Taking a Peek Inside At 'Melbourne Open House'
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Sinlung
Explaining how the inspiration for “Melbourne Open House” came about, is the event’s spokesman, Robert Larocca.
[Robert Larocca, Spokesman, Melbourne Open House]:
"It came from New York and London, they've had open houses going for over ten years, and they have around four hundred buildings open, they're enormous. And people from Melbourne have gone there, and participated in those events, and thought "We should be able to do this in Melbourne", because we've got some fantastic buildings."
On every other day, some of the buildings quarters, aren’t readily accessible to the public.
[Robert Larocca, Spokesman, Melbourne Open House]:
“Something like the Manchester Unity board room, is a private space, it’s closed, today you can go in there and have a look.”
And look we did, at all 20 feet by 6 feet of Queensland Maple board room table, beneath it’s equally dimensioned imported French glass top. Presented in it’s original style, the Manchester Unity building, was the tallest building in Melbourne, when completed in 1932, in Commercial Gothic Modern style. It was also the first building, with escalators.
Neighboring the Manchester Unity building, is the Capitol Theatre, completed in 1924. The upper circle foyer, might take some mental energy to visualize it’s former glory, but stepping into the theatre itself, and gazing at the ornate interior, leaves no doubts as to why it is heritage listed.
[David Storer, Tour Guide]:
“It was at the leading edge of modern architecture in it’s day, and by comparison with modern buildings of today, it was very much appreciated and loved very much, almost immediately from it’s opening.”
The more contemporary 101 Collins Street building is also open for the day. While visitors seemed dwarfed by the large open expanses at ground level, the 23rd floor boardroom view, offered them a towering perspective of the city’s familiar surrounds, and an impressive backdrop for family pics.
Organizers of Melbourne Open House, say, that if the event remains popular, it will be staged again next year. It looks like there’ll be more exploring to come in 2010.
Robert Apicella, NTD, Melbourne, Australia