Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building Dome Promenade Tour
Step into a world of wonder with a three-in-one guided historical tour of Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building, a basement exhibition, and the remarkable Dome Promenade.
Stand beneath the majestic dome, climb to the top for views only recently restored, and soak in the grandeur of Melbourne’s rich history. This one-of-a-kind experience of Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building allows you to explore Melbourne from vantage points most people have never been to before.
With my in-laws in tow, our visit was filled with magnificent insights thanks to a captivating tour guide that kept everyone eager to hear more.
Melbourne Royal Exhibition Building Dome Promenade
Designed by Joseph Reed and built by David Mitchell, the Royal Exhibition Building took a mere 18 months to complete, and it even came in under budget. Constructed in 1880 for the Melbourne International Exhibition, incredibly, this UNESCO World Heritage site still exists today for its original purpose.
An astounding 1.3 million people attended the International Exhibition in its opening year. The population of Melbourne at that time was around 283,000. It quickly becomes clear that there is much history and creativity behind this significant city landmark.
Our Guided Exhibition Building Tour
Upon entering the grand building, our tour guide’s warm welcome set the tone for an adventure filled with stories and architectural wonders.
Melissa is clearly a passionate historian, as each of her animated tales was filled with intricate and personalised detail. With around 30 people on the tour, it was wonderful to have a guide with a loud, clear voice. Everyone was captivated by her every word.
Basement Exhibition
Beginning in the basement, we spend the first half of the tour learning about the history of the Royal Exhibition Building. From the indigenous agricultural activities in these parts 60,000 years ago, to the industrial post-goldrush boom in the late 1800s.
The charming basement exhibition invites visitors to delve deeper into the site’s illustrious past and multifaceted history. Exploring intricate costumes, artefacts, photographs, and striking paintings, this gallery serves as a treasure trove of knowledge.
One artefact that stands out is a Spanish flu vaccine developed by the CSIRO after World War I. At that time, the Exhibition Building was used as a makeshift hospital.
The Dome Promenade tour was most interesting. The height of the dome is 33 metres, and the ceiling artwork was all done by hand. Can you imagine the scaffolding!?
The basement setup and gallery information provided a real insight into the history of the space, what it used to be like, and what it’s been used for over the years.
I think the most astounding information was the fact that back in the day, the whole building took only 18 months to complete. What’s more, the Exhibition Building spans an impressive 7,000 square metres today, yet this represents only one-tenth of its actual size as it was built in 1880.
– Rob
Walking The Dome Promenade
Once atop, a breathtaking panorama of Melbourne unfolds before your eyes. The city’s skyline stands as a testament to its vibrant present, while the Dome’s intricate design is a wonder to walk around.
At the inaugural International Exhibition in 1880, the Dome Promenade stood as a highlight, granting visitors a view of the Melbourne skyline and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Following meticulous restoration efforts, guests can once again relish the sweeping views from the Exhibition Building.
Our tour guide was very clear and concise with her detailed knowledge of the Royal Exhibition Building and the Dome. It is one amazing building to walk into especially seeing it empty. We have been to shows there before, quite a while ago, and didn’t really get the feeling of how large it is. Nor take much notice of the most beautiful artwork in the building. So, it was interesting to have each artwork explained to you on the tour.
The walk up the 9 floors to the Dome was made a little less arduous by the interesting progressive photos of the building on each of the landings. The lift was made easy for those who couldn’t do the stairs.
We felt so lucky with the weather on our visit, as we were told that it can get rather windy walking around the Dome exterior. The views were amazing of the Melbourne skyline and I can just imagine what it would have been like all those years ago, without the skyscrapers in the way. The tour, I thought, was perfect in length.
So pleased to learn that the Dome tour gives you free admission into the Melbourne Museum. We spent the other half of our day there, and it was great.
– Diane
Tour details
To experience the Royal Exhibition Building Dome Promenade, booking a tour is essential. As each tour accommodates a maximum of 30 visitors, it’s highly recommended to reserve your spot in advance.
Dome Promenade guided tours are offered daily and run for 60 minutes. There are two tours on weekdays at 10 am and 2 pm, and four tours on weekends at 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 2 pm.
Seniors card holders pay $23, adults pay $29 and if you are a Museum member, it’s just $13. If you’re not a member and you’re visiting the Melbourne Museum whilst there, it’s great value to book the tour as museum entry is included (normally $10 for seniors card holders).
Make the most of your outing by visiting the Melbourne Museum‘s permanent collections. Read more here.
Aside from these guided tours, the Exhibition Building, Dome Promenade, and basement gallery are restricted for public viewing. You can explore the building during exhibitions, of course, but it’s a very different atmosphere. The basement and Dome Promenade cannot always be accessed.
Getting there
Via train, the Royal Exhibition Building is a short walk, around 500 metres, from Parliament Station. Alternatively, catch the 86 or 96 tram to the corner of Nicholson and Gertrude Streets or the free City Circle Tram to Victoria Street.
Car parking is located under Melbourne Museum and you can enter via Rathdowne Street or Nicholson Street. Check fees and timings online.
Accessibility
If you aren’t up for walking the nine flights of stairs, the majority of the exhibition tour can be accessed via a lift. From the lower Dome Promenade there are around 20 steps to climb for the full panoramic walk around the upper dome level.
The railing on the promenade is roughly 1.5 metres high, so wheelchair users may have an obstructed view. There are accessible toilets and a café at Melbourne Museum, 200 metres away.
Tidbits for your Royal Exhibition Building Dome Promenade Tour
- The guided tour takes 60 minutes and includes a walk-through of the Royal Exhibition Building, Basement Gallery, and Dome Promenade;
- Weekday tours are at 10 am and 2 pm, and weekends at 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 2 pm;
- Lift access to the basement, mezzanine, and lower promenade (or you can choose to walk nine flights of stairs!);
- Around 20 steps to access the upper promenade;
- The railing on the promenade is roughly 1.5 metres high, so wheelchair users may have an obstructed view;
- There are accessible toilets and a café at Melbourne Museum, 200 metres away;
- Tickets cost $23 for seniors card holders, $29 for adults, or $13 for Museum members;
- Visit Melbourne Museum before or after your tour, entry is included with your ticket;
- Getting there by train is a 500m walk from Parliament Station;
- By tram, catch the 86 or 96;
- Car parking is located under Melbourne Museum, check fees and opening times online.
Royal Exhibition Building Melbourne
Address: 9 Nicholson Street, Carlton, Victoria
Phone: 13 11 02
Website: www.museumvictoria.com.au/reb
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