The Royal Exhibition Building is a unique piece of Australian and world history, maintained and enjoyed for its original intended use.
Royal Exhibition Building
Venue hire and functions
The Royal Exhibition Building is a unique piece of Australian and world history, maintained and enjoyed for its original intended use. In 1880, the building and its grounds – the leafy Carlton Gardens – were opened to great fanfare for the Melbourne International Exhibition that displayed the industrial achievements of prosperous Victoria!
These days the site, comprising the Royal Exhibition Building, its Forecourts, the gardens and Museum Plaza, is on both the UNESCO and national heritage registers and continues to offer an array of exciting event possibilities over an impressive 25,000sqm. Year-round we are proud to host returning exhibitions, within the walls of the Great Hall, under the soaring dome, on mezzanine balconies and spilling out into the surrounding natural environment.
Special events at Royal Exhibition Building
This incredible building is not just reserved for exhibitions. We offer the space for all kinds of special events, like gala dinners and cocktail parties. A number of grand doorways provide safe and easy access to the Royal Exhibition Building.
We can provide onsite underground parking, clearly marked coach drop-off points and close to public transport. Just a stone’s throw from the CBD, it’s an ideal venue for corporates looking for an event space, especially when a little old-world glamour and a sophisticated atmosphere will do just the trick.
Meetings and conferences at Royal Exhibition Building
The size and configuration of the Royal Exhibition Building joined with its close proximity to the Melbourne CBD provides guests with the ability to hold large scale conferences, meetings and presentations. With Melbourne Museum only a stone throw away, there is potential to expand your event’s activities – it’s a great opportunity to build on an existing event to broaden audiences. The Iconic building is a perfect backdrop for local and international guests both corporate and tourist.
Spaces for hire at the Royal Exhibition Building
Eastern and Western Forecourts
Located on either side of the Royal Exhibition Building, from Rathdowne and Nicholson Streets respectively, the Eastern and Western Forecourts are landscaped spaces adjoining Carlton Gardens, Museum Plaza and Southern Drive.
Gallery Level
From the light and breezy mezzanine Gallery Level, you can look down over the balcony and gaze across the floor or up towards the starry sky of the Dome with its exquisitely painted Renaissance-like murals beneath.
Ground Floor
The ground floor of the Royal Exhibition Building is immediately impressive. No matter which triumphal portico you enter, as soon as you look up you’ll be struck by the breathtaking ceilings.
Museum Plaza
Most often used as public event space or for outdoor exhibitions, this immense area is an exciting platform for any number of events – the possibilities are endless!
Southern Drive
Southern Drive is bordered by perfectly landscaped garden beds and separates the Royal Exhibition Building from the southern end of the Carlton Gardens.
Dome Promenade
If you’re looking for a special location for filming and photography, a unique venue to celebrate your wedding or corporate event, the Dome Promenade is the perfect space for you.