Historical information

The 1956 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XVI Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event held in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, from 22 November to 8 December 1956, with the exception of the equestrian events, which were held in Stockholm, Sweden, in June 1956. These Games were the first to be staged in the Southern Hemisphere and Oceania, as well as the first to be held outside Europe and North America.

Physical description

Handkerchief produced as a souvenir for the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. Synthetic fabric. The handkerchief s bordered in red thread and divided into four squares of contrasting colours.
1. A table of main events and ceremonies, Olympic rings and symbol.
2. Map of Australia (green) with an Olympic torch and kangaroos in each corner.
3 An image of the main stadium. caption "AUSTRALIA" in white on a green background.
4. Map of Melbourne in red with connecting road and rail links to other parts of Victoria.