The Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building is a national treasure. It was completed in 1880 and is the oldest and best-preserved pavilion on the planet. Today it's considered the jewel of the Melbourne skyline and wows visitors with its soaring dome, intricate paintwork and handsome facade.

The building, designed by acclaimed British architect Joseph Reed, draws on a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance and Byzantine. It was supposedly inspired by Brunelleschi's 15th-century Dome of Florence Cathedral, one of Italy's most beautiful edifices.

The Royal Exhibition Building hosts a colourful line-up of top-tier events, including baby fairs, vintage car expos, Oktoberfest celebrations and cultural events. Guided tours depart from the Melbourne Museum and offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the magnificent structure. Relax in Carlton Gardens, a nearby park filled with tree-lined avenues, bubbling fountains and ornamental flower beds.

Getting there

Located on Nicholson Street, the Royal Exhibition Building is in the heart of the Melbourne CBD. It's a 30-minute stroll from Flinders Street Station and 15 minutes from Melbourne Central. Trams and buses stop outside the buildings, with plenty of parking available at the underground Melbourne Museum car park.