Royal Exhibition Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Royal Exhibition Building |
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The Royal Exhibition Building, showing the fountain on the southern or Carlton Gardens side of the building
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| General information | |
| Location | 9 Nicholson Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Coordinates | 37°48′17″S 144°58′16″E / 37.804728°S 144.971225°E |
| Construction started | 1879 |
| Completed | 1880 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Joseph Reed |
| Official name: Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens | |
| Type: | Cultural |
| Criteria: | ii |
| Designated: | 2004 (28th session) |
| Reference #: | 1131 |
| State Party: |  Australia |
| Region: | Asia-Pacific |
The Royal Exhibition Building is a famous landmark in Carlton, Victoria, Australia. It was built in 1880. At that time, it was the biggest building in Australia. It was also the tallest building in Melbourne.
This special building is a World Heritage site. This means it is protected for its importance to everyone. It is the only exhibition hall from the 1800s that is still used today. It hosted a huge international exhibition. In 1880, 1.8 million people visited this exhibition. This was a lot, especially since Melbourne's population was only 282,000 back then!
From 1901 to 1925, the government of Victoria used the building. This happened while the federal government used the State Parliament buildings.
Contents
What is the Royal Exhibition Building?
The Royal Exhibition Building is a large, historic building. It was designed by an architect named Joseph Reed. The building was finished in 1880. It was made for the Melbourne International Exhibition. This was a big event to show off new ideas and products.
The building is located in the beautiful Carlton Gardens. It is a very important part of Melbourne's history.
Why is the Royal Exhibition Building a World Heritage Site?
The Royal Exhibition Building and the Carlton Gardens became a World Heritage site in 2004. This is because they are very important to history. They show how international exhibitions helped cities grow. They also show how people shared new ideas around the world.
The building is a great example of 19th-century exhibition halls. It is one of the few left that is still used.
What Was the Building Used For?
The Royal Exhibition Building has been used for many different things.
Early Exhibitions and Events
The first big event was the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880. It showed off new technologies and art. Later, it hosted another exhibition in 1888.
Australia's First Parliament
In 1901, a very important event happened here. The first Parliament of Australia was opened in the building. This was when Australia became a nation. It was a huge moment for the country.
Other Uses Over Time
Over the years, the building has been used for many things. It has hosted trade fairs, concerts, and even sports events. During the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, it was used for basketball, weightlifting, and wrestling.
In 1919, during the Spanish flu pandemic, the building was even used as a hospital. This shows how versatile and important the building has been to the community.
What Have Archaeologists Discovered?
In 2009, archaeologists dug up the car park near the building. They wanted to learn more about the area's past.
Old Garden Paths and Kiosks
They found old paths from gardens that were there before the building. They also found the remains of an eight-sided kiosk. This kiosk used to sell snacks and drinks in the gardens.
Hidden Military Building
The archaeologists also found parts of an extra building. This building was put up in 1888. It was used to store military weapons. These weapons were part of the 1880 exhibition. These discoveries help us understand the history of the site even better.
Images for kids
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Aerial view of the Carlton Gardens, where the building is located.
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Lithograph of the building in 1880. Notice the rear wings which no longer exist.
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The building from the pool
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Melbourne Royal Exhibition Building (east side)
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The main hall inside the building
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The Royal Exhibition Building's fountain
See also
In Spanish: Palacio Real de Exposiciones para niños
