Luna Park Melbourne’s ‘Mr Moon’ entrance gets a facelift

Marking 110 years of operations this year, Luna Park Melbourne, has revealed that its ‘Mr Moon’ entrance is getting a facelift for the first time since 1999.

The face with a gaping mouth, which has swallowed up visitors entering the park since 1912, is undergoing a restoration as part of the heritage amusement park’s 110th anniversary celebrations.

Local Melbourne artist Mark Ogge is completing the work, which will be overseen by Bob Clutterbuck - the last person to paint Mr Moon.

The face has been restored several times over the years, taking it from its original chicken wire, hessian, and cement form to the fibreglass model unveiled and last painted in 1999.

Since 1912, millions of locals and tourists have made their way through Mr Moon's large gaping mouth for a day of fun and entertainment, enjoying its carousel (the largest and most elaborate in the Southern Hemisphere) - one of only 80 carousels made by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company between 1903 and 1931, and one of only 25 still in operation today.

In addition, its Great Scenic Railway is the oldest continuously operating wooden rollercoaster in the world.

Commenting on the attraction’s value, Luna Park Melbourne Chief Executive, Mary Stuart stated “it’s lovely to see a new generation of children and adults making memories at Luna Park.

"It’s a part of Melbourne’s history, but it doesn’t belong behind glass. It’s a living museum in many ways, where you can enjoy attractions virtually unchanged from 110 years ago, while also experiencing modern thrills."