Metro Tunnel brings Christmas spirit to the CBD

The Metro Tunnel is spreading some Christmas cheer across Melbourne’s CBD with bright and colourful artworks for the festive season. 

Two artworks have been installed on Swanston St; Wall Whispers by Meagan Streader and Alice Oehr’s Summer Feasting.

Wall Whispers features photographs of Ms Streader’s immersive light installation Sky Whispers, which were first shown at the National Gallery of Victoria’s 2023 Melbourne Now exhibition. 

The work’s geometric forms explore the dynamic interaction of light and architecture, using light-reflecting vinyl that changes as you move past the artwork, near the Young and Jackson Hotel and on Flinders Street. 

If you’re still wondering what to cook for Christmas, be inspired by Ms Oehr’s Summer Feasting.

The work is a tapestry of summer culinary delights to be enjoyed with family and friends during the warm weather. 

“From fish and chips at the beach to pizza in the park, Christmas pudding at the table, or an ice-cream on a warm summer evening – it’s a delicious time of year,” Ms Oehr said. 

In Scott Alley, you’ll spot Christmas Shopper, by Marc Martin. 

The artwork shows a lone figure making their way home after a day of shopping as the afternoon sun descends.

Created using watercolour and pencil on paper, this piece aims to extend the laneway towards an imaginary network of alleyways and shops.

The artworks are part of the Metro Tunnel’s Creative Program, which promotes local artists across the five new Metro Tunnel stations’ sites to keep the city vibrant during construction. 

The Metro Tunnel is the biggest upgrade of Melbourne’s train network since the City Loop opened in 1981. It will double the size of Melbourne’s underground rail network as we move towards becoming Australia’s biggest city.  

The project will connect the busy Sunbury and Cranbourne/Pakenham lines via twin nine-kilometre tunnels under the city, creating an end-to-end rail line from Melbourne’s northwest to the south-east, better connecting all Victorians to jobs, healthcare and education.

For more information: bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/metro-tunnel •