The banks of the Birrarung (Yarra) where Federation Square sits has long been a gathering place for its traditional owners, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people and visiting Kulin Nations.
Affectionately coined 'The People's Square', Federation Square as we know it today was built in 2002. It remains a meeting place for cultural festivals, art installations, exhibitions, free films on the big screen, broadcasts of major sporting matches and live music.
The landmark is home to ACMI, The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia and Koorie Heritage Trust, as well as dining options like Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters, Hero, Big Esso by Mabu Mabu and Taxi Kitchen.
Love or hate its controversial geometric architecture, Fed Square has a great vantage point of other city landmarks and is an easy meeting place—except for some visitors with disabilities.
Disability advocates have flagged that its gradient and cobblestones make it quite inaccessible, despite having some accessible measures in place.