From a model banana to a bottle of 1980s spumante, there are some very unusual items in our City Collection. Since the 1850s, we have accumulated an eclectic and important range of cultural material, which amounts to more than 8000 items. These include contemporary art, historical artefacts, photography and more, housed in a permanent collection in line with international museum standards. Some items are displayed in our administration buildings and community facilities, and 171 outdoor artworks are on display in the streets and parks of Melbourne. You can also browse more than 5500 items online at City Collection. Here are 11 of the more unusual items, and the stories behind them. 1. Bottle of Moomba spumante This bottle of sparkling white wine was produced to commemorate Moomba in 1981. The clown emblem was relaunched that year, and the label bears this new artwork. 2. Tomato sauce sculpture One of seven sculptures by Kenny Pittock inspired by Melbourne’s milk-bar culture. Others include: Killer Python, Pie with a saucy smile and It’s a long way to the top if you wanna sausage roll. 3. Teapot in the shape of Flinders Street station Leigh Hobbs – the writer and artist behind popular children’s book Mr Chicken – created this limited-edition, hand-painted porcelain teapot in 1984. 4. Booklet called ‘The World’s Greatest Murderer – the Fly’ With a graphic cover image, this booklet details the fly’s ability to disseminate disease, and the benefits of using disinfectant. It was published in 1911 by the Australian Disinfectant Company. 5. Model banana Mounted on a base with an engraved panel, this model banana was presented to the Lord Mayor in recognition of the launch of the Coffs Harbour tram in 1992. 6. Photograph of a woman rollerskating with a teddy bear Harking back to the popular Free … Continue reading 11 quirky items in our City Collection