State archives on display at City Gallery

Featuring records from our 'Landmark' collection, ​A History of the Future: Imagining Melbourne includes building plans, underground roads and public art projects proposed by city planners, architects, artists and writers over the last 180 years that would have changed the face of the city and how we engage with it.

 

The exhibition also features a 14-metre long panoramic wall drawing by artist Lewis Brownlie whose imagined Melbourne’s cityscape brings some of these dreams and schemes to life.

 

Chair of the Arts and Culture Portfolio Councillor Rohan Leppert said A History of the Future was a fascinating compilation of some largely forgotten plans for a Melbourne that never was.

 

'A History of the Future is a wonderful opportunity to see what might have been and reflect on how we can best protect and preserve Melbourne’s heritage and natural environment,' Councillor Leppert said.

 

Clare Williamson said the exhibition contains food for thought for anyone interested in Melbourne’s past, present and future. 

 

'In recent years, Melbourne has been transformed, not by towering landmarks, dramatic demolitions or elevated walkways, but by subtle adjustments to the fine grain of its urban fabric,' Clare said. 

 

The exhibition is open from 19 May until Friday 12 August 2016. For more information see www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/citygallery