Melbourne International Exhibition (1880)

Details

DescriptionAfter being granted self-governance, Victoria (in 1851) and New South Wales (in 1856), saw a steady economic growth as result of the discovery and exploitation of gold reserves. This growth during the 1850s and 1860s led to rivalry between their respective capitals Melbourne and Sydney. In the 1870s the focus turned to the outside world and proposals were made for organising an exhibition modelled on the great exhibitions of Europe, with an aim to promote commerce and industry, along with art, science and education. Melbourne started preparations in 1879 and filed a plan to the Parliament. Melbourne's rival Sydney, the older of the two cities, wanted to be the first and organised an exhibition in record time. This Sydney International Exhibition started in October 1879, but it focused mainly on agriculture, so it was not really universal and therefore did not meet the criteria for official recognition by the BIE. Melbourne decided to start their exhibition shortly after the one in Sydney, so the participants could transport their exhibits during the winter of 1880.Date1880CollectionWorld's FairsExternal LinkWikipedia: Melbourne International Exhibition (1880)PlaceMelbourneMenuEvents | 1850-1899 | 1880s

Image

The Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne, 1880
Public Domain
https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/items/253032