Victorian Black Beaded Net dress | 125 Years of Australian Federation

The Royal Exhibition Building hosted the opening of Australia's first Federal Parliament on May 9, 1901, cementing its role in as a significant place for the nation. As the only venue large enough to host 12,000 guests for this momentous event, it remains a landmark of Australia's civic history. 125 Years of Federation was celebrated with a special exhibition marking 125 years since the opening of Australia’s Federal Parliament on 9 May 1901, honouring this defining moment in the nation’s democratic history. Collection items featured included: Dress - Black Beaded Net, Federation, 1901. Worn by Mrs Sabina Peipers to the opening of the first Federal Parliament on 9 May 1901, donated to the museum by descendants of Mrs Peipers, 18 Dec 2001.