Stories
From Federation to Fashion, Fire and Ferraris, the Royal Exhibition Building has many stories to share.
![](/media/16035/landing-montage.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=768&height=432&rnd=132560456980230000&bgcolor:fff)
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.
![Dutch oil painting - 'Roses', Still Life, by Geraldine Jacoba Van De Sande Bakhuyzen, circa 1880.](/media/9043/000116124c-40_2.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=768&height=432&rnd=132000597902370000&bgcolor:fff)
Visions of Colonial Grandeur
Explore the history of Melbourne's International Exhibitions through the stunning art collection of 19th-century businessman John Twycross.
![A water colour painting and artist impression of the Royal Exhibition Building from 1880](/media/3185/000039280c-40-crop.jpg?center=0.02564102564102564,0.019230769230769232&mode=crop&width=768&height=432&rnd=132439563102830000&bgcolor:fff)
Royal Exhibition Building Collection
The Collection of more than 5,000 objects reflects all aspects of the building's history.
![Photograph - Federation Celebrations, 'Landing of Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York', Melbourne 6th May 1901](/media/14920/photograph-federation-celebrations-landing-of-their-royal-highnesses-the-duke-and-duchess-of-cornwall-and-york-melbourne-6th-may-1901-705103-medium.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=768&height=432&rnd=132439604489270000&bgcolor:fff)
Federation Celebrations in May 1901
Celebrations focused on Melbourne, where the first Federal Parliament was opened in the (Royal) Exhibition Building.
![Aerial view of the Royal Exhibition Building](/media/3975/image_september-reb.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=768&height=432&rnd=131442679639670000&bgcolor:fff)
If Walls Could Talk
The world’s oldest remaining Great Hall, located in Melbourne, Victoria, has seen a thing or two in its 138 years.
![Group photograph of 21 men in uniform](/media/15427/a-group-photo-of-raaf-personnel-1941-453608-resized.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=768&height=432&rnd=132494927465430000&bgcolor:fff)
Uncovering the Exhibition Building's secret WWII stories
Untold war stories revealed.