Arts / Culture

15 of the best galleries to know in Melbourne from the city to the sea

WORDS Sonia Blair    PHOTOGRAPHY Instagram    PUBLISHED Tue, 12 Apr 2022 - 12:30 pm

galleries to know melbourne

Heading to Melbourne sometime soon? Or perhaps you're a fiend for art? It may be handy to have a list of galleries to know in Melbourne for your next trip to the arts state, with creative spaces seemingly popping up on every corner. A hub of creativity, Melbourne is home to many independent galleries alongside national institutions. Here, we've collated 15 of the best galleries to know in Melbourne primed to visit next time you venture south.

The National Gallery of Victoria

The spiritual home of arts and culture in Melbourne, the NGV regularly plays host to a slew of international exhibitions alongside housing artwork by local and national creatives. Nothing if off limits, with both contemporary and classical pieces on display.

Heide Museum of Modern Art

 

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Consider the Heide an ode to Australian modernism, established in 1934 by John and Sunday Reed. Initially starting as a farmhouse, the couple’s home became a hotbed for some of the biggest names in Australian art and culture, including Sidney Nolan and Albert Tucker.

Hellenic Museum

Found at the Royal Mint building, the Hellenic Museum looks back at ancient Greek civilisation through unique pieces acquired. Think: Marble statues, byzantine paintings and impressive antiquities.

RMIT Gallery

 

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The RMIT Gallery is the main art gallery and premiere exhibition space of the university, focussing on public art and design, alongside exhibitions showcasing visual art, sonic art and pop culture.

Gertrude Glasshouse

 

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Found in Preston, Gertrude Glasshouse is a haven of contemporary artworks of local and international artists. Having first opened in 1985, it was a place for contemporary concepts and modern approaches to creating.

The Ian Potter Centre

An offshoot of the aforementioned NGV, the Ian Potter Centre is housed within the glass matrix found in Federation Square with more than 20 galleries presenting the history of Australian art over time.

The Johnstone Collection

 

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1500 items make up the permanent collection in this intimate gallery, with a focus on decorative pieces and fine arts, like ceramics and furniture.

 

Buxton Contemporary  

Buxton Contemporary gets its name – and work – from renowned art collector Michael Buxton, who donated 350 major Australian artworks to the new gallery. It is adjoined to the Victorian College of Arts and has four galleries plus an outdoor space.

ArtYarramunua Art Gallery

 

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Owned by Stan Yarramunua, ArtYarramunua Gallery is found in St Kilda and is one of the premiere art galleries in Melbourne, housing work by Aboriginal artists and Stan himself.

Linden New Art

 

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Supporting contemporary art from mid-career artists, Linden New Art is a non-for-profit gallery housed within a grand Victorian-era mansion rotating exhibitions every eight weeks.

Islamic Museum of Australia

While not technically a gallery, a visit to the Islamic Museum of Australia is a must for its engaging exhibitions and architecture alone.

Footscray Community Arts Centre

The Footscray Arts Centre is known for its cultural expression, contemporary arts and community involvement. Since 1974, it has housed work from established and emerging artists alongside running day programs for the public.

MARS Gallery

Located in Windsor, MARS (Melbourne Arts Rooms) is one of the most versatile spaces in the city, showcasing local and international artists and definitely one of the galleries to know in Melbourne.

Anna Schwartz Gallery

 

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You’ll find the Anna Schwartz Gallery in Flinders Lane, a space it has called home since 1986. A must visit, it is home to some of the country’s most respected contemporary artists.

Centre for Contemporary Photography

 

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Launched in the mid-1980s, the CCP houses a range of works from emerging to established artists alongside running courses for those who wish to engage in photography.

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