Commemorative events and heritage in former capitals: a case study of Melbourne

Abstract

Former capitals still attract tourists, even though they no longer have political and administrative roles. This article seeks to explore how and why this touristic appeal still exists. Three explanatory approaches are proposed, based on (1) their cultural heritage, (2) their built structure as intact heritage gems and (3) their role in commemorative events. These issues are examined through a case study of Melbourne, Australia's capital from Federation in 1901 through to the establishment of Canberra in 1927. Melbourne retains a number of grand public buildings from this era, which are increasingly marketed in terms of heritage tourism. Thus for example, Australia's first parliament was opened in the Royal Exhibition Building, which has recently been World Heritage listed. Such sites become important to the staging of commemorative events. When the Centenary of Federation was staged in 2001, the major recreations and commemorations occurred in Melbourne. As part of that centenary, a new events and tourism precinct – Federation Square – was established to specifically commemorate Melbourne's status as Australia's first capital.

Keywords:

• commemorations
• events
• heritage
• Melbourne
• Federation Square
• Ravenna