From our Archives
On the 9th May 1901, Melbourne played host to the opening
of the first Australian Commonwealth Parliament by the Duke of Cornwall and York, later to
be King George V.
The ceremony took place at
the Exhibition Building and was witnessed by 12000 invited guests.
A week of celebrations and
festivities in Melbourne accompanied the opening of Parliament and included
firework displays, sporting events and dinners. Federation arches were built in
city streets and key buildings such as the Exhibition Building, were illuminated at night.
The library has an original
program detailing the events surrounding the opening along with invitations to
various events celebrating the occasion.
These items are held in the archive collection and can be viewed by arrangement with library staff.