Melbourne is a city filled with vibrant art, from museums to the streets, it is not hard to discover something interesting to look at. Tourists who come to Melbourne often find its art scene to be the city’s most memorable experience.

First, the Melbourne art scene is incredibly diverse. From traditional museums and galleries to street art and contemporary art spaces, there is something to cater to every taste and interest.

Visitors may also find Melbourne’s arts accessible and engaging, with many art spaces offering free or affordable entry. If you are looking for something innovative, Melbourne has a reputation as a hub of creativity in the arts.

Here, you will see thought-provoking exhibitions, experimental installations, and boundary-pushing performances that challenge your perceptions and spark new ideas.

All in all, Melbourne’s art scene offers valuable insights into the city’s and the country’s identity and history. Whether through Indigenous art, immigrant contributions, or contemporary reflections on social issues, art serves as a lens through which you can better understand Melbourne’s rich cultural tapestry.

To get an immersive experience, check out the interactive and participation art exhibitions. You get the opportunity to engage directly with artworks through workshops, guided tours, artists’ talks, and interactive installations, fostering a deeper connection to the creative process.

So, where are the best art places in Melbourne?

Here are some locations to put on your itinerary in the “Garden City.”

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

The National Gallery of Victoria, often called NGV in short, is one of Australia’s largest and most visited art museums. NGV houses an impressive collection of artworks spanning various periods of styles, including Australian indigenous art, Asian art, European art, American paintings, decorative arts, and contemporary art.

While the National Gallery may sound “traditional”, NGV is an iconic landmark nestled amidst bustling streets, skyscrapers, and verdant parks.

As you cross the museum’s entrance, the Waterwall is an artwork designed by Keith Haring, you enter a realm where art transcends boundaries and captivates the imagination.

At the heart of the NGV lies its exceptional collection of Australian Art, a celebration of the country’s rich cultural heritage and artistic innovation. From the evocative landscapes of the Heidelberg School to the bold expressions of contemporary Indigenous artists, this collection speaks to the soul of Australia and invites visitors to explore its multifaceted identity.

NGV’s exhibition extends far beyond its shores, with an international collection covering centuries and continents. Marvel at the beautiful craftsmanship of Asian ceramics, lose yourself in the intricate beauty of European tapestries and immerse yourself in the avant-garde visions of modern and contemporary artists from around the globe.

If you are short of time, there are a few must-see pieces you don’t want to miss: The Banquet of Cleopatra by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, The Pioneer by Frederick McCubbin, and The Great Hall Ceiling by Leonard French.

NGV also hosts temporary exhibitions, showcasing the best and brightest talents from all over the world. From blockbuster retrospectives of world-renowned artists to thought-provoking installations that challenge the status quo, these exhibitions offer a glimpse into the cutting-edge of contemporary art and culture.

 

Heide Museum of Modern Art

Heide Museum of Modern Art in the outskirts of Melbourne’s city center. Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Bulleen, the Heide Museum is located in a haven of modern art and creativity. This cultural gem offers visitors a tranquil retreat, allowing them to immerse themselves in a world of contemporary expression, surrounded by lush gardens and historic architecture.

It is a wonderful day trip if you stay in Melbourne for a week or so and then explore a little bit further to in Victoria. To get to the Heide Museum, it is a 30-minute drive away from the city center via the Eastern Freeway (M3), or, take the train from Flinders Street Station to Heidelberg Station, and then take the 903 bus towards Mordialloc, alighting at the Bulleen Park and Ride.

The great thing about Heide Museum is that the exhibitions are spaces with many installation arts on display. Don’t forget to check out Sunday Reed’s Dining Room by Sidney Nolan, an inspirational piece that recreated the dining room of Sunday Reed, an influential patron of Australian art.

Heide II: The Albert & Barbara Tucker Collection by Albert Tucker explores the legacy of Australian artist Albert Tucker, and Mirka Mora’s Studio by Mirka Mora delve into the whimsical world of acclaimed artist Mirka Mora with a visit to her meticulously recreated studio.

