Dome Promenade: an icon of Melbourne’s history is welcoming visitors for a unique opportunity to overlook Carlton Gardens and view the city’s skyline.

With its history dating back to the 19th century, the Royal Exhibition Building was originally built for the 1880 Melbourne International Exhibition.

The Dome Promenade was a key attraction of the 1880 and 1888 international exhibitions, treating visitors to a remarkable opportunity to view the gardens and city. The landmark was also the first Australian building to be awarded a UNESCO World Heritage Listing.

For the first time in 100 years, the Dome Promenade will be accessible to the public from Saturday 29 October 2022 until Sunday 15 January 2023.

The guided tour showcase offers visitors the opportunity to once again enjoy these spectacular views along with an exhibition that explores the building’s significant history and varied uses over time.

The exhibition covers four levels, including the upper Dome Promenade, which includes a 360-degree view of the gardens.

Museums Victoria CEO and director Lynley Crosswell says she is looking forward to the Promenade deck being open so the community can experience the building’s unique views, along with the exhibition.

“I am delighted that we can at last welcome visitors to Melbourne’s newest ‘oldest attraction’, the Royal Exhibition Building’s Dome Promenade, and share the building’s stories from the near and distant past,” she says.

“We are especially pleased to be opening during springtime, offering visitors a spectacular view of Carlton Gardens in full bloom and an outlook over Melbourne not experienced for nearly 100 years.”

Bookings are essential and can be made here.

Lead image of the interior of the Royal exhibition Building’s Dome. Image courtesy of Museums Victoria.

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