Royal Exhibition Building

Royal Exhibition Building

Royal Exhibition Building
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsGardens
About
An icon of Melbourne’s history opens its doors to a unique view unseen for 100 years. The guided tour of the Royal Exhibition Building Dome allows visitors to experience spectacular views along with an exhibition that explores the building’s significant history and varied uses over time. With its origins steeped in history, the Royal Exhibition Building was built for the 1880 Melbourne International Exhibition. As a key attraction of the 1880 and 1888 international exhibitions, the Dome Promenade provided visitors a unique opportunity to overlook the gardens and view the Melbourne skyline. On 1 July 2004, it became the first building in Australia to achieve a World Heritage listing. Today, with its meticulously restored interior, expansive galleries and soaring dome, the building – beautiful inside and out – continues to offer an impressive setting for trade shows, fairs and cultural and community events. Don't miss out and visit this true Melbourne's landmark. Bookings essential.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Lygon Street
If you want real parmesan, cut from the block, grated over your pasta with a twist of style, this is the place. Until recently, this neighbourhood was home to the notorious ‘Carlton Crew,’ a pseudo mafia who started their day with a local espresso. They are gone, but the espresso still runs strong in this Little Italy which has something for everyone. Starched white tablecloths, candles, pizza the way they do it "back home" and maybe even a bit of amore. The number of gelato choices will leave you in a state of indecision and wide footpaths, big awnings and a sea of packed tables makes this al fresco dining experience a continental buzz. Even if you’re not eating, it’s worth the stroll just for the people-watching, which, of course, is an Italian tradition.
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See what travellers are saying
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia13,631 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Building has far outlived its projected lifespan
    The Royal Exhibition Building was in use initially from 1880 and for the Centenary World's Fair in 1888. It is the only historic permanent trade building still in use. The Royal Exhibition building is a marvel that has far outlived. its projected lifespan.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 4 November 2023
  • Enjoy_the_breeze
    Pacific Coast Australia, Australia1,075 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wow! Love this building.
    Amazing building and lots of history I’d never learnt growing up in NSW. It’s a stunning old building of great historical significance and “Matt with a beard” brought it all to life. An excellent tour with lots of information. Matt was pleasant and informative with a wonderful grasp of the history and the significance of this building and Gabriel his 2IC has a friendly helpful attitude which is welcoming. The art work is fascinating. We loved our tour and would highly recommend it to others. Definitely book in advance so you aren’t disappointed as it is very popular.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 30 November 2023
  • An1ta069
    Melbourne, Australia237 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The newest, oldest experience at the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne
    The Exhibition Building Dome Promenade Experience is the newest, oldest experience to be had in Melbourne and it is a must see. The Royal Exhibition Building is a historical Melbourne landmark which hosts the Makers and Shakers Markets as well as a host of other experiences. The Dome Promenade Experience gives you the chance to experience the amazing history of this building, see how it has changed and evolved from being the host of the 1880 Exhibition to being the temporary home of the 10 pound Poms. The dome itself is an engineering marvel, and was the highest point in Melbourne for many years. The restoration of the dome and the halls underneath are incredible. You can walk up the 8 flights of stairs to the Promenade or take the elevator. Unrivaled views of the Melbourne skyline, and the architecture of the Exhibition building and the Done itself. If you are visiting the Melbourne Museum and have some time, take the chance to do the Exhibition Building Dome Promenade Experience, you won't be disappointed.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 7 April 2024
  • NoddyMelbourne
    Melbourne, Australia220 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Royal Exhibition Building Dome Promenade
    Tour Length: 1 hour Had the absolute pleasure going on a tour of the Royal Exhibition Building Dome. The tour starts with meeting in the foyer of the Melbourne Museum. You are given lanyards to place around your neck. Our host took us outside and gave us a brief history of the area outside. The tour is led into the Royal Exhibition Building. It's amazing to be in the place, without the usual events that happen there. One really see the beauty and vastness of the building when it's empty. The host once again, tells us about the images that are painted on the walls and ceiling. The tour then was taken into the basement, where the host spoke about the history of the building through the decades. We saw an assortment of drawings, paintings, artifacts and so on. People are then given the choice to go up either 9 flight of stairs or a lift to the roof of the Building. Once on the roof, we have panorama views of the city, Carlton and Fiztroy and beyond. Up on the roof, one can go right around the Dome, there are stairs at every corner. No ramps. One could go on the roof in a wheel chair, but would only stay in one area. Not sure if the person could see over the stone wall. It would be best to ring Operators to see if wheelchairs are allowed upstairs. Once the view on the roof is finished, you can either go down the stairs or the lift. Lastly we have a final look of the building and leave. Absoutly loved the tour and would certainly do it again.
    Visited September 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 15 September 2024
  • Jill C
    Perth, Australia114 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful building that stands tall in Australian history is not what it seems
    Lovely building which features heavily in the History of Australia. Dont forget to find the large rock outside that really summarises the rivalry between Victoria and NSW. Dont forget to book for the tour as they fill up quickly and this building needs all the support it can get to be maintained and repaired. It is a bonus as it is right beside the Museum with all the dinosaurs
    Visited September 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 18 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles687 reviews
Excellent
342
Very good
263
Average
69
Poor
9
Terrible
4

