Indulge in Melbourne's ever-expanding arts and culture scene in venues across the city. From theatre shows and live music to comedy clubs, museums, galleries and festivals, Victoria is a state of the arts. Head out any day of the week and enjoy a night of live music or performing arts. There's always a gig, comedy hour, or theatre show taking place in performance spaces, band rooms and theatres across Melbourne, as well everything from contemporary to classic pieces at public and private galleries.
Experience art, film, and food at ACMI in Melbourne's famous Fed Square
ACMI is the national museum of screen culture. You can navigate the world of film, TV, art and video games daily in the heart of downtown Melbourne at an attraction open 364 days a year. ACMI is the most visited museum of its kind in the world. Located in Fed Square, ACMI offers exhibitions, cinemas, an incredible gift shop, and a new destination dining experience, Hero.
Step into the art world at the National Gallery of Victoria: contemporary and classic
Discover art, classic and contemporary, local and international, at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). The NGV's two impressive galleries are right downtown and just a short stroll from one another. Visit major international touring exhibitions and wander collections of European, Asian, Oceanic and American art at NGV International, the iconic St Kilda Road gallery with its famous waterfall and Great Hall. Cross the river to discover the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at the heart of Federation Square. With more Australian art on permanent display than any other in the world, the Ian Potter Centre is a must-visit for its collections of Australian Indigenous and non-Indigenous art as well as touring exhibitions.
Immersing in Indigenous culture: discovering Aboriginal Victoria at the Koorie Heritage Trust
Discover Aboriginal Victoria at the Koorie Heritage Trust – located in the cultural heart of Narrm (Melbourne) at Federation Square by the banks of the Birrarung Marr (River of Mists – Yarra River) and be inspired by the rich and complex history of the world's oldest continuous living culture. Enjoy a range of authentic Victorian Aboriginal experiences from the Birrarung Wilam (River Camp) walk; one of the largest collections of Koorie art and artifacts on permanent display; an annual exhibition program showcasing local Aboriginal artists; plus, an opportunity to purchase handcrafted locally made gifts. Established in 1985, the Koorie Heritage Trust is Aboriginal owned and managed and entry is free.
Walk in the footsteps of Melbourne's First People: an Aboriginal heritage walk in the Royal Botanic Gardens
Womin Djeka. Journey into Melbourne Gardens, a significant cultural site for the local Kulin Nation, with an Aboriginal guide.
Gain insight into the rich history and thriving culture of the First Peoples of Australia though a journey of identifying significant native plants within the Gardens. Learn about Aboriginal plant uses, customs and on-going connection to country on our Aboriginal Heritage Walk.
A sensory journey through art: discovering THE LUME in Melbourne
Step into THE LUME Melbourne, an epic adventure into art. THE LUME is the first permanent digital gallery in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere and transforms the world's finest art into fully immersive sensory encounters. Curated tastes, aromas and a choreographed soundtrack add thrilling new dimensions to this 360-degree experience. Within the 32,000sq ft, 36ft high digital art gallery, there are no time limits and no set paths – your journey is entirely up to you. THE LUME Melbourne is a contactless experience with a robust COVID-safe plan in place for all visitors.
Beyond the gallery: exploring Melbourne's urban public art scene
Wander the city's laneways to see an ever-changing outdoor gallery of urban art. Check out the murals, stencils, paste-ups and installations in the laneways off Flinders Lane between Russell Street and Swanston Street or join a tour of Hosier Lane to get the lowdown. Union Lane, off the Bourke Street Mall, is usually freshly painted, as is Blender Lane, off Franklin Street.
Beyond the CBD, keep an eye out for eye-catching art on the walls in Fitzroy and Collingwood. The Gertrude Street Projection Festival is an annual highlight. For a deeper understanding of urban art in Melbourne, join a Street Art Tour while uncovering the history and of the cities famous laneways and arcades.
Beyond the game: discovering the culture and history of the Melbourne Cricket Ground
In sports-mad Melbourne, one venue stands head and shoulders above the rest as the epicentre of Victorian sport – the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Affectionately known as "the G" to locals and sporting fans the world over, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is a cultural icon and one of the most important sporting stadiums in the world. The spiritual home of Australian cricket as well as the Australian Football League (AFL), the MCG has also played host to countless high-profile events, including the 1956 Olympics, the 2006 Commonwealth Games. World-renowned music artists and performers have appeared there.
For an intimate tour experience of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, you can book a guided tour of the inner sanctum of the MCG, walk on the hallowed ground itself and understand what makes this stadium the heartbeat of Melbourne. Combine your behind-the-scenes tour with a visit to the National Sports Museum at the Ground for a truly memorable experience.
If you'd like to delve even deeper into this special aspect of Melbourne's arts and culture, check out our guide to the food and art scene in its famous laneways and arcades.
