Royal Exhibition Building Open Day 2026

Melbourne's Royal Exhibition Building will host a major celebration on 9 and 10 May 2026, marking 125 years since the opening of Australia's Federal Parliament with a weekend of free events, performances and historical reflection.

Join us this May at the Royal Exhibition Building for a weekend of history and community connection, featuring tours, kids' activities, performances, talks, exhibitions, food trucks and more!

A Melbourne Icon

Built in 1880 for the Melbourne International Exhibition, it celebrates a time of colonial wealth and prosperity.

For the past 140+ years, the Royal Exhibition Building has been at the heart of Melbourne's history.

If walls could talk, this building would tell stories of colonisation and Federation, wartime and pandemics, as well as festivals and fun.

Tickets: Free
Date & Time: Saturday 9 to Sunday 10 May

View Program

PROGRAM

For all-ages
Explore the Royal Exhibition Building's rich history, experience its still-exquisite design, hear from experts and see never seen objects from the state collection.

Explore the Dome
Self-guided tour | 12 noon to 4:30pm

Step into History in the Basement
Exhibition | 12 noon to 4:30pm

125 Years of Federation
Exhibition | 12 noon to 5pm

Museums Victoria's History Experts
History spot talk | 1 to 3pm

If Walls Could talk
Tour | 1 to 3pm

For families
The kids' programs run on Saturday and Sunday with free fun activities for families, from workshops, crafting, learning, dancing to performances and tours.

Heal Country Tree
Drop-in kids program | 12 noon to 4:30pm

Royal Exhibition Building Make & Take
Drop-in kids program | 12 noon to 4:30pm

Family Learning Space
Drop-in kids program | 12 noon to 4:30pm

Maypole Dancing
Drop-in kids program | 1 to 4pm

Roving Performances
Roving Performances | 2pm, 3pm & 4pm

Kids workshops
Drop-in kids program | 1:30pm, 2:30pm 3:30pm

View Program






 Royal Exhibition Building View Venue
 9 Nicholson Street Carlton Victoria 3053 Map
Advertiser: museumsvictoria.com.au

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