The Observatory Gate project created a dramatic new gateway to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne. Located in Birdwood Avenue opposite the Shrine of Remembrance, it incorporates the former Melbourne Observatory and Latrobe's Triangle sites. The inclusion of the Observatory site into the Gardens provided an important new venue for visitors, both as a destination in its own right, as well as the front door to the Gardens. The site is rich in scientific history and includes a significant collection of restored nineteenth century astronomical buildings now open to the public. The focus of the development is a new public plaza and Visitor Centre building, which contains a Café, the Gardens shop, and visitor reception and orientation spaces. Set among the existing Observatory buildings, the new Visitor Centre forms a backdrop to the plaza. As a public place, Observatory Gate has many qualities, for it is a natural gathering space set in beautiful surroundings.