Barbara McGovern
Brisbane, Australia16 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
2 day visit to Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show - great to see it return - the building is splendid and the addition of the floral displays adds to the excitement of the event. Very disappointed to view the flag on top of the building in such a deteriorated condition - the Australian flag on any public building needs to honour what it represents. This torn and tattered flag was a distraction to the grandeur of the building.
Written 10 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia51,016 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021
The magnificent Royal Exhibition Building dates to the late 19th century and is one of a very few remaining similar buildings. Its architecture, as well as size, is absolutely stunning. It is heritage listed and is used to host trade shows, fairs, cultural and other important events. It is located in the lovely Carlton Gardens and is next to the Melbourne Museum.
Written 30 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Traveller
Melbourne, Australia17,411 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
My wife and I entered this magnificent Historical Building to visit the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show 2022. Many years ago, I have been inside this Building a few times to sit for post graduate examinations. During winter, it gets very cold inside this Building.

There is an ambience of grandeur with the painted murals, the domed ceilings and the architectural beauty of the place.
Written 4 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

701David
Fitzroy, Australia1,029 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2022
The Royal Exhibition Building is a unique example of outstanding Victorian architecture set within a beautiful open garden. The fine detailed painting which adorns the interior is stunning and well maintained. Its a must visit site when in Melbourne.
Written 2 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,631 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2022
The Melbourne International Exhibition, held in 1880 was intended to display Victoria's prodigous wealth, derived from the Great Australian Gold Rush.. The Exhibition Building, constructed between 1879 - 1880, is one of the few intact Exhibition Buildings from this era, and thus won its UNESCO Heritage listing. Another international exhibition was held later, all funded by Victoria's gold, It's a magnificent building, have a look inside if you are able.
Written 7 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

NoddyMelbourne
Melbourne, Australia220 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2024 • Friends
Tour Length: 1 hour
Had the absolute pleasure going on a tour of the Royal Exhibition Building Dome. The tour starts with meeting in the foyer of the Melbourne Museum. You are given lanyards to place around your neck. Our host took us outside and gave us a brief history of the area outside.
The tour is led into the Royal Exhibition Building. It's amazing to be in the place, without the usual events that happen there. One really see the beauty and vastness of the building when it's empty. The host once again, tells us about the images that are painted on the walls and ceiling.
The tour then was taken into the basement, where the host spoke about the history of the building through the decades. We saw an assortment of drawings, paintings, artifacts and so on.
People are then given the choice to go up either 9 flight of stairs or a lift to the roof of the Building.
Once on the roof, we have panorama views of the city, Carlton and Fiztroy and beyond.
Up on the roof, one can go right around the Dome, there are stairs at every corner. No ramps. One could go on the roof in a wheel chair, but would only stay in one area. Not sure if the person could see over the stone wall. It would be best to ring Operators to see if wheelchairs are allowed upstairs.
Once the view on the roof is finished, you can either go down the stairs or the lift.
Lastly we have a final look of the building and leave.
Absoutly loved the tour and would certainly do it again.
Written 16 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MosesPH
1,593 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
You can't miss the beauty of this building if you walk in Carlton Gardens. It stands out and you can't stop clicking away on your camera to take photos of this magnificent building and architecture. It is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Building. We didn't get a chance to go inside but found out that that there are 60 minute guided tours available. Would definitely like to do this in the future.
Written 30 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,631 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022
The Royal Exhibition Building is one of the few surviving buildings from an era when nations asserted their stature by holding exhibitions of industry and commerce. The Royal Exhibition Building is still used frequently for civic events and commercial exhibitions. Many graduates received their parchments here. The interior is ornate; it is a fine example of 19th century craftsmanship. By the way, the Royal Exhibition Building is heritage listed by UNESCO.
Written 19 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

roy v
Traralgon, Australia6,021 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022
A few days ago while in Melbourne I spent time walking around this magnificent exhibition building and enjoying the fantastic gardens .
The gardens are so well looked after and it is soo peaceful to stroll around enjoying the trees. Garden beds , lakes and fantastic fountains.
The building with the big dome stands out from a long way away .
It is a must place to visit when in town, while I was there a bride and groom were having their wedding photos done , a great spot for that sort of thing .
Written 12 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,631 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023
This building is internationally significant. It is listed by UNESCO because it is one of the few buildings remaining from the great exhibitions in the 19th century. The Royal Exhibition Building is still in regular use, it is truly a magnificent building, showing exquisite craftsmanship that is rarely seen today.
Written 9 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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ROYAL EXHIBITION BUILDING (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

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