Miniature Melbourne Music Venues Crafted by Artist David Hourigan

Melbourne’s iconic music venues, from Cherry Bar to The Tote, are being immortalized in miniature by artist David Hourigan, whose detailed replicas capture the gritty charm of these cultural landmarks. His latest exhibition, showcased in July 2025, preserves venues at risk of closure, sparking nostalgia and debate about the survival of live music. This article explores Hourigan’s work and its cultural significance.

David Hourigan, a former graphic designer, began crafting miniatures in 2019, quitting his job to focus on buildings that define Melbourne’s identity. His first music venue project, a tiny Cherry Bar from its original AC/DC Lane location, emerged during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns. “I couldn’t visit these venues, so I made them in miniature,” Hourigan told The Guardian, reflecting on how isolation inspired his series. His models, often 30-40cm and built at roughly 1/50 scale, recreate venues like The Espy and The Gasometer with stunning detail—down to cigarette butts, band posters, and graffiti. Hourigan’s replica of the Punters Club, closed since 2002, even influenced its reopening, with new owners citing his work as inspiration.

The artist’s process is meticulous, using modeling foam, found materials like whisky bottle foil for organic shapes, and Google Street View for accuracy. “It’s about capturing the feel of a place,” Hourigan told Beat Magazine, noting how he recreates venues from specific moments, like The Gasometer’s final day in 2024 due to soaring insurance costs. His work resonates deeply, evoking memories of sticky carpets and raucous nights. Fans have said, “I can smell the carpet,” per Hourigan’s interview with Beat Magazine, highlighting the emotional connection to these spaces.

Melbourne’s live music scene, boasting one venue per 8,915 residents, faces threats from rising costs and gentrification, issues critics argue the Labor government has failed to address robustly despite a $34 million recovery fund. Hourigan’s miniatures serve as a poignant reminder of what’s at stake, preserving the soul of venues that define Australia’s cultural capital. His exhibition at West End Art Space, running through July 2025, celebrates these spaces while urging action to protect them.