Stories

Museums Victoria / Royal Exhibition Building / Stories

From Federation to Fashion, Fire and Ferraris, the Royal Exhibition Building has many stories to share.

Stories

: Exhibition Building with lawn, trees and sundial in foreground.

History

More than just a setting for events, the Royal Exhibition Building has a remarkable history to explore.
Aerial view of the Royal Exhibition Building

If walls could talk

The world's oldest remaining Great Hall has seen a thing or two in its 138 years.

Wartime stories from the Royal Exhibition Building

During World War II, the building was occupied by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), as a barracks and training base.
Group photograph of 21 men in uniform

Uncovering the Exhibition Building's secret WWII stories

Untold war stories revealed.

Collections

Dutch oil painting - 'Roses', Still Life, by Geraldine Jacoba Van De Sande Bakhuyzen, circa 1880.

The John Twycross Melbourne International Exhibitions Collection

Explore the history of Melbourne's International Exhibitions through the stunning art collection of 19th-century businessman John Twycross.

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A water colour painting and artist impression of the Royal Exhibition Building from 1880

Royal Exhibition Building Collection

The Collection of more than 5,000 objects reflects all aspects of the building's history.

Explore the collection
Photograph - Federation Celebrations, 'Landing of Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York', Melbourne 6th May 1901

Federation celebrations in May 1901

Celebrations focused on Melbourne, where the first Federal Parliament was opened in the (Royal) Exhibition Building.

Explore the collection

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