Royal Exhibition Building

Overview

The Royal Exhibition Building is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Victorian-era exhibition hall set in the Carlton Gardens. It is the only surviving Great Exhibition building in the world and the site where Australia's first Parliament sat in 1901.

Highlights

• The Great Hall: A spectacular domed interior spanning 12,000 square metres, decorated with original Venetian-inspired painted ceilings and elaborate gilt detailing.
• UNESCO Status: Inscribed in 2004, it is one of only a handful of World Heritage sites in Melbourne.
• Federation Ceremony Site: The opening of the first Australian Parliament took place here on 9 May 1901.

History

Designed by architect Joseph Reed and completed in 1880 for the Melbourne International Exhibition. It hosted the 1888 Centennial Exhibition and the opening of Australia's federal Parliament in 1901.

Visitor Tips

• Guided Tours: Interior access is mainly by guided tour (book through Melbourne Museum) since the building hosts commercial events.
• Carlton Gardens: Combine with a stroll through the surrounding UNESCO-listed gardens.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.