Located in Melbourne, Australia, The Royal Exhibition Building is a historic and architecturally significant structure. Completed in 1880, it showcases a magnificent blend of Victorian and Italian Renaissance architectural styles, known for its iconic dome and intricate design.
This UNESCO World Heritage-listed building has played a pivotal role in Melbourne's cultural and social history, serving in many uses including the formal opening of Parliament in Australia in 1901.
The Royal Exhibition Building (REB) was built to host the Melbourne International Exhibition as part of the World's Fair in 1880, which was the first time it had been held in the Southern Hemisphere. The REB would go on to host the Fair again in 1888, this time as the Melbourne Centennial International Exhibition. At the 1888 Exhibition, the building housed the largest installation of arc lighting in the world - making this the first International Exhibition to be open at night.
Throughout it's 140+ year history, the Royal Exhibition Building has seen many uses. In 1901, it was the venue for the opening of Australian Parliament; in 1919 it was converted to an influenza hospital through the Spanish Influenza epidemic. It has hosted sports for the Summer Olympics; the RAAF during World War 2; and served as a Migrant Reception Centre following WW2.
Today it still plays host to various International Exhibits and important functions.
For more than 160 years, the people of Victoria have turned to their State museum to connect the past and the present, and to imagine the future. As Australia's largest public museum organisation, we inspire audiences to engage in life’s deep mysteries and big questions.
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