Are you looking for a unique cultural experience and a great place to explore during your next travel adventure? The Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne, Australia is an amazing destination to visit. With its unique history, interesting facts, and a wide array of events held throughout the year, this outdoor amphitheatre has something to offer travelers of all interests. Whether you are looking for a place to grab a bite to eat or watch a performance from some of Australia’s best musicians, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl is the perfect spot for you. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most interesting facts and information about the bowl, as well as provide a travel guide to help guide your visit.
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1. The Sidney Myer Music Bowl was designed in 1958 by renowned architect Yuncken, Freeman, McClelland and Griffith as a sun-kissed outdoor performance venue in the heart of the Melbourne city centre.
2. The Bowl was the first permanent structure of its kind in the country, and it continues to be one of the most iconic performance venues in Australia, providing spectacular views of the city skyline
3. In 1960, Sidney Myer Music Bowl held the world premiere of Myer & Co’s ‘The Camelot Story’, an elaborately staged musical production featuring over 500 performers and animals.
4. In 2005, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl saw the Australian premiere of the Lord of the Rings Symphony performed by The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, bringing to life the magical world of Middle-earth.
5. In 2009, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl was transformed into a giant outdoor art gallery as part of the amazing ‘Business as Usual’ arts project. The project saw a range of public artworks and screenings of live performances displayed throughout the music bowl.
6. In 2013, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl was visited by the cast and crew of the first movie in The Hobbit trilogy, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, who filmed on the grassy grounds of the Bowl and used the iconic venue as an entrance to Rivendell.
7. To honour its 50th anniversary in 2008, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl held an open-air concert featuring performances by Paul Kelly, Ross Wilson, Diesel and also showcased a massive fireworks display.
The Sidney Myer Music Bowl is an iconic amphitheatre located in the south-east corner of Kings Domain of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Every year it hosts some of Australia’s most beloved and renowned music concerts, as well as outdoor theatre productions, major film screenings, festivals and other events.
The history of the Sidney Myer Music Bowl began in 1934 when Melbourne philanthropists Sidney and Elizabeth Myer donated the funds to build an amphitheatre in the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Myer’s shared a strong interest in music and wanted to provide a venue for the citizens of Melbourne to experience the joy of music. An architect by the name of William Wardell was commissioned to design the Music Bowl. About 10,000 seats were plonked upon the grassy hill, providing an amazing view of the performing stage.
Since its official opening in 1959, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl has become an iconic destination in Melbourne. Some of the biggest events in Australia have been held there, such as the 1984 Grand Final of the Miss Universe Pageant, The Rolling Stones No Security Tour, The Pink Floyd’s Division Bell Tour and Michael Jackson’s Youth Aids Concert.
Today, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl is one of the most sought-after venues for gigs, theater, movie screenings, and other events. Its picturesque setting and amazing acoustics make it the perfect destination for any kind of performance.
Getting There:
The Sidney Myer Music Bowl is located in the Kings Domain on the edge of the Yarra River in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The closest public transportation is the 3/3a Route tram from Flinders Street station. The tram drops you off at the Royal Exhibition Building, located just a few minutes walk away from the Music Bowl.
Parking:
There is limited street parking available near the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, so visitors should try to arrange public transportation instead.
Events:
The Sidney Myer Music Bowl is a popular venue for concerts, festivals, and performances. Major events include The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, The Spectacular Sounds of Summer Concert Series, and The Melbourne Cabaret Festival. You can also enjoy special events such as the Moomba Festival and Indie Music week. Most events at the Music Bowl are free.
Museums and Attractions:
After enjoying the events at the Music Bowl, there are plenty of other museums and attractions in the area to explore. Visitors can explore the nearby Royal Exhibition Building, National Gallery of Victoria, Tennis Centre, Shrine of Remembrance, Chinese Museum, and the nearby Botanical Gardens.
Food:
For visitors looking to grab a bite to eat, there are a variety of restaurants and cafes close to Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Some of the most popular spots include Florian Restaurant, Emerald Peac**k, and Brunetti’s Caffe.
Shopping:
The nearby QV center offers plenty of shopping choices for visitors. This popular mall features a cinema, clothing stores, and a food court. There are also some independent boutiques and stores along Cobenga Street.
Q: Where is the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne?
A: The Sidney Myer Music Bowl is located in Melbourne’s beautiful King’s Domain, at Linlithgow Avenue, Melbourne.
Q: Is there parking available at Sidney Myer Music Bowl?
A: Yes, there is a car park under the bowl, however spaces are limited and subject to availability. There is also unrestricted street parking in the area.
Q: What shows are held at Sidney Myer Music Bowl?
A: The Sidney Myer Music Bowl hosts a range of outdoor major concerts, theatrical events and community celebrations. Music genres range from classical concerts to contemporary and pop music, along with circuses, theatre performances and other family-oriented shows.
Q: How early should I arrive for a show at Sidney Myer Music Bowl?
A: It’s recommended that you arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the start of the show to allow plenty of time to get to your seat and find parking.
Q: What is the age limit to enter Sidney Myer Music Bowl?
A: Any age limit is subject to the show. Generally, all ages are welcome, however, some shows may have an age restriction. Please check the event details or speak to a representative when purchasing tickets.
5 Mar, 2024
5 Mar, 2024