Royal Exhibition Building

The magnificent Royal Exhibition Building was completed in 1880 in time to host Melbourne’s first International Exhibition. The first exhibition was a huge success, over 8 months attracting over one million people to the eight hectares of exhibitions. The cultural, industrial and technological achievements of more than 30 nations were proudly displayed to a public thirsting for information and new ideas. A second exhibition took place in 1888 when the Melbourne Centennial Exhibition was held to promote the centenary of European settlement in Australia [1788]. Since then the building has hosted a wide variety of local, national and international events but the most important of these was the opening of the first Commonwealth Parliament of Australia on 9 May 1901, by the Duke of Cornwall and York, the heir to the throne. More than 10 000 guests were present, including politicians, naval and military officers, judges, consuls, mayors and clergy. The building was again the location for a special sitting of Parliament during the 2001 Centenary of Federation celebrations. Today, the Royal Exhibition Building flourishes as one of the world’s oldest and largest exhibition pavilions, symbolising the great 19th century international exhibition movement. On 1 July 2004, it became the first building in Australia to win World Heritage listing. With its meticulously restored opulent interior, expansive galleries and soaring dome, the Great Hall offers a magnificent setting for trade shows, fairs and cultural and community events. The north facade of the building is visible again for the first time in many years, following the demolition of the 20th century annexes.

Location

9 Nicholson Street  Carlton Victoria 3053 Australia | View Map
 Telephone: 13 11 02 | +61 3 9270 5000

What's Happening

• Royal Exhibition Building Dome

  Question: Is it possible to walk around the interior of the Royal Exhibition Building dome? Answer: In 2012 it is not possible but according to news reports (below) visitors will again be able to promenade on the rooftop of the... Click to view more details..

  Royal Exhibition Building Dome

• Royal Exhibition Building | Tours

  The Royal Exhibition Building flourishes as one of the world’s oldest and largest exhibition pavilions symbolising the great 19th century international exhibition movement. On 1 July 2004 it became the first building in Australia... Click to view more details..

  Royal Exhibition Building | Tours

• Royal Exhibition Building | Fountain Restoration

  New funding will see the Royal Exhibition Building’s French Fountain restored to its former glory. The beautiful French Fountain is a significant part of the Carlton Gardens precinct and a pleasant feature for passers-by on Nic... Click to view more details..

  Royal Exhibition Building | Fountain Restoration

• The Essential Baby & Toddler Show 2016

  With hundreds of local and international brands, advice from the experts and fantastic entertainment in a stylish, boutique setting, the Essential Baby & Toddler Show is the essential event for your pregnancy, baby and toddler. ... Click to view more details..

  The Essential Baby & Toddler Show 2016 - Friday 1 April 2016

• FPM Motor Expo

  FPM Motor Expo 8 Apr - 10 Apr 2016 FPM Motor Expo and the National Karting Expo are Australia’s Premier Factory Performance Motoring & Motorsport events all under the one roof of the iconic Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton. ... Click to view more details..

  FPM Motor Expo - Friday 8 April 2016

• Australasian Quilt Convention 2016

  Australian event pieces together the world’s best quilts APRIL 14 – 17, 2016 Royal Exhibition Building Carlton Gardens, Melbourne The Australasian Quilt Convention is Australia’s largest event dedicated specifically to q... Click to view more details..

  Australasian Quilt Convention 2016 - Thursday 14 April 2016

• Rites of Passage 2016 | Tattoo & Arts Festival

  Tattoo Convention and Arts Festival 22 Apr - 24 Apr 2016 Rites of Passage is a three day arts, tattoo and music festival with a focus on tattoo history & culture. With a new team working on the last Rites of Passage, this y... Click to view more details..

  Rites of Passage 2016 | Tattoo & Arts Festival - Friday 22 April 2016

• The Dog Lovers Show 2016

  Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 29 Apr - 1 May 2016 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM The award winning Melbourne Dog Lovers Show will return to the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton with more canines under one wroof than ever before! Over... Click to view more details..

  The Dog Lovers Show 2016 - Friday 29 April 2016

• Melbourne Antiques Fair 2016

  AAADA 2016 Melbourne Antiques Fair 5 May - 8 May 2016 Join us at the Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton and be seduced by the variety of art and antiques from Australia’s finest dealers. Find that statement piece that will ... Click to view more details..

  Melbourne Antiques Fair 2016 - Thursday 5 May 2016

• Italian Wine & Food Festival

  Italian Wine & Food Festival Sunday 29 May 2016 Everything that’s good about eating and drinking in Italy comes together under one roof in May with the return of the Italian Wine + Food Festival. Just as the appeal of Ital... Click to view more details..

  Italian Wine & Food Festival - Sunday 29 May 2016

• The Finders Keepers Market

  The Finders Keepers markets is a massive three day event, featuring over 250 independent art and design stalls in the world renowned Royal Exhibition Building in the Carlton Gardens. Expect to find some lovely local makers fro... Click to view more details..

  The Finders Keepers Market - Friday 22 July 2016

• Melbourne Art Fair 2016

  18 Aug - 21 Aug 2016 Presented by the Melbourne Art Foundation, Melbourne Art Fair is one of Australasia’s most celebrated contemporary art events, showcasing outstanding work from the region’s best galleries. For 27 years ... Click to view more details..

  Melbourne Art Fair 2016 - Thursday 18 August 2016

• The Design Anarchy

  The Design Anarchy is a national design festival showcasing the best of sustainable designs from 200 local and international artists. $2 ENTRY/KIDS UNDER 12 FREE The Design Anarchy is a national design festival that celebra... Click to view more details..

  The Design Anarchy - Friday 4 November 2016

Web Links

Royal Exhibition Building 

www.museum.vic.gov.au

Royal Exhibition Building - Melbourne Gallery

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