Australian Centre of Contemporary Art (ACCA)

If you are a contemporary art lover, the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) is not to be missed. Tucked away in the vibrant arts precinct of Southbank, the ACCA stands as a beacon of innovation and creativity in Australia’s cultural landscape.

What sets ACCA apart is its unwavering commitment to showcasing cutting-edge contemporary art from both Australian and international artists, providing a platform for thought-provoking dialogue and exploration.

Designed by the esteemed architectural firm Wood Marsh, ACCA’s distinctive building itself is a work of art (and I love it), with its sleek lines, industrial texture, and striking façade complementing the dynamic artworks housed within. With its ever-evolving exhibitions, immersive installations, and diverse programming, ACCA offers visitors a truly immersive and engaging experience that pushes the boundaries of artistic expression.

Gallery entry is always free – and whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or a curious traveler seeking inspiration, a visit to ACCA promises to ignite the senses and expand the mind, making it a must-see destination for anyone with a passion for contemporary art.

Federation Square

The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia

Melbourne’s iconic Federation Square is located across the Flinders Street Railway Station – this culture features a couple of art places offering free entry and visitors don’t want to miss them.

First, The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of Australian art and culture. With its diverse collection spanning Indigenous art, colonial works, modernist masterpieces, and contemporary creations, the theme of this place is a celebration of Australia’s artistic heritage and its ongoing evolution.

The Ian Potter Centre is one of the few in Australia, dedicated to the native art culture. Visitors can immerse themselves in a journey through time and space, exploring the stories, landscapes, and identities that define the Australian experience. Highlights not to be missed include the stunning Indigenous art galleries, showcasing the depth and diversity of First Nations cultures, as well as iconic works by Australian artists such as Sidney Nolan, Arthur Streeton, and Albert Namatjira.

As the first major public art museum dedicated solely to Australian art, the Ian Potter Centre holds a special significance in the cultural landscape of Australia. Its commitment to showcasing the breadth and depth of Australian artistic expression makes it a vital hub for fostering dialogue, understanding, and appreciation of the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Koorie Heritage Trust

The Koorie Heritage Trust is an important cultural institution in Fed Square. It serves as a vital hub for preserving, promoting, and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Victoria’s Aboriginal communities, particularly those of Koorie descent.

For walk-ins, the Trust has a showcase of artworks on its second and third floors; there is also a range of exhibitions, programs, and events that showcase Koorie art, history, and culture, providing visitors with opportunities to learn about the diverse traditions, stories, and contributions of Indigenous Australians.

ACMI

If I (or you) absolutely have to limit yourself to one site in the Fed Square, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) is my choice. ACMI stands as a dynamic hub of creativity and innovation, focusing on film, television, and digital media.

It is an interesting journey, especially for family visitors to explore the moving image in different forms, and get captivated by the history, artistry, and impact of visual story-telling.

I enjoyed the Screen Worlds exhibitions and immersive exploration of the history and evolution of screen culture, from silent films to the digital age. For an interactive experience, check out the works of Australian animation pioneer, Adam Elliotm known for its whimsical and award-winning stop-motion films. I was excited to have seen the piano in The Piano (1993), an Oscar award-winning movie and one of my all-time favorites, on display!

Additionally, ACMI regularly hosts screenings of classic and contemporary films, as well as engaging talks and workshops with industry experts, providing visitors with a multifaceted and enriching experience that celebrates the power and magic of the moving image.

 

Art Galleries in CBD

In Melbourne CBD, it is not difficult to discover unique and stylish art galleries, showing art subtly in the streets and alleys. Some of these galleries’ exhibit changes regularly and offer free entry to the art-lovers. Check out the guide map in this article and don’t forget to drop by while you are searching for some Instagram-worthy cafes in Melbourne’s CBD.

