National leaders mark 125 years of democracy at Royal Exhibition Building

09 May 2026

Commemorative Photo of the formal proceedings marking the 125th anniversary of the opening of Federal Parliament. Photographer: Tiffany Garvie. Source: Museums Victoria

Commemorative Photo of the formal proceedings marking the 125th anniversary of the opening of Federal Parliament. Photographer: Tiffany Garvie. Source: Museums Victoria

Today, the Governor-General of Australia, the Australian Prime Minister and the Victorian Premier, along with senior Federal and State dignitaries, First Peoples, community groups and guests, came together at the Royal Exhibition Building to mark 125 years of Australian democracy.

On 9 May 1901, the Royal Exhibition Building hosted the opening of Australia’s Federal Parliament, a defining moment that signalled the nation’s Federation and the beginning of its democratic journey.

In a message written by His Majesty, King Charles III, the monarch encouraged Australians to reflect upon the enduring spirit of Australia’s democracy, acknowledging that the country had grown into a confident and forward-looking nation, bound by fairness and equality. The personal address was delivered by Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia.

Other speakers, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, reflected on the remarkable evolution of Australia's democratic institutions over 125 years, the enduring power of civic participation, and the diverse communities that continue to shape and strengthen the nation's identity.

Newly elected co-chairs of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, Gunnai and Gunditjmara person Meriki Onus and Dja Dja Wurrung, Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dhudhuroa, Waywurru, Barapa Barapa, Wergaia and Wiradjuri man Djaran Murray-Jackson spoke as part of the Official Party in their first public speech since being elected Co-Chairs.

During the morning’s formal proceedings, a commemorative photograph was captured by Gunggari woman, Tiffany Garvie, marking a contemporary counterpoint to the historic visual records painted in 1901 by artist Charles Nuttall. This work will be acquired into the State Collection.

Royal Exhibition Building Weekend Programming

The Royal Exhibition Building will now open its doors to the public for two days of free programming, inviting the community to participate in civic dialogue, cultural performance and family-friendly activities.

An exhibition of objects and artefacts is also on show, including one of only four official Treaty documents on public display for the first time. A landmark and long-fought moment, the first Treaty to be signed with First Peoples in Australian history, is showcased alongside artefacts from the 1901 Federation event, connecting two defining chapters of the nation's story.

Other objects and artefacts on display include Nuttall's four-metre painting The Opening, Commonwealth Parliament (1901–02), last displayed by Museums Victoria in 2001, with recent conservation work supported by Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM. This monumental canvas captures the scale of the 1901 occasion as light falls across a crowd of dignitaries. Also on display is the State Landau Coach, made by Hooper & Co, London, in 1897 and used in the ceremonial processions of 1901.

Visitors can also watch an on-stage debate by the Y’s Youth Parliament, introduced by Her Excellency, the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia, guided tours, cultural performances including traditional Greek and Vietnamese dancers, alongside a showcase of community-led events reflecting Melbourne’s multicultural identity.

The Royal Exhibition Building Open Day will take place on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May from 12pm to 5pm each day. Entry is free. The full program can be seen here.

Museums Victoria would like to acknowledge the generous support of the Scanlon Foundation, McKinnon and John and Myriam Wylie Foundation in making this event possible.

Quotes attributable to:

Her Excellency, the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia

‘125 years ago, we united as a modern nation. As we have grown and recognised the contribution of our indigenous heritage and the diversity of our communities, we acknowledge past challenges, but importantly celebrate today the progress made since Federation, which has contributed to the modern, successful, stable, and optimistic nation we enjoy today.’

‘As active citizens and civic participants we all have a role to play in upholding and carrying forward this democratic legacy.’

The Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia

‘Australians should take real, patriotic pride in our enduring democratic achievement. Both in the Commonwealth that our forebears created in 1901 – and in everything we have done to make it better and stronger over generations.’

‘Today we celebrate the foundations laid 125 years ago – and the vibrant, inclusive democracy we are today.’

The Hon. Vicki Ward MP, Minister for Creative Industries

‘The Royal Exhibition Building has played an important role in Victoria’s story, from the birth of our parliament to the events that attract thousands of Victorians and visitors each year.’

‘That history is worth protecting. The Victorian Government's $9.6 million investment is helping protect and conserve this UNESCO World Heritage-listed landmark, so it endures as one of Australia's great public gathering places. This weekend is one of those moments — and there will be many more.’

Meriki Onus, First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria Co-chair

‘125 years might sound like a long time to some. I will point out it is quite young to others. The maturity of a nation must be measured not just by what it achieves, but what is acknowledges when it has failed. The most acknowledged shortcomings, from all sides of politics, lay within the relationship between Governments, and First Peoples.

Just as we sit here and talk about the pivotal change that occurred through Parliament, we also acknowledge the misjustices that had to be repealed on the way. I believe that our generation can make this democracy stronger and more inclusive than how we found it. To do that, we must work together.’

Djaran Murray-Jackson, First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria Co-chair

‘We all know it’s important to celebrate milestones, but for our people this milestone signifies dispossession, and pain. It set in motion intergenerational hurt for our people. Children taken, families massacred, language put to slumber, culture nearly taken.

Yet we persevered, we survived, we reunited, we are waking our languages, we revitalised our cultures. Even with outside forces still trying to keep us down. And now we have Treaty. Almost 10 years of self-determined work and some bravery from all involved. I think that’s something worth celebrating as well. With Gellung Warl we will build on the work done by our ancestors. It adds to the Treaty infrastructure already made by Members before us. It’s about building lasting legacy. Not just for us, but for future generations.’

Mary Stuart, President of the Museums Board of Victoria

‘Not every building becomes a home for a nation's story. The Royal Exhibition Building did. That 125 years on, Australians are still gathering in this place to mark moments that matter is a testament to the strength of Australia’s democracy and social cohesion.

‘Museums Victoria is grateful to the Victorian Government for its $9.6 million investment in the future conservation and activation of the Royal Exhibition Building. As we celebrate this milestone, we are already looking toward the building's 150th year in 2030, and developing a vision to ensure it remains at the heart of Melbourne's story and the foundation of Australia's civic life, for generations to come.’

Royal Exhibition Building Open Day
Open: 9 – 10 May 2026
Location: Royal Exhibition Building, 9 Nicholson Street Carlton
Cost: Free event, no ticket required