From its iconic street art to its range of galleries and museums, Melbourne is world-renowned for its arts and culture — one of the many awesome reasons to live in the Victorian capital. But how did we get here?
In this guide, we walk you through the history of Melbourne’s art scene and share some of the most creative spaces in Melbourne that you won’t want to miss.
The history of Melbourne’s street art
Melbourne’s love of street art can be traced back to the 1980s. One of the most famous examples from this period can be seen at Collingwood Technical College (now known as Collingwood Yards), which is home to an iconic mural by artist Keith Haring.
By the 1990s, the streets of Melbourne came alive with illustrative street art. The famous CityLights project appeared in 1996, which involved lightboxes that could be viewed from multiple locations for free. This led to the birth of the nation’s most famous street: Hosier Lane.
The year 2000 saw an influx of unique characters lining the city’s streets in the style of Banksy. The graffiti field, once ruled by men, became more diverse, with new ideas and perspectives bringing more innovation to the art.
Today, street art and graffiti have taken over a huge number of streets in the city and its surrounds, making Melbourne itself the city’s largest gallery.
Melbourne’s art scene today
Known as the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne’s art scene isn’t limited to the streets. Today, the city is home to many treasures in various galleries and museums. From fashion exhibits at the National Gallery of Victoria to boundary-pushing installations at Gertrude Contemporary, this city has something to cater to all tastes.
Melbourne is also home to a huge array of performing arts centres and theatres for live performances, including the Arts Centre, Athenaeum Theatre, Comedy Theatre and Princess Theatre. Plus, there are plenty of cinemas where you can see anything from a Hollywood classic to the latest blockbuster. These include Cinema Nova, Kino Cinema, Lido Cinema, Palace Westgarth Cinemas and The Astor Theatre.
But that’s not all! Melbourne also welcomes world-class music festivals where all music lovers can dance to one tune. And let’s not forget April, when Melbourne hosts the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. An extensive program awaits you, complete with street performances, theatre, cabaret, stand-up comedy, radio, television, film and visual arts.
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How Melbourne is keeping the arts alive
The arts have become an invaluable part of Melbourne’s makeup. As a result, the city is always working to invest in the arts scene and ensure its long-term success.
For example, the City of Melbourne’s annual arts grants help bring new and innovative ideas to life. The grants offer up to $20,000 for the production of any art form, including painting, sculpture, dance, writing, film and more. Other groups, like Creative Victoria, aim to connect artists with funding and other opportunities.
Another fun way the city is keeping its artistic spirit alive is through the Melbourne Art Trams. This travelling exhibition sees several of Melbourne’s iconic trams adorned with designs by First Nations artists to mark the launch of RISING festival. The six new designs launched in June and will run for 12 months, so see if you can spot them all!
Must-see creative spaces in Melbourne
Eager to feed your art-loving soul? Melbourne is bursting with exciting, creative spaces just waiting for you to explore. And you don’t even need a car!
Thanks to Transport Victoria’s extensive network of trams, trains and buses, you’ll find it easy to get wherever you want to go across this amazing city. Plus, as an international undergraduate student, you may be eligible for a 90-day, 180-day or 365-day International Student Travel Pass, saving you up to 50% on your annual transport fees!
Here are some of the best creative spaces in Melbourne you can’t skip.
National Gallery of Victoria
This hard-to-miss building on the edge of the Yarra River is one of the oldest galleries open to all. The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) hosts both classic and contemporary exhibitions, with past installations featuring works from Van Gogh, Jean Paul Gaultier and Andy Warhol.
One of the most fascinating sections of the NGV is the Ian Potter Centre. Home to works by First Nations artists, the centre takes you on a tour of Australian history and culture from some different points of view, emphasising and elevating misrepresented and unheard voices.
Hosier Lane
Hosier Lane is undoubtedly one of the best places to see Melbourne’s street art. Situated opposite Federation Square, the walls on either side of this cobblestoned lane are plastered with art and full of colour and character. Whether you opt to explore the laneway yourself or take part in a guided tour, you’re sure to find some of the city’s best art.
State Library of Victoria
Melbourne’s oldest and most iconic library has always attracted readers, writers and students. But this library is also a destination for art lovers, with its range of breathtaking historic artworks. The State Library also hosts lots of exciting creative events throughout the year, so make sure you check out their website for updates.
Australian Centre for the Moving Image
If you’re a cinephile, film-maker, or just a lover of movies, you can’t miss a trip to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI). Free to visit, the centre showcases a range of exhibitions, screenings, festivals and more, all dedicated to shining a light on screen culture and its history.
Centre For Contemporary Photography
A not-for-profit community for photography enthusiasts, the Centre for Contemporary Photography is a gallery that showcases notable photographic artworks. Plus, it also provides services and exhibition opportunities for photography and videography artists, as well as educational experiences.
Ready to take off and discover Melbourne’s vibrant art scene for yourself? Use the Transport Victoria journey planner to get wherever you want to go!
