an avenue in Melbourne during the International Exhibition, 1880

This engraving depicts one of Melbourne’s widest avenues in 1880, the year in which the city hosted the International Exhibition, which attracted 1.459 million visitors.
Modelled on the great European Expositions, the Exhibition aimed to promote industry, commerce, science and education. It was also an opportunity for entertainment and tourism.
Among the important buildings erected for the occasion, several of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is the Royal Exhibition Building, which can be seen in the background of the engraving.