Melbourne Art Galleries

Melbourne has a vibrant yet eclectic art scene with a multitude of galleries representing traditional, experimental, alternative and cutting edge art works. In recent decades Victoria’s capital city has had an increasing impact on the international art scene with State and National collections being expanded. Some art critics see Melbourne as having a booming contemporary art scene with stimulating sculptures in many of its public spaces. Melbourne also enjoys an active street art scene and is heralded as one of the prime street and site specific art locations in the world.

The National Gallery of Victoria, Australia’s oldest public art space, housed in an impressive and extensive building, is world renowned for it collection of major Australian artists and sculptors. The gallery regularly runs exhibitions of works by celebrated international painters as well as events and lectures.

The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) presents Australian and international exhibitions and events and is a major space for contemporary art in Melbourne.

For commercial art spaces the Melbourne Art Rooms show contemporary work by Australian and international artists, in a renovated dairy setting.

For diversity of form the Uber Gallery in St. Kilda presents works in a varity of forms including painting, collage, installation and photography.

Contemporary craft and design can be found at Craft Victoria, fostering experimentation, creativity and professionalism. They promote craft and design for a varity of audiences through exhibitions, public programs and exhibitions.

The Flinders Lane Gallery focuses on a selection of contemporary sculptors and painters and includes work by Aboriginal artists.

Demonstrating excellence, innovation and experimentation in contemporary art practice the Gertrude Contemporary Art Space in Fitzroy is noted for exhibiting the works of emerging Australian and international artists.

For a cross cultural artistic experience Kazari Collector in Prahran incdudes work that draws on influences from the region of the Asia Pacific. Exhibited works all have a specific connection with Asia, whether in subject matter or form.

The Linden St Kilda Centre for Contemporary Arts includes a large variety of visual arts media and practices, and focuses on its conemporary exhibtion program.

Melbourne is also home to the prestigious Centre for Contemporary Photography, noted for its exhibition of contemporary photo-based arts and is a leading contemporary arts space. One of the aims of the centre is to generate debate and critical discussion around the role and practice of photography.

A short drive from the Melbourne CBD is the Barn Gallery at Montsalvat, an impressive European styled property set on 12 acres of parkland. Built in 1938 by painter Justus Jorgensen, Montsalvat has a rich history in the arts. The Barn Gallery hosts exhibitions of painting and photography by Australian and international artists.