Have you ever wondered what it would be like to step into a building that witnessed the birth of a nation, hosted the world's largest exhibitions, and showcased the best of art, culture, and innovation? If you are in Melbourne, you don't have to wonder anymore. You can visit the Royal Exhibition Building, a World Heritage site that has a rich and fascinating history.
The Royal Exhibition Building is not just a historical landmark. It is also a living and breathing part of Melbourne's cultural identity. It hosts various events and exhibitions throughout the year, from fashion shows to flower shows, from car shows to comic cons. It also offers guided tours and venue hire options for those who want to experience its beauty and grandeur up close.
In this article, we will take you on a journey through the history and significance of the Royal Exhibition Building, its architecture and design, its World Heritage status and conservation, and its attractions and activities. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or a curious traveller, you will find something to interest and inspire you at the Royal Exhibition Building.
History of the Royal Exhibition Building
The Royal Exhibition Building was built in the late 19th century, when Melbourne was experiencing a boom in population, wealth, and culture. The city was eager to showcase its achievements and aspirations to the world, and to do so, it joined the international exhibition movement.
The international exhibition movement was a phenomenon that swept across Europe and America in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It involved the creation of large-scale exhibitions that displayed the latest developments in science, technology, industry, and art. These exhibitions attracted millions of visitors and stimulated trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
Melbourne hosted two of the most successful and influential international exhibitions in history: the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880 and the Centennial International Exhibition in 1888. Both of these exhibitions were held at the Royal Exhibition Building, which was specially constructed for this purpose.
The Royal Exhibition Building was designed by Joseph Reed, a prominent architect who also designed the Melbourne Town Hall and the State Library of Victoria. Reed was inspired by the Byzantine, Romanesque, and Lombardic styles of architecture, and incorporated elements from various cultures and eras. The building was constructed using brick, timber, steel, and slate, and featured a majestic dome, a grand hall, a fountain, and a garden.
The Royal Exhibition Building was an instant success and a source of pride for Melbourne. It attracted over six million visitors during the two international exhibitions, and generated immense revenue and publicity for the city. It also facilitated the exchange of ideas and innovations among the exhibitors and the visitors, and fostered a sense of global community and cooperation.
Significance of the Royal Exhibition Building
The Royal Exhibition Building is not only significant for its role in the international exhibition movement, but also for its role in Australia's history and identity. The building witnessed some of the most important and memorable events in the nation's development, such as:
- The opening of the first Parliament of Australia on May 9, 1901, after the federation of the six colonies. The ceremony was attended by over 10,000 people, including the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York (later King George V and Queen Mary), the Prime Minister of Australia, Edmund Barton, and the Governor-General of Australia, John Hope. The Royal Exhibition Building served as the temporary home of the federal parliament until 1927, when it moved to Canberra.
- The hosting of the Melbourne Olympic Games in 1956, the first Olympic Games to be held in the southern hemisphere. The Royal Exhibition Building was used as the venue for the weightlifting, wrestling, and basketball events, and also housed the press centre and the administration offices. The building was also the site of the official reception for the Olympic torch, which arrived in Melbourne on November 22, 1956, after travelling from Greece.
- The celebration of the Australian Bicentenary in 1988, the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet in Sydney Cove. The Royal Exhibition Building was the venue for the opening of the Bicentennial Exhibition, which featured displays and exhibits from all states and territories, as well as from 18 countries. The exhibition showcased the diversity and achievements of Australia and its people, and reflected on the past, present, and future of the nation.
These events, and many others, have cemented the Royal Exhibition Building's place in Australia's history and identity. The building is not only a witness, but also a participant, in the nation's journey and evolution.
World Heritage Status of the Royal Exhibition Building
The Royal Exhibition Building is one of the few surviving examples of the international exhibition movement, and the only one that remains largely intact and in use. It is also the first building in Australia to be inscribed on the World Heritage List, a prestigious recognition by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) of the world's most outstanding and valuable cultural and natural heritage sites.
The World Heritage List aims to identify, protect, and promote the heritage of humanity, and to encourage cooperation and dialogue among nations and cultures. The sites on the list are selected based on strict criteria and rigorous evaluation, and are subject to regular monitoring and reporting. The sites are also eligible for financial and technical assistance from UNESCO and other sources, to ensure their conservation and management.
The Royal Exhibition Building was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2004, along with the surrounding Carlton Gardens, which were also designed by Joseph Reed and feature a variety of plants, trees, and wildlife. The inscription was based on the following criteria:
- Criterion (ii): The Royal Exhibition Building and the Carlton Gardens exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design.
- Criterion (iv): The Royal Exhibition Building and the Carlton Gardens are an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates significant stages in human history.
The World Heritage status of the Royal Exhibition Building and the Carlton Gardens is a testament to their universal value and significance, and also a responsibility and a challenge. The site requires constant care and maintenance, to preserve its authenticity and integrity, and to balance its conservation and use. The site also requires ongoing research and interpretation, to enhance its understanding and appreciation, and to communicate its stories and messages.
Attractions of the Royal Exhibition Building
The Royal Exhibition Building is not only a World Heritage site, but also a vibrant and dynamic attraction that offers various opportunities and experiences for visitors. Whether you want to learn about its history and architecture, admire its beauty and elegance, or enjoy its events and exhibitions, you will find something to suit your interests and preferences at the Royal Exhibition Building.
One of the best ways to explore the Royal Exhibition Building is to join a guided tour, which runs daily at 2 pm, except on public holidays and during special events. The tour lasts for about an hour, and takes you through the main hall, the dome, the fountain, and the garden. The tour is led by a knowledgeable and friendly guide, who will share with you the fascinating stories and facts about the building and its history. The tour also gives you a chance to see the stunning views of the Melbourne skyline and the Carlton Gardens from the dome promenade, a unique and exclusive experience that is not to be missed.
If you are looking for a more immersive and interactive experience, you can also book a venue hire option for the Royal Exhibition Building, which allows you to host your own event or function at this magnificent and historic site. The Royal Exhibition Building can accommodate up to 5,000 guests, and offers a range of spaces and facilities, such as the grand hall, the dome, the fountain, the garden, the kitchen, and the dressing rooms. The venue hire option is ideal for various occasions and purposes, such as gala dinners, cocktail parties, weddings, conferences, concerts, and exhibitions. The venue hire option also includes professional and personalised services, such as catering, security, audio-visual, and event management.
If you are feeling generous and passionate, you can also support the donation campaign for the Royal Exhibition Building, which aims to raise funds for its restoration and conservation. The donation campaign is run by Museums Victoria, the organisation that manages and operates the Royal Exhibition Building and other museums in Victoria. The donation campaign allows you to make a one-off or a recurring donation, or to become a member or a sponsor of Museums Victoria. By donating, you will not only contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the Royal Exhibition Building, but also receive various benefits and rewards, such as free entry, discounts, invitations, and recognition.
Conclusion
The Royal Exhibition Building is a remarkable and remarkable site that deserves your attention and admiration. It is a World Heritage site that has a rich and fascinating history, a stunning and elegant architecture, and a vibrant and dynamic attraction. It is a site that tells the stories of Melbourne, Australia, and the world, and invites you to be a part of them.
If you are in Melbourne, or planning to visit soon, make sure to include the Royal Exhibition Building in your itinerary. You will not regret it. You will discover, learn, and enjoy something new and amazing at the Royal Exhibition Building, a site that has something for everyone.
