Controversial since the demolition of the industrial buildings that preceded it, Federation Square is also globally famous for its alleged ugliness. In 2009, the Melbourne newspaper The Herald Sun reported that Federation Square is fifth on its list of eyesores, alongside a library in Kosovo, a television tower in Prague and New Zealand's 1970s-era parliament building. A poll conducted by the newspaper also found that 64.13% of the random 2000 Melburnians surveyed responded "Yes, it's an eyesore". The 124 comments on this news article range from the most favourable which suggest that while Federation Square is not picturesque, Melburnians should "get over" the concrete ugliness of it to those who strongly advocate the demolition of an unsightly building that is a "pimple" in a heritage-landscape - with St Paul's Cathedral and Flinders Street Station in its immediate vicinity. It is Victoria’s second most popular tourist attraction, attracting 8.99 million visitors in 2011. Unlike many Australian landmarks, it was not opened by the Queen, nor was she invited to its unveiling.
Federation Square is home to The Ian Potter Centre: National Gallery of Victoria Australia; ACMI; NGV Kids Corner and No Vacancy Project Space; as well as a wide range of restaurants, cafés, bars, visitor services and shops. The Melbourne Visitor Centre is also located at Federation Square, providing a one-stop shop for information on Melbourne for local, interstate and international visitors alike.
This post is part of Our World Tuesday meme blog.
Feels a bit like a puzzle, life probably as well ;) Great second picture indeed ! Please have a good Tuesday.
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What a fascinating building and a terrific look at your world! Fascinating captures! Hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
I appreciated the history lesson -- at first glance, I didn't think it was all THAT ugly. (I'm not much of a big city person though, so I'm not overly fond of any cityscape.)
ReplyDeleteLove the interior photo, I have never been inside.
ReplyDeleteThose are awesome structures! I miss that Melbourne visit during my one and only visit to Australia, as i thought i can have the second chance, but failed. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, i posted about Nick today.
ReplyDeletealleged ugliness. is right, I think I won't want to go under, in case the glass come off the frame.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to Melbourne since FSq was built. The numbers say it all, Melburians love to hate it, but love to go there. I can't wait to visit one day and make up my own mind.
ReplyDeleteI was unsure about Federeation Square while it was being built but once completed I think it is great. If the number of locals and tourists who visit it is any guide it has been a grat success.
ReplyDeleteenjoy your photos; I've never been to Federation Square but hope to some day. The dome is very photogenic; a nice capture.
ReplyDeleteAaah! The enigma of Fed Square! When it is just an almost empty space on a grey day is is quite an ugly, unappealing place! But put in a stage of musicians, add a crowd and turn on the sunshine and the place comes alive with beauty! Like a modern day market place! The people bring the beauty and suddenly the "framework" comes to life!
ReplyDeleteI am a big fan of older style buildings but I have to say something appeals to me about this, and I'm wondering Nick if it was designed by the same person who has designed our new Entertainment Centre (still under construction) because they look remarkably alike from the outside. I must investigate. That second shot is fantastic, so many, many photo ops!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating place. Great images!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog and for your comments.
All the best,
Lois
I think it's so ugly that it's wonderful! I'm pretty sure my camera would agree with me. :))
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