Keen to discover Melbourne’s thriving art scene? In addition to the major museums of Melbourne, like the Melbourne Museum and the National Gallery of Victoria, the city features over a dozen smaller museum spaces in the CBD and surrounds.
As Australia’s undisputed home of fine arts, Melbourne has an impressive collection of art galleries exhibiting the works of both local and international artists.
Melbourne features a vibrant arts and culture scene, including several museums focussing on the city’s unique history. Major museums include:
The art scene in Melbourne is among the world’s most exciting, one must only look at the vivid streetscapes and laneways to feel it! Naturally, there are dozens of art galleries scattered throughout the city’s neighbourhoods. For an art gallery with a foot firmly in the contemporary, you can’t go past Linden New Art in St Kilda. Melbourne CBD art galleries include the iconic Anna Schwartz Gallery in Flinders Lane. Schwartz is recognised for helping legions of artists find greater recognition, and the hallowed walls of the Anna Schwartz gallery have played a significant role in shaping Australia’s cultural scene over the past thirty years. First opened in 1986, this art gallery in the Melbourne CBD is among the most internationally-renowned contemporary art spaces in the country.
Discover the works of Percy Grainger - one of the most influential composers, arrangers and pianists of the twentieth century at the Grainger Museum. Housed on the grounds of the University of Melbourne, this unique, purpose-built autobiographical museum includes over 100,00 artefacts. Located in Parkville, it’s a quick tram ride from the CBD and is sure to get your musical and historical juices flowing. Entry to the Grainger Museum is also free!
The National Gallery of Victoria, one of the most important galleries and museums in the Southern Hemisphere, is spread across two sites. The first is the Ian Potter Centre in Federation Square, which emphasises local art. In addition, just across the bridge from Federation Square, the NGV international features one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of international art, as well as blockbuster travelling exhibitions and special events. The permanent collection of NGV international includes masterpieces by the likes of Pablo Picasso, Rembrandt, Pierre Bonnard and Andy Warhol. Many of these works are also on display in the free galleries! Put simply, a visit to Melbourne is not complete without a visit to the NGV.
Want to know more about the Melbourne fine arts scene? Check out Amazed’s Arts and Culture category for all the best deals and packages on theatre, ballet and more.
