Making Modern Melbourne

In 1900 Melbourne was the largest city in Australia, a distinction it would hold for just one more year before Sydney surpassed it once again. Just under 500,000 people lived within its outer boundaries, with perhaps 68,000 within the City and North Melbourne. Its suburbs already extended over 16 kilometres from the centre.

At this time, Melbourne was a low-rise city, the height of buildings limited to 12 storeys, or the length of the fire brigade’s ladder. But by mid-century the city would begin an ascent that continued well into this century, with ‘skyscraper’ office and apartment buildings dominating the skyline. As the city grew up, it also expanded outwards, in a suburban sprawl that now extends more than 70 kilometres from the centre.

Inner Melbourne had its ups and down during this time. As more Melburnians migrated to the outer suburbs, the city centre stagnated. But a determined program of revitalisation in recent decades has transformed the CBD into a lively sports, arts and leisure hub, alive with people at all hours. And Melburnians have at last rediscovered their river, reversing years of neglect to recreate a place for gathering, ceremony and simple enjoyment.

Making Modern Melbourne opens 14 April 2025.

More details coming soon.