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Melbourne is rivalled by only Sydney as the beating heart of Australian arts and cultural life. While Sydney may have the Opera House and some important national museums, Melbourne makes up for it with a myriad of contemporary galleries, the internationally-lauded National Gallery of Victoria and a bustling theatre district.
These impressive facilities are complemented by the city’s infinite dining options and inspiring laneways. It’s a city where art is firmly at the forefront and every night presents a new experience to be had. Read on for further information about the key attractions, cultural enclaves and events in Melbourne and experience more of this exciting city with Amazed!
Arts Centre Melbourne, home to the State Theatre, Hamer Hall and nearby Sidney Myer Music Bowl, has played host to innumerable theatre events and concerts in its nearly 50-year history. The Arts Centre is easily identified - just look for the iconic Arts Centre spire which rises 115 metres over the theatres and cultural facilities below.
Melbourne’s theatre district, locally known as “the East End”, is the vibrant epicentre of the city’s cultural life. Major theatres in the East End include the Princess Theatre, Her Majesty’s Theatre, the Regent Theatre, the Forum Theatre, the Comedy Theatre and the Athenaeum Theatre. Several of the East End theatres date back to Melbourne’s time as the capital of the former colony of Victoria. Completed in the opulent “Second Empire” style, the theatres are cultural icons in themselves and some of the best-preserved examples of Second Empire architecture outside Europe. Major productions of hit musicals run year-round in the East End, meaning no matter the time of year you visit Melbourne there is sure to be excellent theatre to be had! Outside the East End, a quick trip across the Yarra will lead you to the Southbank Arts Precinct, where public-funded companies also stage major theatre productions to local and visiting audiences alike.
Melbourne has a diverse array of cultural events occurring year-round - from film festivals to art installations, street festivals and interactive exhibitions. There are also annual events like the Writer’s Festival and the International Comedy Festival. Melbourne is, after all, a designated UNESCO city of literature. As one of the most multicultural cities in the world, Melbourne’s art and cultural life are showcased in the many events staged by local community groups, often in conjunction with the city itself.
Explore art galleries, city tours and so many more exciting cultural experiences with Amazed!
