The 5 Best Art Classes in Melbourne for Picassos in Training
From polished galleries to Melbourne’s vibrant street art, the city has long earned its reputation as Australia’s cultural capital.
More and more people are stepping into art studios, searching for something more meaningful than another night in front of a screen. Whether in painting or pottery, the demand for quality art classes in Melbourne has never been higher.
But not all classes are created equal. Some are designed to genuinely build your skills. Others are more about a relaxed evening, a glass of wine, and a finished canvas you can take home.
To help you figure out which kind of art class suits you best, we signed up for a range of sessions across the city. Here’s our honest take on the ones that stood out.
How much does it cost to take an art class in Melbourne?
It costs at least $20 an hour to take an art class in Melbourne. This is just an estimate. The actual cost will depend on the art class fee, the style of art, and more.
1. Art Masterclass Melbourne
Address: 555 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Contact Details: +61455460541
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 12 PM to 8 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Art Masterclass Melbourne is one of the most rewarding places in the city to learn mosaic art. The instructors show people, step by step, how a handful of tiny tiles can become a glowing lamp.
The pacing is thoughtful. We never felt rushed through it all.
Free refreshments are served throughout the evening. The studio atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and social without being overwhelming.
The 1.5-2.5 hour format hits a sweet spot: it’s long enough to dive into authentic Turkish mosaic techniques, yet short enough to fit into a busy weeknight.
We also appreciate that people can buy DIY kits to take home. The kits come with high-quality metal bases, glass pieces, and LED bulbs that meet Australian standards, so the creative experience doesn’t have to end when you walk out of the studio.
The one drawback is their stricter refund and rescheduling policy, which may be inconvenient if plans change at the last minute.
This was such a cool experience
“This was such a cool experience. We came here for our women’s Xmas get together and it was so much fun. We did the larger glass bowls that came as part of the Swan Lamp option. Great location and it was fun to be able to design these and make them. The beading was particularly challenging and we all now have a newfound appreciation for people who make these. The instructor was fantastic; providing us with ideas and direction. She served Turkish delights and Turkish tea; fair warning, the tea is supppperrr sweet. Turkish coffee is available to purchase. We had a great time as our group and there were a couple of other groups in the room too, but each group had our own table which was great. A table fits 4 so note this for group bookings. I love how there were lots of lamps in the classroom to drawn inspiration from and there are lots of things to purchase as well. The kits are great for taking home and the instructions are very straightforward. Would definitely recommend and hope to come back soon.”
– Michelle “MishManners” Duke, Google Reviews
I absolutely adore my lamp and had the greatest time making it
“This place is incredible. Such a fun and gorgeous crafting class.
I absolutely adore my lamp and had the greatest time making it. The teachers are so knowledgeable and helpful guiding you through the process and I love that I have this beautiful creation to display and use in my house! The teachers and snacks are also delicious and a really lovely added touch to complete the experience
The prices are very fair for the experience and the customer service is above and beyond. When I went to set my lamp up at home the bulb it came with wasn’t working and when I contacted support to ask what type it was so I could buy a replacement they offered to send me a replacement out immediately at no extra charge.
They really care for their customers. I will absolutely be coming back again and again especially as they have a great amount of different options to explore! I have also done the painting class which was such a good time and another thing I feel so proud using in my home!
Thanks so much Art Masterclass!”
– S, Google Reviews
2. 7 Paintings – Melbourne
Address: Inside Rendezvous Hotel, 328 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Contact Details: +61392501888
Operating Hours: Thursday to Saturday – 7:30 PM to 9 PM
7 Paintings in Melbourne is an art class and dinner in one. Over two and a half hours, guests move through seven famous artworks as each course lands on the table.
Each artwork is paired with a matching course, with vegetarian and vegan options available on request, which makes it easy for mixed groups to book.
Paint-splattered fingers hover over half-finished canvases while, a few seats away, someone puzzles over a riddle.
Conversation flows not only about the evolving paintings but also about the plates themselves. People rave about the bold colors of the food, like those of a Picasso painting.
We especially like how the staff takes time to answer questions and explain the ideas behind different art styles, so no one feels out of their depth.
The only real drawback is that it feels more like a special-occasion night than a regular class locals could attend weekly. It’s best treated as an immersive one-off experience rather than ongoing training.
Each course is beautifully presented
“An unforgettable dining experience at The Seven Paintings – Hotel Rendezvous.
From the moment you step inside, you’re immersed in a world where art, storytelling, and fine dining come together seamlessly. This is not just a meal — it’s a curated sensory journey.
Each course is beautifully presented, thoughtfully crafted, and bursting with flavour. The food is exceptional — refined, creative, and perfectly balanced — with every dish feeling like part of a larger narrative rather than a standalone plate. You can feel the intention behind every bite.
The experience is elevated by the atmosphere, lighting, music, and attentive service. The staff are warm, knowledgeable, and passionate, making you feel both welcomed and guided through the journey. Everything flows effortlessly, allowing you to fully surrender to the moment.
The Seven Paintings is sophisticated without feeling pretentious, immersive without being overwhelming, and memorable in the best possible way. Truly one of the best dining experiences I’ve had — a place where food becomes art and dinner becomes an experience you’ll be talking about long after it ends.
