The public purse

The Public Purse

The Melbourne audio-guided tour makes you smile before The Public Purse, a giant sculpture in the shape of a purse, set in the Bourke Street Mall. This unusual work is one of the famous Big Things that dot Australia.

Australia's Big Things

Australia collects these giant statues, scattered across the country: there are more than one hundred and fifty of them. Some are heritage-listed, others belong to popular art, but all have become real tourist attractions, encountered during road trips. The Public Purse, a sculpture of granite and stainless steel, is the Melbourne example, designed as a seat in the heart of the shopping street.

What there is to see

Set in the Bourke Street Mall, this giant purse humorously evokes money and power, in the heart of Melbourne's shopping district. Designed as a bench, it invites passers-by to sit on it. It is a playful and photogenic stop, typical of the offbeat urban art that makes the charm of the city.

Practical information

The Public Purse can be seen freely, in the open air, on the Bourke Street Mall, a pedestrian shopping street in the centre of Melbourne. The sculpture is accessible at any time and free of charge. It is a quick stop, ideal for a photo, during the walk through the centre.

What is The Public Purse ?

A giant sculpture in the shape of a purse, in granite and stainless steel, set in the Bourke Street Mall and designed as a seat.

What are the Big Things ?

They are the giant statues scattered across Australia, more than one hundred and fifty, which have become tourist attractions.