Take in a view of Melbourne not seen for a century
Royal Exhibition Building Dome Promenade open to public this weekend
After several years of conservation, restoration and building works, visitors will finally be able to explore this iconic Melbourne building and take in extraordinary views of Melbourne city and beyond from the newly re-established Promenade deck.
Built in 1880, its Dome based on the design of Brunelleschi’s Duomo in Florence, the Royal Exhibition Building was the first Australian building to be awarded a UNESCO World Heritage listing.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek said the building is a fantastic example of late 19th century urban heritage.
“The Royal Exhibition Building is a landmark of Australian architecture, which helped introduce Marvellous Melbourne to the world."
“The Australian Government has invested $20 million to help return this historic venue to its original majesty. I’m so thrilled to see it reopening to the public this weekend,” Minister Plibersek said.
"As custodians of the Royal Exhibition Building, Museums Victoria is very pleased to see the Dome Promenade deck restored to its former glory and we’re proud to open this experience for Melburnians and visitors alike to enjoy,” says Museums Victoria CEO Lynley Crosswell.
Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos says, “We supported works to the iconic Royal Exhibition Building because we know the Dome Promenade will create a unique experience for visitors, allowing them to see this incredible building – and indeed the whole city – from a completely different perspective.”
As well as the chance to take in panoramic views of the city from 21 metres above the ground, visitors can experience the grandeur and opulence of the building's interior and discover its rich heritage in the basement gallery.
The Royal Exhibition Building gallery invites visitors to explore the grand narratives and intimate moments of the building’s history, and to imagine what a visit to the building might have been like in 1880. Exhibition items include a Spanish Influenza vaccine, harking back to the Royal Exhibition Building's transformation into a hospital during the former pandemic in 1919.
A signature feature of the exhibition is a selection of objects from the Twycross Collection, which comprises over 200 objects bought by wool merchant John Twycross at the 1880 Melbourne International Exhibition - a remarkable snapshot of late 19thcentury taste and style.
Tickets for the Dome Promenade experience are selling fast, so book your ticket today.
Royal Exhibition Building Dome Promenade
Opening: Saturday 29 October 2022
Tours: Leave from Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton
Tickets: Available at Melbourne Museum and online via Museums Victoria website
For further information visit https://museumsvictoria.com.au/reb/
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