We invite you into the world of Alfred Felton, where the past, present and future meet. An intricate look at his life and the little known story of an iconic mark made on Melbourne. Unravelled through artefacts, film, talks, performances and adventures.

ALFRED FELTON

Alfred lived at Hotel Esplanade from 1892 until his death in 1904. He is an unsung hero of the visual arts of Melbourne and a quiet benefactor to an extraordinary number of women and children in need. The Felton Bequests have funded three quarters of the National Gallery of Victoria’s world-class collection and continue to support artists and charities today.

THE FELTON MUSEUM

Inside the Felton Museum - a temporarily transformed space on the top floor of The Espy - you will discover his impact, his times, his passions and his progressive spirit. Along with insight into the lives of both famous and unknown visitors that have shaped the narrative of Hotel Esplanade. Prepare to be blown away by this modest man’s legacy, and the sea view. 

MUSEUM OPENING HOURS: 11AM-3PM
TICKETS: $45 Museum Day Pass, includes access to the museum plus one storytelling experience

TODAY'S STORYTELLING EXPERIENCES ARE:

Behind the Scenes (12PM)
History, music and mystery woven with stories and invitations into unseen spaces. See areas and learn stories never revealed to the public before from the tunnel in the cellar to it’s magical transformation today. Behind The Scenes is a compilation of fond memories and quirky anecdotes presented by third generation St Kilda rock and roller Suzi Q P Dhol. This story is for the community lovers, the curious and musically inclined. Suzi takes you down her path lined with a 30 year love affair with 'The Espy'.

Architecture Now with Technē (2PM)
Hotel Esplanade was originally built as a 60-room hotel in the Renaissance Revival Regency Resort style before alterations in the 1920s transformed it into a celebrated live music venue. From the 90s onwards, the Espy survived numerous sales and threatened demolition before undergoing a major refurbishment in 2018.

The owners endeavoured this ambitious and meaningful transition through the guides of their long standing relationship with the esteemed architects from Technē. Meet them as Nick and the team unravel their story of transforming an already iconic venue into a place that would further unlock greatness and mystery.

The Ghosts of Hotel Esplanade (3PM)
Not your average ghost tour, this storytelling experience explores the ever-evolving Euro Yroke / St Kilda shoreline from pre-colonisation through to the current landscape where the grand dame Hotel Esplanade stands today. Over its 140 years The Espy has housed all manner of inhabitants, notorious incidents and former grand extensions now combined into a compelling storytelling hour while exploring what this iconic building has to offer.

How did businessman Mr M'Ewan meet his ultimate end? Why were patrons mysteriously losing their dogs? Where did the Eastern Tent Ballroom go? And what was that strange machine being built out the back? Join Dr Bo's entwined stories about the permeating walls of Australia's only 19th century resort style hotel on the shifting Euro Yroke and St Kilda shoreline.

DURATION OF STORY: 60 mins
MEETING POINT: Ghost of Alfred Felton, lift is accessible via the host at concierge
MORE INFO AND ACCESSIBILITY ENQUIRIES: arts@hotelesplanade.com.au

All U18's MUST be accompanied by a legal parent or guardian at all times

**Please arrive 5-10 minutes before the start of your storytelling experience. Unfortunately latecomers may not be able to join until a suitable point in the journey.**

We would like to thank and acknowledge the participation of actors from VCA Theatre (BFA Acting & Theatre) in this event. The Victorian College of the Arts is part of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music at the University of Melbourne.

+ ADDITIONAL STORIES AND ADVENTURES : CHECK THE FULL PROGRAM 8-17 NOVEMBER 2019

We acknowledge the lands on which we present this work are the lands of the Yaluk-ut Weelam people of the Kulin Nations. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and future.