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Dodgems Building - Luna Park

Location Cnr Esplanade and Cavill Street,, ST KILDA VIC 3182 - Property No B6436 File Number B6436 Level National

[1/2] B6436 Dodgem Building [2/2] B6436 Dodgem Building

Statement of Significance

The Dodgems Building is of National significance as one of the few remaining early structures in either of Australia's most famous amusement parks - the Luna Parks in both Melbourne and Sydney. This whimsical structure was built in 1926 to house the newly patented "Dodgem Cars" ride on the first floor. Probably the first example of this popular attraction in the country, it is remarkable that the ride is still operating (though without the original cars).
The oddly-shaped plan of the building is emphasised through the use of loosely-derived Medieval castle/French chateau stylistic elements, exaggerated for picturesque effects. At night, the fantasical qualities of the building are enhanced by hundreds of lights outlining the structure.
Few pre-WW11 amusement structures survive in Australia; the only comparable example is the Dodgems Building in Sydney's Luna Park (known as the Crystal Palace), built in 1936. As part of Luna Park, the Dodgems Building is etched in the minds of Melbournians; at least three generations of this city have childhood memories of being battered by hordes of other learner-drivers.
Classified: 21/04/1993