Museums Victoria publishing unveils definitive history of the Royal Exhibition Building

For almost 150 years, the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens have been at the heart of Melbourne's civic and cultural life. This September, Melbourne's Palace: The Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens a new book by historian and cultural heritage expert, Dr Michelle Stevenson uncovers the rich history, remarkable architecture and enduring legacy of Australia's first UNESCO World Heritage-listed building.

From Museums Victoria Publishing, Melbourne's Palace is the definitive illustrated guide to this extraordinary site. The book combines expert research with engaging storytelling to uncover the rich history behind one of Melbourne's greatest architectural and cultural icons.

Limited to just 300 copies, a special collector’s edition of Melbourne’s Palace is also available for purchase and features three hand-numbered, limited-edition archival prints of the Royal Exhibition Building from the Museums Victoria collection.

Featuring stunning contemporary photography alongside rarely seen archival images, original architectural plans and historic illustrations, Melbourne's Palace offers readers an unprecedented look at the grandeur of the Royal Exhibition Building and the beauty of Carlton Gardens through the seasons. From its visionary design by Joseph Reed to its continuing role as a place where people, cultures and ideas come together, the book explores the enduring legacy of this remarkable landmark.

Built for the Melbourne International Exhibition of 1880–81, the Royal Exhibition Building and surrounding Carlton Gardens have welcomed millions of visitors, hosted international exhibitions, royal visits, sporting spectacles and community celebrations, and provided a place for communities from across Victoria, including First Peoples, to gather and connect. Today, the site welcomes around 3 million visitors annually. Its outstanding cultural significance was recognised in 2004, when the Royal Exhibition Building became the first building in Australia to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Melbourne’s Palace can be purchased online at Museums Victoria Store or on-site at Melbourne Museum Store.

Quotes attributable to Lynley Crosswell, CEO and Director

'The Royal Exhibition Building has stood at the heart of Melbourne’s cultural life for almost 150 years.'

'From the opening of Australia’s first Parliament to wartime service and the Melbourne Flower and Garden Show, it has brought people together to celebrate and reflect on the moments that have shaped the nation.'

'Melbourne’s Palace: The Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens will bring that story to a new generation and Museums Victoria extends Dr Stevenson a heartfelt congratulations on this extraordinary publication.’

Book details

Melbourne's Palace: The Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens

By Dr Michelle Stevenson
Published: September 2026
Hardcover | 256 pages
RRP: $49.99

Collector's Edition

Published: September 2026 
Boxed hardcover edition with exclusive alternate cover and three hand-numbered archival prints
Limited to 300 copies
RRP: $249.95

About the author

Dr Michelle Stevenson is Head of History and Technology at the Museums Victoria Research Institute and the foremost authority on the Royal Exhibition Building. A leading historian, she specialises in the history of museums, exhibitions and Australia's scientific and cultural heritage. Her research brings new perspectives to some of Australia's most significant historical places and collections.

For further information visit Museums Victoria Store’s website.