Art, theatre & culture
Scratch the surface in Melbourne and you'll discover a city buzzing with dynamic and cutting-edge arts and cultural companies.
Southside
Head to the Southbank precinct and experience this hotbed of Melbourne art and culture – the Victorian Arts Centre, the Malthouse Theatre, the Recital Centre and the National Gallery of Victoria's international collection.
The town square
Federation Square fuses art with architecture – see inspiring visual exhibits at ACMI, wander through the permanent collection at the Ian Potter Gallery, or see a recital at the BMW Edge Theatre.
Inside and out.
Discover the innovation and skill of local artists and designers at hole-in-the-wall galleries, designer boutiques and theatres scattered throughout the city's laneways.
Make your way around Melbourne's 100-plus galleries, ranging from large public institutions to smaller commercial spaces and artist cooperatives.
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Delve deep into the history of places near and far at Melbourne's museums or immerse yourself in literature at one of the city's libraries.
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See the big names of the stage in blockbuster productions at historic theatres, or catch new local talent on tiny stages in edgy theatres.
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Choose any night of the week to indulge in Melbourne's local and international opera, ballet, comedy, live music, plays, performing arts and openings.
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Take in art from the City Circle tram, or walk through city streets, laneways and squares and along the Yarra River to see the city's public artworks.
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