Celebrating 60 years since the '56 Olympics

Author: Tara Oldfield

Communications Officer

On the 22nd of November 1956, Melbourne began its two week run as host city of the Olympic Games. It was the first time the Games were held in the Southern Hemisphere and the first in which all athletes walked the closing ceremony together.

Public Record Office Victoria holds many fantastic records from the 1956 Games including original plans, the City of Melbourne submission to hold the Games, and photographs.

A photograph of the model made of the ‘new grandstand’ to be built for the Games — A photograph of the model made of the 'new grandstand' to be built for the Games, VPRS 15162 P1 Unit 1

Colour drawing of the proposed stadium — Proposed stadium in the City of Melbourne Submission to hold the Games, VPRS 15162 P1 Unit 1

A colour photo of the front page of the Olympics program — 1956 Olympics Program, Lord Mayors Correspondence Files, VPRS 9456 P1 Unit 1

A photo of female athletes walking around the MCG with a toy kangaroo in their arms — Belgian girls with kangaroo at the Opening Ceremony

a photo of Betty Cuthbert running around the track — Betty Cuthbert comes 1st in the semi final 200m

A photo of athletes lined up with flags — Closing Ceremony

View more from the photographic collection here.

Also among our collection we found fantastic black and white sketches of athlete housing and stadiums - perfect for colouring in! Download our 1956 Olympics colouring book, print it off and colour your Christmas stress away!