The Royal Exhibition Building is a historic exhibition hall located in Melbourne, Australia. It was built in 1879 and served as the main venue for the International Exhibition of 1880. The building was designed by architect Joseph Reed in the Renaissance Revival style, with a dome modeled after the Florence Cathedral in Italy.
The Royal Exhibition Building has played an important role in Australia's cultural and social history, hosting a number of significant events, including the first Commonwealth Parliament of Australia in 1901, as well as numerous royal visits, trade fairs, and cultural exhibitions.
The building was also the site of the opening ceremony of the first modern Olympic Games in 1956, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004, recognizing its architectural significance and cultural heritage value.
Today, the Royal Exhibition Building continues to be used for a wide range of events, including exhibitions, trade shows, concerts, and cultural festivals. It is also open to the public for guided tours, providing a glimpse into its rich history and grand architecture.