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If you were to travel back in time to a Saturday night in Melbourne in 1854, you would find a city both familiar and strange. The buildings, mostly timber and canvas, would appear less sturdy than modern structures, but the layout of the CBD would be recognizable. The State Library of Victoria was newly established, on its way to becoming a facility with 20,000 books. The city was brimming with nightlife activities, including taverns, music halls, circuses, and brothels, as well as street food and roadside scientific demonstrations. Shops stayed open until midnight, and Sunday was a day of rest, with the option of finding a sly grog shop to continue the festivities.

The east end of Melbourne was a hub of entertainment, with six new theatres and circuses opening between 1852 and 1856. The Salle de Valentino, a circular building on Bourke and Spring streets, offered a variety of performances, attracting a rough crowd. Astley’s Amphitheatre, located where the Princess Theatre stands today, hosted equestrian shows and Shakespeare plays. Performers from England, Europe, and the US were drawn to Melbourne’s newfound wealth, offering ballet, opera, theatre, classical music, and comedy to the city’s residents. The Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Society and Mechanics Institute provided further cultural offerings to the people.

Horse-related entertainment was popular in Melbourne, with Rowe’s American Circus showcasing equestrian acts on horseback. Horse bazaars and horse racing events were a significant part of the city’s culture, attracting crowds to watch horses being broken in or auctioned. The Crystal Palace on William Street displayed the wares of the colonies, drawing large crowds eager to experience the city’s cultural offerings. Despite the changes that have occurred in Melbourne over the past 170 years, the city’s vibrant and diverse entertainment scene remains a key aspect of its appeal.

The nightlife in Melbourne in 1854 was lively and bustling, with a wide range of establishments vying for the attention of the city’s residents. From taverns and music halls to circuses and brothels, there was no shortage of entertainment options to choose from. The east end of the city was particularly vibrant, with new theatres and circuses opening to cater to the growing population’s cultural needs. Performers from around the world were drawn to Melbourne’s newfound wealth, offering a diverse array of entertainment options to its residents.

Horse-related entertainment was also a popular pastime in Melbourne in 1854, with horse bazaars and racing events attracting crowds eager to watch the animals in action. The Crystal Palace on William Street provided a showcase for the colonies’ offerings, drawing large crowds eager to experience the city’s cultural riches. Despite the changes that have taken place in Melbourne over the past 170 years, the city’s reputation as a vibrant and diverse playground remains unchanged.

Overall, Melbourne in 1854 was a city teeming with life and energy, with a lively nightlife scene, diverse entertainment options, and a rich cultural heritage. From theatres and circuses to horse-related entertainment and colonial showcases, there was no shortage of activities for residents and visitors to enjoy. Despite the passage of time, Melbourne’s status as a beloved playground for its inhabitants remains a constant throughout its history.

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