The Royal Exhibition Building gets a 26-metre tall facelift
Subscribe
X

Get the latest from Beat

07.03.2019

The Royal Exhibition Building gets a 26-metre tall facelift

By Saskia Morrison-Thiagu

Ahead of its massive $20 million renovation.

The Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne is getting a facelift, just like your favourite soccer mum from Toorak.

If you walk past the Royal Exhibition Building today, you might notice the striking 26-metre tall artwork placed over the building’s scaffolding. This incredible piece is the Sylph of Spring, a painting that could only previously be seen within the Royal Exhibition Building’s interior.

Detail of the Sylph of "Spring" in the Royal Exhibition Building - Melbourne

The artwork marks the beginning of a $20 million government-funded project that will help to secure the future of the Royal Exhibition Building; before a younger, hotter version comes along. The project will reintroduce the 360-degree Dome Promenade, a popular attraction during the 1880s that visitors will be able to access via a new lift. The attraction will also feature an exhibition of the many stories the Royal Exhibition Building has to share. The project is expected to be completed by early 2020.

The Royal Exhibition Building is one of three world heritage-listed culture sites in Australia. Think of the oldest person you know, the Royal Exhibition Building is as old as their great-grandparent. Lynley Crosswell, CEO of Museums Victoria wants the public to be as “excited as we are of this transformation”.