Site Overview
site name:
Sidney Myer Music Bowl
architect(s):
Yuncken Freeman Brothers, Griffiths & Simpson
date of commission:
1956
date of completion:
1959
address:
Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Kings Domain, Melbourne, VIC
protection status:
VicHeritage, National Trust, UIA
editor fiche:
Andrew Murray, 2014
download fiche:
Docomomo Australia Fiche (pdf)
Description
Named for its retailing benefactor, whose family took a keen interest in the project, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl was the first major purpose-built outdoor venue in Melbourne. The design, with its tent-like roof supported by two tapering cigar-shaped masts, resulted from project architect Barry Patten and his assistant Angel Dimitroff experimenting with various structurally expressive ideas. A model of 6″ nails, cotton thread and rice paper was used to develop the idea. The draped structure covers a stage, orchestra pit and fixed seating. An extensive uncovered lawn rises to the south, increasing the capacity of the Bowl to approximately 20,000. The structure reflects the limited means of engineering analysis then available.
