History of the Myer Christmas window from 1956 to today
The Myer Christmas windows have held a special place in the hearts of Melburnians for decades. Here’s a look back over the past 65 years.
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For many, Christmas simply isn’t Christmas without a trip to the Myer windows.
For decades, the colourful exhibits have enthralled adults and children alike with their
themed displays.
From beloved fairytales and classic stories to world events and Christmas-themed movies, the annual display has been enchanting families for the past 64 years.
The brainchild of visual merchandiser Fred Asmussen, the first Christmas window display was unveiled at Myer’s flagship store in Bourke Street Mall in 1956.
Inspired by the summer Olympics held in Melbourne that year, Asmussen created a single window display he titled ‘Santa at the Olympics’, showing the jolly man in the red suit taking part in the global sporting event.
Following an overwhelming response from the public, Asmussen’s budget was increased and he was given the green light to transform a series of six windows into The Nutcracker the following year.
Other themes over the years have included Aladdin (1958), Alice in Wonderland (1961), The Wizard of Oz (1993), May Gibbs’ Gumnut Babies (1995) and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (2003).
Initially cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, Myer chief customer officer Geoff Ikin confirmed the much-anticipated window display would go ahead after a COVID-safe plan for the spectacle was approved.
“As a company we have been humbled by the response of our customers and the community to the Myer Christmas windows going ahead, despite the obstacles we’ve all faced, now more than ever we need something to celebrate,” he said.
“We know from past years the windows have delivered joy and excitement to generations, and this year will be no different.”
This year the theme is ‘Christmas Uncancelled’ and reflects on the year that was and the many reasons Victorians have to celebrate.
To design and build each year’s window display it takes between 12 and 13 months.
John Kerr has been the man behind the magic for the past 27 years and said this year has been unique but the magic of the display was still there 65 years on.
“We treat the (windows) like a theatre production with the disciplines of set building to staging, automation, costume, makeup and scenic art,” he said.
“We still use the traditional disciplines but we also embrace robotic building, 3D and 2D digital printing – they are the new tools in our toolbox to create magic.
“We keep a lot of the display handmade, even if we use 3D printing we will always hand finish and paint to generate our characters.
“This year was different, we had to pull on our archive characters and rethink our storyline.”
To view the Myer Windows visit 314-336 Bourke St Melbourne between 7.30am and 10.30pm until December 24.
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