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Museums Victoria / Royal Exhibition Building

Welcome to the Royal Exhibition Building

Australia’s first World Heritage listed building. An icon of Melbourne history.

What's on

What's on

Join us for major events set against the stunning backdrop of the heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens.

 Experience the Dome Promenade

Experience the Dome Promenade

This guided tour showcases the Melbourne skyline and an exhibition detailing the building's distinctive history.

 Royal Exhibition Building Open Day

Royal Exhibition Building Open Day

Join us this May at the Royal Exhibition Building for a weekend of history and community connection, featuring tours, kids’ activities, performances, talks, exhibitions, food trucks and more!

COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS

Epergne - Gilded Red Glass, European, circa 1880

Medal - Opening of the First Commonwealth Parliament, Melbourne, 1901

Parasol - Black Silk, Lace Interior, circa 1880s

Compote - Satsuma, Birds & Chrysanthemums, Kin Kozan, Japan, early Meiji Period, 1872-1880

Vase - Porcelain, Flowers, Birds, Butterflies & Rats, China, Late Qing Dynasty, circa 1880

Vase - Glass, Compagnia Venezia-Murano, Venice, Italy, circa 1880

Toy Box - Wood, Red & Green, Europe, circa 1880

Covered Bowl - Satsuma Style, Japan, Early Meiji Period, 1868-1880

Vaccine Bottle - Spanish Influenza, 1919

Ewer - Etched Glass & Silver Plate, England, circa 1880

Charger Plate - Majolica, Peacocks & Flowers, Tanfani, Rome, Italy, circa 1880

Medal - Committee, First Australian Exhibition of Women's Work, Exhibition Building, Melbourne, 1907

Cabinet Plate - German Lady, Blue & Gold Bonnet, Royal Vienna Style Porcelain, after Wilhelm Menzler, circa 1880
MORE COLLECTION ITEMS

Stories

Uncovering the Exhibition Building's secret WWII stories
READ

Uncovering the Exhibition Building's secret WWII stories

Untold war stories revealed.
Royal Exhibition Building Collection
COLLECTION

Royal Exhibition Building Collection

The Collection of more than 5,000 objects reflects all aspects of the building's history.
Wartime stories from the Royal Exhibition Building
READ

Wartime stories from the Royal Exhibition Building

During World War II, the building was occupied by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), as a barracks and training base.
Federation Celebrations in May 1901
COLLECTION

Federation Celebrations in May 1901

Celebrations focused on Melbourne, where the first Federal Parliament was opened in the (Royal) Exhibition Building.
Visions of Colonial Grandeur
READ

Visions of Colonial Grandeur

Explore the history of Melbourne's International Exhibitions through the stunning art collection of 19th-century businessman John Twycross.
MORE STORIES
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