Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Narrm, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and to Elders of all First Nations communities that visit MCEC.

We’re taking a break! Our office is closed 21 December – 5 January, but the fun continues.

See what’s on at MCEC!
Back to Stories and ideas

MCEC to Celebrate 150 Years of The Royal Children’s Hospital

MCEC is proud to be a host and event partner of Me and UooUoo: The RCH150 Anniversary Art Trail.

Three Uoouoo, round animal like sculptures, painted in different colours.

To mark the 150th anniversary of The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Melbourne, the RCH Foundation is bringing 100 colourful UooUoo (pronounced you-you) sculptures to laneways, streets, parks, beaches and public spaces, forming walking trails of adventure throughout Melbourne and Geelong. From 20 January to 21 March 2021, Me and UooUoo encourages communities to reconnect with their cities, and be active by visiting the unique art sculptures.

UooUoo is an imaginary creature created by award-winning Melbourne artist Alexander Knox, who also created the iconic sculpture ‘Creature’ that stands in the main foyer of the RCH.

Each of the 100 UooUoos is individually designed by an Australian artist. MCEC is proud to host not one, but two UooUoos; Crystalline.Opal.Dream by Christy Chudosnik and Umbrella Girl by Be Free. Each will be located outside the Clarendon Street entrance and along Dukes Walk respectively.

Peter King, Chief Executive of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, said MCEC is proud to be part of the art trail and contribute to the enduring legacy of the RCH for future generations.

“Me and UooUoo will be a wonderful opportunity to bring the community back together after such a long time apart, as well as supporting the Royal Childrens Hospital's exceptional work over the past 150 years.

“The partnership between Victorian artists, businesses and host venues shows just how the work of the RCH transcends all demographics,” he said.

“Our centre, like the RCH, is a much-loved Melbourne institution, so the display of two UooUoo’s outside MCEC is just one small way to show our appreciation for all they do for the families in our community.”

At the conclusion of the art trail, the full collection of UooUoos will be housed at MCEC until they can be auctioned to raise funds for the RCH.

Me and UooUoo further extends MCEC’s long term relationship with the RCH, with the venue having been the home of the annual Good Friday Appeal fundraiser event for six years running.