University of Melbourne Vice Principal (Engagement) Adrian Collette said the University and Myer have enjoyed a long association.

“Sidney Myer, who founded the department store, made his first major philanthropic gift to the University in 1926, a gift which remains a significant source of support,” Mr Collette said.

“Today, the Myer name continues to be linked to the University through the generosity of the Myer Foundation and the Sidney Myer Fund, which have been among the longest-standing and most important benefactors to the University.”

Mr Collette said the University was looking forward to welcoming guests to the event in one of the University’s most striking spaces.
“It is an extraordinary space but not one that many Melbournians have experienced and we hope the audience will be left with a lasting impression of the space and the campus as a whole.”

The gothic-inspired carpark was built in 1972 and has featured in numerous films and television series, including Mad Max, MasterChef and the current hit film Lion. Director George Miller chose the carpark as the location for the Main Force Patrol garage in the first instalment of his Mad Max films.

The carpark was designed by architects Loader and Bayley and construction was managed by J L Van Der Molen. When it opened in 1972, it was Australia’s only fully underground car park.

The carpark is also considered to be historically significant. The east entrance contains a door from a 1745 house in St Stephen’s Green, Dublin, and the west entrance is framed by two Atlas figures from the demolished Colonial Bank formerly on Elizabeth Street.