Santa goes to space. The Nutcracker. Famous fairytales. The list of magical Myer Christmas windows goes on.
For many Melburnians, the festive season begins with a trip to Bourke Street to marvel at the window displays. The tradition started in 1956, when visual merchandiser Fred Asmussen convinced management to allow him to create a grand Christmas display. The public response was overwhelming, and a beloved annual festive tradition was born.
Journey through nearly 70 years of incredible installations in the blog below.
Monograph series
‘Art allows my mind to be free and discover things beyond what my eyes can see.’ – Joe Monteleone
Artist Joe Monteleone was born deaf and over time experienced progressive vision loss. Rather than being limited by this, Joe says the way he sees the world enables him to concentrate on the details rather than being ‘caught up in the big picture’.
In the latest instalment of Monograph, the Library’s short-format documentary series, delve into the inspiration and driving forces behind Joe’s art. His work Flinders St Station, along with the linocut printing blocks used to create the artwork, was acquired by State Library Victoria.
Ask a librarian
Uncovering a local connection
After recently discovering a local connection to World War I nurse Kathleen Gawler, librarian Daniel Giddens uncovered the equally intriguing story of her husband, Reverend Herbert Edward Elton Hayes.
Read about this complex man whose life spanned military service, missionary work, community activism and ultimately a sensational heresy trial in Melbourne.
What’s on
Coming soon at the Library
State Library Victoria Unlocked: A Guided Tour Before the Doors OpenFrom 12 Dec
From the Library’s iconic Dome to its hidden catacombs, gain exclusive access to incredible heritage spaces and stories before the doors open.
Mural of Me: Collage workshops with Nicky Tsekouras22 Jan
Express yourself through colour, texture and playful paper collage in this imaginative hands-on workshop for kids.
Drag Storytime for Adults with Narelda Jacobs and Karina Natt31 Jan
Join Narelda Jacobs, Karina Natt and a cast of drag performers for an adults-only reading of If Queers Weren’t Meant to Have Kids…
The Library is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Visit our website for more information on how to make the most of your visit.
2. People (Sydney), July 2 1952, p 15
3. Monograph: Joe Monteleone, source State Library Victoria
4. State Library Victoria, credit Eva Gorobets
5. Mural of Me: Collage workshops with Nicky Tsekouras, image provided by talent
6. Drag Storytime for Adults with Narelda Jacobs and Karina Natt, image provided by talent
