'The Public Purse'

It normally might take the

eagle-eyed to spot a purse on the ground in the center of a busy city, but the size of “The Public Purse” makes it hard to miss.

In January 1994, the City of

Melbourne

ran a campaign for submissions for unique street seating. This unusual, large purse made of granite and stainless steel was designed by Simon Perry. It sits as a symbol of the Melbourne Central Business District as both a commercial hub and shopping destination. Perry himself said of his work that it “signifies an interaction between the city and citizens, the public and the private.”

The work of art was unveiled to the public on September 12, 1994, and has since become a quirky favorite of many Melbourne residents. The seat acts as a place for tired shoppers to rest their legs. Visitors may find tourists trying to open the purse to check for any treasures inside but unfortunately, it is sealed shut.