Royal Exhibition Building

Convention center · Carlton ·

Royal Exhibition Building

Convention center · Carlton ·

Magnificent 1880 heritage building hosting expos, markets, and events

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9 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia Get directions

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 834 Cities

On the Grid : Royal Exhibition Building

"What a stunner. Located in the middle of Carlton Gardens, the Royal Exhibition Building can't be missed. With a quick google search, we learned it was completed in 1880 and is now one of the worlds oldest exhibition pavilions. REB is still frequently used as the venue of choice for a number of exhibitions throughout the year, from designer markets to wedding fairs to tattoo conventions. If you'd like to peruse the interior on a day when it's not packed with hundreds of fair-goers, keep an eye out for the next open day tour." - Seven Seeds

https://onthegrid.city/melbourne/carlton/royal-exhibition-building

Royal Exhibition Building

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 834 Cities

"Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton by Seven Seeds. What a stunner. Located in the middle of Carlton Gardens, the Royal Exhibition Building can't be missed. With a quick google search, we learned it was completed in 1880 and is now one of the worlds oldest exhibition pavilions. REB is still frequently used as the venue of choice for a number of exhibitions throughout the year, from designer markets to wedding fairs to tattoo conventions. If you'd like to peruse the interior on a day when it's not packed with hundreds of fair-goers, keep an eye out for the next open day tour."

Melbourne

Royal Exhibition Building

Vinoth S.

Google

Such a beautiful place to spend a peaceful afternoon! The Royal Exhibition Building looks stunning — the architecture is just amazing, especially with the fountains in front. The Carlton Gardens around it are so calm and green, perfect for a walk, photos, or just sitting by the pond watching the ducks. It’s one of those spots that makes you slow down and enjoy the moment. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Melbourne! 🌿✨

Sadewa 4.

Google

This is one of the spots to visit in Carlton Gardens. It has breathtaking architecture from the outside. Additionally, the stunning views of the garden make it a great place to take nice pictures as well! Definitely worth visiting this place in Carlton Gardens.

Google

Had a nice morning walk admiring this view! •amazing architecture •well-maintained areas, very clean •perfect for a morning walk/run around the park and building •tress and plants are very relaxing to see •picturesque!

Shaheryar A.

Google

Amazing heritage building. Great architecture. Great location for big Expos. Very expensive parking at the museum. And you cannot book it in advance. The building is surrounded by beautiful gardens and the location is very popular for wedding photography.

Carmela A.

Google

I visited this place for the Melbourne Italian Fest — the building is huge and really beautiful, perfect for such a big event. The area around is full of greenery and so relaxing! 🌿🇮🇹

Ben C

Google

Came here to experience the Matria exhibition as part of the 2025 Now or Never Festival. Amazing use of the space. Everything was pink down to the menu items at the makeshift cafe. A really nice photo opportunity in this incredible building and best of all it was free. The kids loved the milk crate interactive element too. Love Melbourne for this type of event.

Steven H.

Google

I've been to many events here both working and just to see an expo. Building its self is magnificent to see. Recently I really enjoyed going to the international flower show. I thought it was very cool it being indoors and outdoors. It's crazy how such an old building to be standing and used so regularly! Definitely one of the many cool old buildings in Melbourne. Definitely worth checking out an expo here even if its just to admore the building. Photos attached are from when I went to the flower show

Senarath A.

Google

Stunning Venue for Special Occasions – Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne I recently had the pleasure of attending a graduation ceremony at the Royal Exhibition Building, and it was truly a memorable experience. The building itself is a masterpiece of architecture—grand, elegant, and beautifully preserved. Its high ceilings, detailed interior, and historical charm make it an inspiring venue for any important event. The surrounding Carlton Gardens add even more beauty, offering a peaceful and scenic environment perfect for photos and relaxation. Whether you’re attending a formal event or just visiting, the atmosphere is uplifting and serene. Everything was well organized, and the setting made the ceremony feel extra special. The mix of heritage, space, and natural surroundings makes this a standout location in Melbourne. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the city or planning a special event!

Trent N.

Yelp

Absolutely sign up for a guided tour to view this building. You start the tour at the museum next door and then walk over to the Royal Exhibition Building. You get to walk in and take as many pics as you'd like. Then, you go down stairs into the basement. And then, on the way back you go up to the rooftop. The rooftop has great views of the city and surrounding areas. I took a ton of pics up there and we had a great time. After that, you'll walk back down to the 2nd floor and take more pics inside. I can't believe how much original stuff is still here. Great way to spend an hour.

Garry P.

Yelp

Beautiful Heritage listed building that ins now over 140 years old. Great for photos. The Melbourne Museum is nearby, and there are many excellent cafes and restaurants just short walk away, Garry Image by Aspect Property Photography https://www.aspectpro.com.au/

Andrew T.

