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All 291 Melbourne Attractions »

Royal Exhibition Building

Carlton Gardens, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
13 11 02
Ranked #53 of 151 attractions in Melbourne
4.0 of 5 stars 15 Reviews
Type: Architectural Buildings, Landmarks/ Points of Interest, Gardens
Description: Completed in 1880 in preparation for the Melbourne International Exhibition, this is a a magnificent building modelled on the Florence Cathedral.
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15 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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Date Rating
roberteregan
Rosebud, Australia
Top Contributor
68 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 3, 2012

Lovely architecture. Fortunately this building was given a reprieve, and not demolished, but instead renovated. 1901, was the declaration of Australia as a nation. We celebrate this event every 26th of January. More

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guesswhoMelbourne
Melbourne
Senior Contributor
29 reviews
2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 1, 2012

Just a wonderful building but you must also see inside especially when there is an event on eg. Flower show. More

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Di222
Melbourne, Australia
Senior Contributor
29 reviews
1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 29, 2012

fabulous building. A must as is just sitting in the shade of the gardens out front. More

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Baci09
Melbourne Victoria
Senior Contributor
33 reviews
2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 21, 2012

This buiding was renovated afew years back. Beautiful murals, an awesome interior. It was part of the world wide 'exhibitions' of 1888. Melbourne's Exhibition Buildings, the Eiffel towere and one other location, I thnk in the USA are the only rmeaning venues. Tip: right next door to the Melbourne Museum. More

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Ausman46
Melbourne, Australia
Senior Contributor
21 reviews
1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 16, 2012

Built for the Great Exhibition of the 1880s, this is a national treasure. The external architecture is impressive, but the internal is magnificient. Australia's first parliament was held here in 1901. Major events and exhibitions are held here and at times you will be torn between the exhibits and the building. It's right next to the State Museum, so make... More

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ben2222
Melbourne, Australia
Senior Contributor
36 reviews
3 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed January 4, 2012

not so exciting, only big old building with huge park. near imax/melbourne museum More

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Dan7482
Melbourne, Australia
Senior Contributor
33 reviews
9 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed November 21, 2011

It's a shell. The outside is magnificient, the inside a giant barn with a few interesting details but not much else. Don't pay to go inside, wait until there's an event held there you want to go to and then go. Otherwise, just check out the facade, it's the best part. More

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Jan I
Adelaide, Australia
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews
2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed October 24, 2011

We saw the classic car show there. Great location and spacious. More

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Selsy
New Zealand
Top Contributor
114 reviews
65 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed October 2, 2011

This is a beautiful Victorian building, surrounded by formal gardens which really enhance its architecture. The main doors were open, allowing a view into the central hall through glass windows. The interior decoration was also beautiful. I would have like to tour the inside, but they only run one tour a day, and not every day. Next time I visit... More

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lonerlover
Georgetown, Penang
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews
4 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed September 29, 2011

I have heard so much about the Royal Exhibition Building and its World Heritage status and have actually tried to go in there 3 times, but none successful. The first time I was there after visiting hour, 2nd time was closed for private function, 3rd time was because the tickets were sold out. I actually get a sneak peek into... More

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