Highly recommended for anyone seeking something extraordinary.”
– Mariana Torres de la Orta, Google Reviews
Overall it was a fantastic evening
“The food was beautifully done, but we all felt it was a bit bland. Needed more flavor especially for the price.
The show was fantastic, loved being able to interact and “play” with our food.
As someone who gets travel sickness, I did find myself feeling a bit unwell as the evening progressed. If I was aware of this i would have taken a travel tablet, this would have made the evening more pleasant.
Overall it was a fantastic evening, The staff was great. I’d definitely do another one.”
– Louise, Google Reviews
3. Champainting Melbourne – A Paint and Sip Experience
Address: 206 Clarendon St, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia
Contact Details: +61440133669
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 1 PM to 6 PM
Champainting Melbourne makes painting fun. Music is playing in the background, canvases and easels are set up for students, and the staff is friendly too.
During our class, we liked that everything was provided, from paints and aprons to wine glasses and bottle openers. This made it easy for people to relax and just enjoy the process.
Guests we spoke to appreciated the in-depth, step-by-step help during the ‘Paint Your Mate – Picasso Style’ and ‘Paint Your Pet’ sessions. A few fellow painters in our class liked the no-judgment vibe about the artwork.
Even new painters could create something here. It’s just that easy.
The themed nights, like Glow in the Dark or HalloQween drag events, keep things feeling more like a night out. This is ideal for those who usually find the art classes Melbourne offers a bit intimidating.
The only drawback is that it’s not aimed at serious portfolio work, so advanced artists may not enjoy it as much.
Great place!
“Great place! Had a really lovely time with my mum. We were amazed at the artwork we were able to create in just 2.5 hours. Such a fun and relaxing experience—highly recommended for a great time ☺️”
– Seeral Rajput, Google Reviews
They were super friendly and supportive
“We came here for a date night and it was so much fun. Next time we will definitely bring more snacks and drinks. Special shout-out to Lina and Amalee (sorry if I spelt your names wrong) who hosted the event, they were super friendly and supportive!”
– kate coronel, Google Reviews
4. Melbourne Art Class – Union Studio
Address: level 1/85 Union St, Armadale VIC 3143, Australia
Contact Details: +61408152575
We could feel Melbourne Art Class’ focus on art from the first time we walked into their space for a life drawing drop-in session.
The model, the lighting, and the room’s quiet focus made it easy to concentrate, even for people new to drawing the human figure.
We like how each class has a clear purpose. In the Adult’s Open Studio, students quietly finish paintings from previous courses while an instructor hovers in the background, ready if needed but never hovering too much.
One painter we spoke to said the private artist mentoring on Zoom kept her practice going between classes, which makes sense when schedules get hectic.
Their specialist workshops are also awesome. The Manga Fundamentals session breaks down character design in a way that beginners can easily start drawing manga that same day.
The Colour Field painting course teaches about artists like Helen Frankenthaler and Frank Stella, then encourages people to try their own abstract pieces.
If there’s a downside, it’s that popular sessions book out quickly, so planning ahead is a must.
is just a beautiful space to be
“I’ve been coming to Melbourne Art Class for almost 8 years now and am blown away every time. I’ve done water colour classes, portraiture, life drawing (so good I did it twice!), oil painting – the list goes on. The care and attention they show to every student is second to none and the studio (particularly in Armadale!) is just a beautiful space to be. Could not recommend them higher :)”
– Laura McFarlane, Google Reviews
lovely atmosphere
“Beautiful space.lovely atmosphere. Sam is an incredible teacher, insightful, highly skilled, professional and very encouraging. I hadn’t painted in three years and Sam helped me take the first steps back which I am very grateful. Highly recommend.”
– Jane, Google Reviews
5. Dya Australia Art Workshop Melbourne
Address: 252 Graham St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207, Australia
Contact Details: +61390056565
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 8 PM
We’ve sat through our share of dry team days, so hearing about how fun Dya Australia makes their office art workshopsgot us eager to learn more.
One company told us their workshops start a bit slow, but once the brushes and materials come out, the class progresses faster.
We like how their staff talk through ideas and help each person bring their art vision to life, whether it’s a basic drawing or a full-blown painting.
Dya Australia naturally blends creative play with real-world thinking. In their school incursions, students get hands-on projects that nudge them to stay curious in a fast-changing world rather than just copying a teacher’s example.
They also host paint-and-sip events, which keep things light, with no experience required and a finished piece to take home.
The only downside is that these sessions focus more on mindset, connection, and teamwork than on classic studio drills. They may not be the best option for those who want deep technical training in painting or drawing.
The glow paint experience was amazing!
“The glow paint experience was amazing! Great team building end of year event. The staff were amazing and provided valuable support during the painting experience. So much fun and highly recommend!!”
– Laura van de Voorde, Google Reviews
Highly recommend for a fun and creative day out!
“I brought my clients to Paint for Fun for a painting session, and we all had a wonderful time! The instructor, Ali, was a lovely and patient woman who was very accommodating with the kids. Debbie was also very helpful and welcoming throughout. Even as a carer, I found the experience relaxing and enjoyable. Highly recommend for a fun and creative day out!”
– HANNAH MISSION, Google Reviews