Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne

The Royal Exhibition Building is one of the world's oldest remaining exhibition pavilions. On 1 July 2004, it became the first building in Australia to achieve a World Heritage listing.

Located in Carlton Gardens, the pavilion was originally completed in 1880 for the first of two international fairs hosted by Melbourne. On May 1st, 1901, the initial Commonwealth Parliament was held here, an event commemorated in 2001, the centenary of Australian Federation.

Today, with its meticulously restored interior, expansive galleries and soaring dome, the Great Hall offers an impressive setting for trade shows, fairs and cultural and community events.

This grand old Victorian dame probably represents Melbourne better than any other building because of the continuous and diverse service it has paid to Melbournians. Erected in 1880 for our first Grand International Exhibition it was built by Nellie Melba’s father. After the exhibitions of 1880 and 1888 it hosted the opening of Federal Parliament, housed our state parliament for twenty-odd years, served as an emergency hospital during the influenza epidemic after World War One, hosted several Olympic sports during the Melbourne Olympic Games and has been the venue for countless exhibitions and trade shows. This wonderful building, unlike some of its more ornate Victorian cousins, is egalitarian and non-judgemental. One week it will be hosting an upmarket society event for the top end of town, and the next week it will be welcoming a throw out sale of remnants and remainders. It does both with equal grace and is a building where Melbournians from all walks of life feel “at home”.