Yelp

Have been to a couple of events here namely Oktoberfest and Gabs (a beer festival). A historic old building but a great venue for these type of events. The place is wide and open with a second story along the outer walls and the roof is very high and at gabs they even had a ferrous wheel inside.

Liz O.

Yelp

Beautiful building with fantastic gardens surrounding it. I've only been here for events but each time I'm in awe of how beautiful it is inside and out. Great venue.

Evan K.

Yelp

Located in Carlton Gardens, the Royal Exhibition Building is one of the oldest exhibition pavilions remaining in the world! One of my favourite sites and one of the most beautiful buildings in Melbourne, the Royal Exhibition Building is a place to put on your bucket list! Housing a wide range of events for Fashion, Food and Art, the Royal Exhibition Building is quite breathtaking from the inside as well. I have visited the Royal Exhibition Building for Fashion and Art and both times have been overwhelmed by the venue. It truly is a masterpiece.

Clarissa Y.

Yelp

I think exams ruined the Royal Exhibition Buliding for me. Every time I visit, I try not to develop anxiety. The pens. The desks. The echo-ing coughs. NEVER. AGAIN. However, it is a stunning building and there isn't much to be said about that. Combined with its location in the beautiful Carlton Gardens, hanging outside the Royal Exhibition Building on the field is one of the most relaxing things you can do is Melbourne. However, it isn't just a pretty sight. You can compare the Royal Exhibition Building to some sort of community hall of Melbourne that houses a vast amount of markets and events. Check out their website to see what's on if you're aiming to visit this place when it's busy.

Jean B.

Yelp

Such a grand old building deserves a grand fan fare. As one of the oldest exhibition pavilions in the world the Royal Exhibition Building brings to Melbourne some old school British extravagance. Subtle yet delightful. A stunning building visually from the outside and suitably dressed from the inside. Having attended wedding expos, craft markets and science fi-conventions the space does lend itself well to large groups. The bigger issue being who's managing the space at the time that you visit.The toilet space is limited, as is the food and beverage area. You'll be lucky to find more then two rubbish bins available on a weekend. Still a wonderful space to visit. The gardens surrounding the building are immaculately kept and make a great picnic spot in the summer time.

Matt A.

Yelp

The old Exhibition Building is one of Melbourne's more impressive architectural sights. It's a really beautiful, giant old building, located in the middle of the Carlton Gardens, next to the similarly impressive Melbourne Museum building. Interestingly, the building sits atop one of Melbourne's biggest underground water catchment tanks, which is an impressive feat of water sensitive urban design. The building seems to sit empty for most of the year, but is used for the occasional bridal expo or to house several thousand soul-destroyed university students for exams at the end of each semester. In any case, the building is worthy of a visit, just to appreciate its impressive exterior.

Stephanie W.

Yelp

The Royal Exhibition building is probably the most beautiful building in Melbourne in my opinion. Surrounded by the Carlton Gardens, the exterior of the building is stunning, and the architecture is right out of the 19th century. Its lovely to take a walk around the exterior, and really take a look at the detailing and overall look of the building. Inside, the building is one great hall - one that, when empty, takes you to another era, with interior architecture and design matching the exterior. Many annual and one off expo's, shows, and events are held here- my only problem with the building itself is that some of the events held here dont really seem suited to the venue, if that makes sense. For example, I came to a careers expo here once, and the tacky stalls, with their flimsy dividing walls took away from the building itself. The bridal expo however, was perect for the venue, and I believe the venue operators should have a think about the best uses for the space.

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 834 Cities

On the Grid : Royal Exhibition Building

https://onthegrid.city/melbourne/carlton/royal-exhibition-building

Royal Exhibition Building

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 834 Cities

Melbourne

Royal Exhibition Building

Vinoth S.

Google

Sadewa 4.

Google

Shaheryar A.

Google

Carmela A.

Google

I visited this place for the Melbourne Italian Fest — the building is huge and really beautiful, perfect for such a big event. The area around is full of greenery and so relaxing! 🌿🇮🇹

Ben C

Google

Steven H.

Google

Senarath A.

Google

Trent N.

Yelp

Garry P.

Yelp

Andrew T.

Yelp

Liz O.

Yelp

Beautiful building with fantastic gardens surrounding it. I've only been here for events but each time I'm in awe of how beautiful it is inside and out. Great venue.

Evan K.

Yelp

Clarissa Y.

Yelp

Jean B.

Yelp

Matt A.

Yelp

Stephanie W.

Yelp

Royal Exhibition Building

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On the Grid : Royal Exhibition Building

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On the Grid : Royal Exhibition Building