About
The Royal Exhibition Building stands at 9 Nicholson Street in Carlton, Melbourne, a short walk from the city's northern edge. It is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed building, and its 19th-century architecture is the first thing most visitors come to see. Its grand scale and ornate detailing make it a rewarding stop for anyone interested in the period's civic buildings.
What to see and do
The building is a working venue as well as a monument. It hosts major exhibitions and events throughout the year, so the programme on any given day can shape the visit. Check what is on before you go, since some areas may be given over to a particular show.
- Admire the architecture, both inside and out
- See a major exhibition or event, if one is running during your stay
- Combine the visit with a stroll through the surrounding grounds
The surrounding gardens
The building is set within the Carlton Gardens, which bring formal layouts and open lawns around its walls. The gardens make a pleasant place to pause before or after going inside, and they give the building room to be seen from every side.
Planning your visit
Carlton sits close to the central city, so the building is easy to reach on foot or by public transport from the rest of Melbourne. Because it hosts a changing calendar of events, it suits a visit built around something specific, though its architecture and gardens are worth seeing on their own. Allow time to take in both the building and the grounds around it.