Did you know that Flinders Street Station has a hidden third floor and ballroom that has been locked-up and dust-filled since the 1980s? Neither did Melbourne-based artist, Rone. When he found out about it, he knew the space would be perfect for an epic multimedia installation. And he wasn’t wrong.

Time is a stunning installation by the internationally renowned artist that brings the history of these abandoned, 112-year-old spaces to life again. 

“For years, I had heard all these stories about the mysterious ballroom above Flinders Street Station. I always wondered how much of it was truth and how much was urban myth. I was desperate to get in there,” Rone explains. 

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But getting access to the site was no easy feat. There is a lot of red-tape that comes with installing art in a heritage-listed space, let alone a space that is crumbling from years of neglect – a far cry from what it was in its prime. Throughout its post-war history the upper level and ballroom has housed sporting clubs, language class, a rooftop running track and ballroom.

“I find it fascinating that there is an entire wing of the building that was locked up for decades,” he explains. “Once I discovered how important these spaces had been in the past, I knew I wanted to share that with people.”

Time offers fictional histories that will transport audiences to post-WWII Melbourne through 11 distinctly themed rooms filled with original and recreated period objects, lighting and sound design, and Rone’s signature portraits, which serenely hover above each scene.

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While the scenes look like a time capsule of a bygone age, it actually took 120 professionals over a period of several months to complete the meticulous installation process. Rone also had to call on some of his long-time collaborators, like interior set decorator Carly Spooner, who miraculously collected fourteen matching vintage typewriters, which are on display in Time.

Since inception, it has taken more than three years for Rone’s project to come to life – thanks to pandemic lockdowns and heritage restrictions – but it is well worth the wait. 

Time opens to the public October 28, 2022 and will run till January 29, 2023. Book tickets via Rone. 

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