Here are some of the suggestions to put on your list:

• Blindside – the Blindside Gallery is a not-for-profit, artist-run space at the Nicholas Building. The small space (after a nostalgic elevator ride to the 7^th floor), hosts temporary art installations or exhibits with an unobstructed of the Yarra River and South Bank.
  The gallery has a roster of exhibitions and events, which are constantly evolving with diverse and stimulating contemporary art pieces.

• 

  Anna Schwartz Gallery was opened in 1986, and established by Anna Schwartz. Anna was a pioneer in the Australian art world, and the space is now a platform for up-and-coming artists to showcase their innovative ideas to the world.

• No Vacancy Gallery is a unique and vibrant space for contemporary art enthusiasts to explore and discover. The space is not big, only enough for a couple of art pieces but they are still stimulating.
  No Vancncy is an art space masqueraded as a café within the historic QV building, it might be a little difficult to find without a closer look.

The LUME Melbourne

THE LUME Melbourne is a different kind of art showcase, featuring classical art masters’ work in an immersive experience. The groundbreaking art exhibition began in 2021, at the heart of Melbourne’s vibrant arts precinct.

THE LUME is a truly immersive and awe-inspiring experience unlike any other; This innovative exhibition combines cutting-edge technology with timeless masterpieces, transforming the traditional gallery experience into a dynamic journey through light, sound, and movement.

With its state-of-the-art projections and larger-than-life installations, THE LUME brings iconic artworks to life in breathtaking detail, allowing visitors to step inside the paintings and immerse themselves in the beauty and wonder of art like never before.

The theme of its exhibition changes: Van Gogh Alive opened in November 2022; Monet & Friends between October 2022 and June 2023; Connection, between June 2023 to February 2024; to the latest Leonardo da Vinci in 2024.

Graffiti in Art Lanes

It is not a surprise that Melbourne is filled with intriguing graffiti art; the laneways in Melbourne come alive with vibrant colors and captivating murals.

AC/DC Lane, aptly named after the legendary Australian rock band, is a cultural landmark in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. Originally a dingy alley, it was artistically transformed into a vibrant street art destination in the early 2000s.

Today, AC/DC Lane boasts an eclectic mix of graffiti and murals that pay homage to Melbourne’s rich musical heritage, attracting both local and international artists.

Meanwhile, just a short stroll away lies Hosier Lane, perhaps the most famous street art laneway in Melbourne.

Renowned for its ever-changing canvas of striking artworks, Hosier Lane has become a must-visit destination for street art enthusiasts.

It has hosted works by acclaimed artists such as Banksy, Shepard Fairey, and Rone, whose murals have become iconic symbols of Melbourne’s urban landscape.

Among the most famous graffiti in Hosier Lane is The Face by Adnate, a towering portrait of an Indigenous man that celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity and Indigenous heritage.

These lanes offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into Melbourne’s thriving street art culture, where each mural tells a story and every corner holds a surprise waiting to be discovered.

Public Arts… Everywhere in the City

Melbourne’s public art scene is a vibrant testament to the city’s commitment to creativity and cultural expression. Rooted in a desire to enrich public spaces and foster a sense of community, Melbourne’s public art projects have flourished over the years, transforming the urban landscape into a dynamic gallery of sculptures, installations, and murals. Check out this map for info about the 2630 street art pieces.

Among the most iconic and photographed art sculptures around the city are The Cow up a Tree by John Kelly, a whimsical and larger-than-life installation that has become a beloved symbol of Melbourne’s quirky spirit, and The Public Purse by Simon Perry, an eye-catching sculpture located in Bourke Street Mall.

Additionally, Vault by Ron Robertson-Swann, affectionately known as the Yellow Peril, is a striking geometric sculpture that has sparked controversy and conversation since its installation in the 1980s.

For those exploring Melbourne’s waterfront, Three Businessmen Who Brought Their Own Lunch: Batman, Swanston and Hoddle by Alison Weaver and Paul Quinn is a must-see sculpture that captures the city’s playful spirit.

These iconic artworks, along with countless others scattered throughout the city, invite visitors to embark on a journey of discovery and exploration, uncovering the rich tapestry of Melbourne’s artistic heritage with every step.