In most great cities there is one building that epitomises its spirit and history. In Melbourne, it is the Royal Exhibition Building, surrounded by the magnificent Carlton Gardens. Built for the Melbourne International Exhibition held in 1880-81, the site was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2004 the first building in Australia to achieve that honour. This authoritative guide allows readers to view this remarkable site from all angles, including the grandeur and opulence of the building’s interior and stunning vistas of Carlton Gardens across the seasons. Beautiful modern photography is accompanied by a diverse array of archival imagery, including early plans and illustrations of the building and gardens. Authored by Dr Michelle Stevenson, Head of History & Technology at the Museums Victoria Research Institute, this book provides expert knowledge of the site’s rich heritage and shares a wealth of fascinating stories connected to it.
