5 top art exhibitions in Melbourne where creativity meets the canvas
Melbourne is a city that thrives on creativity. Whether you’re a local looking for something new or a visitor eager to dive into the art scene, you’re in for a treat.
There’s something magical about diving into Melbourne’s vibrant art scene—it’s like stepping into a Netflix anthology series where every episode surprises you with a new story, style, or perspective.
I still remember the first time I stumbled into a contemporary exhibit at the National Gallery of Victoria, thinking I was “just killing time.” To my surprise, I left two hours later with my mind buzzing and my camera roll full of inspiration.
Ever since then, I’ve been hooked on exploring Melbourne’s art exhibitions. So now, I’m here, talking about my love for art in this city in this article.
Prepare for a visual feast because you’re about to experience a side of the city that’s as creative and dynamic as its streets!
1. National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
– Media credit: ngvmelbourne
Website: https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/
Address: 180 St Kilda Rd
Contact details: +61 3 8620 2222
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Nestled in the heart of Melbourne, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is a hub of art, culture, and history—definitely a must-see for anyone visiting Melbourne. It’s also Australia’s oldest public art museum, founded in 1861.
It has a remarkable collection of over 76,000 works that span thousands of years and feature a wide range of styles, disciplines, and ideas.
From ancient masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary art, the NGV offers something for everyone—and the best part? It’s free!
You can also join special events, attend talks with guest speakers, or explore the gallery through guided tours with friendly NGV Guides. These activities make it easy to connect with the art and deepen your understanding of the works on show.
With so much to offer, the NGV is a space where you can lose yourself in creativity, learn something new, and enjoy the rich artistic heritage that Melbourne has to offer.
Pro tip:
We recommend adding lunch or dinner to your itinerary when visiting the NGV. The gallery has a variety of restaurants and cafes on-site, so you can enjoy the art while satisfying your hunger, all without ever leaving the grounds.
2. Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA)
– Media credit: acca_melbourne
Website: https://acca.melbourne/
Address: 111 Sturt St, Southbank
Contact details: (03) 9697 9999
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) is a dynamic and innovative space. It’s renowned for its cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions that push boundaries and spark conversation.
Situated in the heart of Melbourne’s Arts Precinct, this move solidified ACCA’s role as a leading centre for contemporary art and a beloved hub for local, national, and international artists.
They’re all about fostering creativity and collaboration. The gallery works closely with both emerging and established artists to commission new works and create bold, ambitious exhibitions.
Their programs extend beyond just showcasing art—they also engage the community with accessible education, public programs, and outreach initiatives. These encourage participation, debate, and cultural exchange.
For those looking to explore beyond the physical walls, ACCA’s Digital Wing is a unique initiative that brings art into the digital space.
This evolving platform supports artistic commissions, creative development, and knowledge-sharing. It helps ACCA reach new audiences and shape the future of contemporary art.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking to see a specific artist’s work at ACCA and want to know when it will be exhibited, we suggest visiting the “Artists” tab on their website. There, you can find the artist’s name along with the schedule for when their work will be on display.
3. Centre for Contemporary Photography (CCP)
– Media credit: ccp_australia
Website: https://ccp.org.au/
Address: Upstairs, Perry St Building, Collingwood Yards, 35 Johnston St
Email: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – closed
- Wednesday to Saturday – 11 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – closed
Renowned for hosting exhibitions that challenge and engage with the medium of photography, the Centre for Contemporary Photography (CCP) is a leading space for contemporary photo-based art in Melbourne.
They’re known for incubating cutting-edge practices from both local and international artists, contributing to the ongoing evolution of photography as an art form.
For nearly 40 years, they’ve nurtured emerging talent by providing a platform for experimentation in visual arts, curating, and arts writing. They also support interdisciplinary practices.
Their exhibitions highlight fresh and innovative ideas, often pushing the boundaries of contemporary visual storytelling.
A standout display that I personally adore is Kathryn McCool’s P.North, 1987-1992. It’s shown in its entirety for the first time and offers a glimpse into her dreamlike depictions of small-town life.
Her captivating images of shopkeepers, youths, and animals in unique landscapes reflect a country undergoing significant transformation. It’s definitely a must-see for contemporary art and photography enthusiasts.
Beyond exhibitions, CCP’s role is multifaceted. They serve not only as a gallery but also as an educational resource, a professional development hub, and a lively community space.
Pro tip:
We recommend purchasing Auto-Photo: A Life in Portraits at the CCP.
This book showcases Alan Adler, Australia’s most photographed person and the longest-serving photobooth technician. It includes images spanning from the 1970s to today.
Featuring texts and interviews, it also offers a unique perspective on his impact on photobooth photography and supports the CCP.
4. The Melbourne Museum
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Website: https://museumsvictoria.com.au/
Address: 11 Nicholson St, Carlton
Contact details: +61 131102
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
The Melbourne Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring a rich variety of exhibitions.
From natural history to contemporary art and fashion, the museum offers a wide array of displays that are regularly updated to keep things fresh and exciting.
A standout exhibition is Piinipi: Contemporary Indigenous Fashion. Curated by Shonae Hobson and created by the Bendigo Art Gallery, it’s Australia’s first major survey of Indigenous fashion.
The exhibition features 24 hand-crafted garments from leading Indigenous designers. It celebrates the colors and shapes of the land while highlighting the strength and diversity of Australia’s growing Indigenous fashion industry.
It also showcases the ethical and sustainable fashion practices of First Peoples in Australia—an approach gaining global recognition after thousands of years.
Perfect for a family day out, Melbourne Museum offers interactive exhibits and a range of art galleries. It makes an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Pro tip:
If you are visiting with kids, be sure to explore the Children’s Gallery at the Melbourne Museum. It’s specifically designed for families with children aged five and under.
Keep in mind that bookings are required for entry, so don’t forget to reserve your free, timed slot when purchasing tickets online.
5. Heide Museum of Modern Art
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Website: https://www.heide.com.au/
Address: 7 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen
Contact details: +61 3 9850 1500
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Heide Museum of Modern Art is a unique public art museum and sculpture park located along the Birrarung/Yarra River. It has long served as a gathering point for creativity and artistic expression.
Known for its dynamic exhibitions, it’s a place where art and architecture seamlessly interact.
The museum’s Art eide Modern exhibitions often feature site-responsive installations that complement the building’s warm materials and spatial harmony.
Meanwhile, the Heide Cottage display celebrates the museum’s foundation. It showcases works from the Heide Circle—a group of artists closely associated with John and Sunday Reed, both of whom played a key role in shaping Australia’s modernist movement.
In fact, the cottage was originally a weatherboard farmhouse and home to the Reeds.
As for the design of the cottage itself, it’s an artwork in its own right. Today, this space not only houses the museum’s outstanding contemporary art collection but also serves as a testament to the Reeds’ vision of a living, evolving art hub.
Pro tip:
When visiting Heide during spring, make sure to bring your best picnic blanket!
You can gather your favorite people, grab a rug, and head over for a relaxing picnic. It’s possible for you to either pack your own lunch or pick something delicious from Heide’s kitchen to enjoy in the beautiful surroundings.