Royal Exhibition Building

Convention center · Carlton

Royal Exhibition Building

Convention center · Carlton

2

9 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia

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Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null
Royal Exhibition Building by null

Highlights

Crowning Melbourne's Carlton Gardens, the Royal Exhibition Building dazzles with 19th-century grandeur and hosts an array of vibrant events year-round.  

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9 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia Get directions

museumsvictoria.com.au
@royalexhibitionbuilding

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9 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia Get directions

+61 3 8341 7777
museumsvictoria.com.au
@royalexhibitionbuilding
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@museumsvictoria

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Last updated

Jul 30, 2025

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@onthegrid

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
View Postcard for Royal Exhibition Building
@onthegrid

"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
View Postcard for Royal Exhibition Building

Senarath Angammana

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!

Ashlee Pond

Google
This beautiful old building is such a stunning site. It looks extra majestic in the lovely Carlton Gardens, and the Dome Tour you can do through the Melbourne Museum is absolutely wonderful, providing a lot of detailed history and some really unique and incredible views. I've been to a lot of events here - from uni exams and graduations, to the flower and garden show, to vegan festivals and art shows, and every single time I visit I'm just blown away by how beautiful this architecture is. I wish that there were more places like this as lovingly preserved in Melbourne.

Chang Guan

Google
The building is marvelous just like Melbourne’s old name, the Marvelous Melbourne. The Dome Guided Tour is fantastic, the professional guide Phil told us loads of fascinating stories about the building and the city it is located in. In the main hall, Phil showed us the paintings and their history. And then we went upstairs to the rooftop, enjoyed the great views and checked out the golden top which is made of real gold. We went into the basement with a little exhibition about the building. And we went back to the main hall to end this tour. I love this experience. It’s a great landmark of Melbourne. It represents the good old times of its city. And we should do more to conserve it and make it last for our future generations.

Steven Ho

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

GG Shopping

Google
I went to the Melbourne Garden and Flower Show this year which was held in this building and Carlton Gardens. What a magnificent building with ultra high ceilings and large doors. The outside of the building makes a beautiful backdrop when taking photos in the garden but is normally closed. Going to this show was a chance to see inside the building. It’s massive and impressive. Easily accessible by public transport, and there is a museum next door with a car park as well as street parking.

Susanne Harford

Google
A "real classy joint", sometimes, sothis coming Food Market might be great! Outrageous to charge $10 bucks just to step inside, but... I'll go, think it's worth risking a visit - as I've always enjoyed "trespassing" into one if the actual physical architectural excesses - of my Aussie-trying-so-hard-to-be-Brit birthright.... Enjoy! XS

Penny Gaffney

Google
We did the Promenade dome tour which is organised by the Melbourne Museum. The tour is a 60 minute guided tour that takes you through the gallery of photos, history and stories of the building. After 30 minutes in the basement gallery, we started to make our way up to the top either via 9 levels of stairs or the lift if you need assistance. The stairs were very modern and beautiful and reminded me of a big difference between some old buildings we visited elsewhere. The view on the top was lovely. The dome is hollow and there is no access from the outside on top of the building. The building is definitely beautiful and deserves to be maintained and looked after so we can all enjoy it for a long time into the future!

Julia “Juliaqui” Kibuga

Google
Went here during the Melbourne international flower and garden show currently in March and it was all so beautiful. So much to see we spent hours there. There is also food stalls for quick snack and coffee.
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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/
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.