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Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens

Melbourne, Australia
28.04.2014

The Königliches Ausstellungsgebäude, also known as the Royal Exhibition Building, is a magnificent structure located in the Carlton Gardens of Melbourne, Australia. This historic building was constructed in 1880 for the Melbourne International Exhibition and has since become a popular landmark and major attraction in the city.

Designed by architect Joseph Reed, the Königliches Ausstellungsgebäude is a prime example of Victorian-era architecture with its grand scale and intricate detailing. The building features a striking dome, ornate columns, and elaborate friezes, all of which reflect the opulence of the late 19th century.

Today, the Königliches Ausstellungsgebäude serves as a venue for various events, including cultural exhibitions, trade shows, and conventions. It is also a popular spot for wedding ceremonies and other special occasions, thanks to its stunning interior and picturesque surroundings.

Adjacent to the building is the beautiful Carlton Gardens, which were also designed by Joseph Reed. These gardens are a tranquil oasis in the heart of the bustling city, featuring lush greenery, serene ponds, and charming fountains. It is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike, who come to relax, have a picnic, and take in the stunning views of the Königliches Ausstellungsgebäude.

In 2004, the Königliches Ausstellungsgebäude and the Carlton Gardens were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a must-visit destination for history and architecture enthusiasts. Visitors can take a guided tour of the building to learn about its rich history and significance, or simply wander through the gardens and marvel at the beauty of this iconic landmark.

Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat in the bustling city of Melbourne, the Königliches Ausstellungsgebäude and Carlton Gardens are not to be missed. With its grandeur and beauty, this iconic site truly captures the essence of Australia's cultural and architectural heritage.


The Royal Exhibition Building and its surrounding Carlton Gardens were designed for the great international exhibitions of 1880 and 1888 in Melbourne. The building and grounds were designed by Joseph Reed. The building is constructed of brick and timber, steel and slate. It combines elements from the Byzantine, Romanesque, Lombardic and Italian Renaissance styles. The property is typical of the international exhibition movement which saw over 50 exhibitions staged between 1851 and 1915 in venues including Paris, New York, Vienna, Calcutta, Kingston (Jamaica) and Santiago (Chile). All shared a common theme and aims: to chart material and moral progress through displays of industry from all nations.

The Royal Exhibition Building is a World Heritage-listed building in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, built in 1879–1880 as part of the international exhibition movement, which presented over 50 exhibitions between 1851 and 1915 around the globe. The building sits on approximately 26 hectares (64 acres), is 150 metres (490 ft) long and is surrounded by four city streets. It is at 9 Nicholson Street in the Carlton Gardens, flanked by Victoria, Carlton and Rathdowne Streets, at the north-eastern edge of the central business district. It was built to host the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880–81, and then hosted the even larger Centennial International Exhibition in 1888, and the formal opening of the first Parliament of Australia in 1901. The building is representative of the money and pride Victoria had in the 1870s. Throughout the 20th century smaller sections and wings of the building were subject to demolition and fire; however, the main building, known as the Great Hall, survived.

It received restoration throughout the 1990s and in 2004 became the first building in Australia to be awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, being one of the last remaining major 19th-century exhibition buildings in the world. It is the world's most complete surviving site from the International Exhibition movement 1851–1914. It sits adjacent to the Melbourne Museum and is the largest item in Museum Victoria's collection. Today, the building hosts various exhibitions and other events and is closely tied with events at the Melbourne Museum.

wikipedia.org