemporary Melbourne artists Rowena Martinich and Rebecca Odgers, which are complemented by displays of historical and ephemeral gardens material.

Exhibition Partner

The City of Melbourne is proud to support this exhibition featuring some of Melbourne's most loved parks and gardens.

Exhibition Supporters            

Making Melbourne

Tracing the story of the city from early settlement to the present day.
Featuring Landmark by Charles Robb, an inverted statue of Lieutenant-Governor Charles La Trobe, currently installed in Gordon Reserve opposite Old Treasury.

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.

/ Events

Thursday 10 November
2.00pm
Simon Says
Join Curator Simon Gregg for an informal talk about the marble portrait bust of Sir Samuel Gillott, currently on display in Making Melbourne.
Free with entry.

Thursday 24 November
2.00pm
Remaking Nature: Three Melbourne Parks
Discover fascinating insights into Birrarung Marr, Royal Park and the Fitzroy Gardens.
With Ron Jones.
$10.00 (includes museum entry)

Sunday 27 November
10.30am
A Walk in the Park
Join Helen Page, Australian Garden History Society, for a walking tour of Birrarung Marr, and Treasury and Fitzroy Gardens. Concludes with refreshments in the garden at Bishopscourt.
$22.00 (includes coffee)

Thursday 8 December
2.00pm
Simon Says
Join Cecilia Newman for an informal talk on The Lonsdale Silver, currently on display in Making Melbourne.
Free with entry.