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Top Spots for Art Lovers in Melbourne


Fitzroy Street in Melbourne is known for its art
Hi, I'm Jade!

Jade is a writer with a passion for travel, drag queens, and baked goods. Her happy place is South America, but when she's not exploring the world, she enjoys cooking and reading Gothic novels in her London flat.

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Hi, I'm Jade!

Jade is a writer with a passion for travel, drag queens, and baked goods. Her happy place is South America, but when she's not exploring the world, she enjoys cooking and reading Gothic novels in her London flat.

see more

As the creative capital of Australia, it’s no surprise that Melbourne delivers when it comes to museums and galleries. Whether you prefer a cutting-edge and contemporary-art scene or masterpieces from the old masters, Melbourne has something to suit all art enthusiasts. Here are a few of our top picks. 

Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA)

The exterior of the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA).
Outside ACCA. | Photo Credit: woolver / Shutterstock

Housed in an award-winning building that’s characterized by sharp lines and rusty steel, the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art favors an ever-changing program of exhibitions over a permanent collection. Past shows have explored everything from poetry to political unrest. 

Ian Potter Centre (NGV)

The plaza outside Ian Potter Centre (NGV) in the CBD.
The Ian Potter Centre is in the heart of downtown. | Photo Credit: Javier Catano Gonzalez / Shutterstock

Located in bustling Federation Square, this offshoot of the National Gallery of Victoria focuses entirely on Indigenous and non-Indigenous art from Australia. The permanent display pays homage to the work of Melbourne's own Heidelberg School and displays many colonial paintings. 

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

Outdoor art at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).
The National Gallery of Victoria is a top destination for art in Melbourne. | Photo Credit: Nils Versemann / Shutterstock

As the largest and oldest art gallery in Australia, the National Gallery of Victoria is a must-visit for art lovers. Highlights of the 75,000-strong permanent collection—which spans Asian, Australian, and Indigenous art—include works by Monet, Bacon, Rembrandt, and Gainsborough. 

Hosier Lane and Fitzroy

A  brightly painted street in Fitzroy.
Colorful Fitzroy is a haven for art. | Photo Credit: trabantos / Shutterstock

If you’ve had your fill of the more formal environment of a museum, head to graffiti-saturated city districts such as Hosier Lane and Fitzroy, which give you the chance to indulge your love of art in a more casual setting. Murals are bright and bold, with some expressing political statements. 

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