Melbourne Exhibition Building

The Melbourne Exhibition Building on a beautiful January day

The Melbourne Exhibition Buildings Dome Promade has recently been reopened following its restoration. It is certainly worth doing a tour to hear about the amazing history of this building and to see the stunning views from the dome. Also part of the tour is the hall itself featuring the artwork which is also currently being restored. I was stunned to hear, as part of the tour, that the building was nearly demolished in 1948 when a vote was put to the Melbourne City Council. One vote saved the building from demolition! That is certainly something to be grateful for.

I have long been fascinated by the Melbourne Exhibition Buildings. So many historic events have been held there including the first sitting of federal parliament. Australia became a federation on 1 January 1901 and elections were held. The first parliament sat on 29 and 30 May 1901. The first time the new Australian flag flew was when it was hoisted on the flagpole at the top of the dome.

My main interest has always been in the 1880 International Exhibition in which my 3x great uncle played a role as one of the commissioners. They were responsible for building the elaborate building in a little over a year and running the most successful international exhibition in Austalia.

But among the many other events that have taken place in this huge hall are car shows, home shows, the Annual Flower and Garden Show and many will remember a visit to Australia’s first ever Aquarium.

It was turned into a makeship hospital during the 1919 Spanish Flu epidemic. Many have lined up for immunisations against the current Covid pandemic. Others have sat exams under the lofty dome.

The Dome Promenade