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| A model of Ned's armor you can try on |
The State Library of Victoria was one of my stops. Located near Melbourne University, it is a reading/research library, not a lending library i.e. you can’t take books out of the library. It was built in the mid-1800’s with money from the Australian gold rush. Most impressive is the domed reading room; 5 or 6 stories tall, with the original reading desks radiating out from a central superintendents desk. It’s also part museum (at one time it actually was the museum), with art works, special exhibits, and a room devoted entirely to chess (books on chess, chess sets, people playing chess). One of the exhibits was on the infamous bushranger Ned Kelly. Being such an iconic figure in Australian history, the guide was surprised I had never heard of him, and based on what I learned about him, I was surprised too. (I will be doing some research on Ned). Ned’s story reminds me of our Billy the Kid or John Dillinger; hero or villain, loved by some, hated by others; living on the edge of society. His capture ended in a big shootout with Ned wearing a homemade suit of armor. Unfortunately he did not cover his legs with armor and some buckshot to his lower extremities brought him down. Ned shows up later in the Melbourne gaol and National Gallery of Victoria.
The Old Melbourne Gaol is/was Victoria’s oldest prison. Sadly only one building (cell block 2) remains, but it is pretty cool. Three stories tall, lined with cells. The Melbourne gaol reminded of Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia. They had the same philosophy towards punishment; isolation and penitence, and the original building styles were similar. Before his trial Ned Kelly was imprisoned here, and afterward hung in the gaols’ gallows. As part of the prison tour you can participate in the “Crime and Justice Experience”. Basically you get taken through the steps of being arrested and locked up at the now defunct police processing station next door. A police sergeant yells at you the whole time while you are booked, searched, put in a holding cell, marched into the exercise yard and finally released; quite amusing for a big group of tourists. You can also partake in a reenactment of Ned Kelly’s trial. This one also has audience participation, with individuals playing the roles of Ned, the judge, and the lawyers. All good fun while you learn a little history. |
| Kelly with Horse |
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)is actually two museums. One houses the international collection and the other, the Ian Potter Centre, houses Australian art. NGV international has a superb collection of Dutch and Flemish paintings and their signature piece is “The Banquet of Cleopatra” by Tiepolo. The Ian Potter Centre has a nice collection of indigenous aboriginal art and Australian artistist such as John Brack and Sidney Noland who painted a series on Ned Kelly this one entitled “Kelly with Horse”.
Finished up with a visit to the top of Eureka Tower to get a view of Melbourne from above. Eight-eight stories tall it has 360 degree view of the city as well as an open air balcony. It is fenced in case you are one of those people who thinks of jumping. One cool thing they have up there is called “The Edge”. You enter a glass box about 10 or 12 feet square. The box then starts moving out from the building. At first the glass is all opaque, you hear some cracking noise and glass shattering, then the glass becomes visible and you are suspended out over the edge of the building. Even the floor is glass so you can look straight down. When you're finished you get a little wrist band saying “I survived the EDGE”
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| Looking through the floor |
Off to take the ferry to Tasmania!
Live like there’s no tomorrow.
norb
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