Museums and galleries in Melbourne

362 museums and galleries in Melbourne, from the big collections to small independent spaces.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first. Showing the top 40 of 362.

Photo: Lakeyboy at English Wikipedia, Public domain

SeeArt galleryCBD
National Gallery of Victoria
NGV International
The premier venue for international fine art exhibitions in Melbourne, with a permanent collection and international collections. A must-see for art lovers.
Wed-Mon 10AM-5PM, except Christmas Day and Good Fri; 1PM on ANZAC Day · Free for the permanent collection · Free entry · Wheelchair accessible
SeeHistoric siteInner north
Royal Exhibition Building
One of the few World Heritage listed buildings in Australia, it was completed in 1880 to host the Melbourne International Exhibition and was the site of Australia's first Federal Parliament in 1901. With its meticulously restored interior, expansive galleries and soaring dome, it offers a magnificent setting for trade shows, fairs and cultural events. Tours are available, although you need to call in advance to confirm dates.
$5 adult, $3.50 concession · Heritage listed
SeeMuseumInner north
Melbourne Museum
Opened in 2000, the award-winning museum houses a permanent collection in eight galleries, including one just for children.
9AM-5PM daily except Good Fri and 25 Dec · $15 adult; children and concessions free · Wi-Fi · Wheelchair accessible
SeeMuseumCBD
Shrine of Remembrance
War memorial in classical style opened in 1934. The memorial was designed so that the sun would shine on the word LOVE at 11AM on 11 November. Exhibition galleries under the memorial were added in 2014. A Last Post Service is held here every Sunday at 4.45pm to commemorate an important event in Australia's military history.
daily 10AM - 5PM (last entry 4:30PM), closed Christmas Day and Good Fri · free
SeeHistory museumCBD
Immigration Museum
Located in the restored Old Customs House, it covers customs and immigration history over the past 200 years. Details the stories and experiences of immigrations to Australia, both past and present.
Daily 10AM-5PM except Good Fri & Christmas Day · $6 adult, children/concession free · Wheelchair accessible
SeeLibraryCBD
State Library of Victoria
Built in stages beginning in 1854, it has an impressive classical revival façade. Includes a good newspaper reading room, genealogy room and an art collection, as well as the fantastic La Trobe Reading Room and its huge dome. Bushranger Ned Kelly's armour is stored permanently on display, along with a variety of galleries and exhibitions. Internet terminals are provided for research only, not email, and usually need to be booked because of high demand. Coin-operated lockers are available just off the lobby, where large bags must be deposited before entry. Free Wi-Fi and guided tours are also available.
Mon-Wed 10AM-9PM, Thu-Sun 10AM-6PM, except public holidays · Free · Wi-Fi
SeeInner north
Carlton Gardens
Beautiful European-style gardens featuring a number of towering plane trees and majestic fountains, some of which date from the Victorian era. It's a World Heritage Site along with the Royal Exhibition Building there.
SeeAttractionCBD
Old Melbourne Gaol
Built in 1841, it is now a penal museum, with a watch house and magistrate's court also on-site. Bushranger Ned Kelly was hanged here in 1880. The scaffold on which he and many others were hanged is displayed, as is Kelly’s death mask. There are other displays in many of the cells. Allow an hour or so for your visit.
Daily 10AM-5PM except Good Fri and Christmas Day. Night tours: Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat · $30 adult, $25 concession, $17 child (5-15yrs), family tickets available (free for National Trust members and members of reciprical trusts overseas)
SeeMuseumCBD
The Ian Potter Centre
NGV Australia
Houses over 25,000 works of only Australian art, including paintings, sculptures, photography and fashion. Famous artists such as Frederick McCubbin and Sidney Nolan are on display, along with a fine collection of Indigenous art.
Tue-Sun 10AM-5PM, except Christmas Day and Good Fri; 1PM on ANZAC Day · Free for the permanent collection · Free entry
SeeMuseumCBD
Australian Centre for the Moving Image
ACMI
A museum, gallery and collection of cinemas dedicated to film, TV, video games, new media and art, both old and new. Regularly holds a number of interesting exhibitions.
Daily 10AM-5PM, except Christmas Day · General entry free; charges apply for exhibitions · Free entry · Wheelchair accessible
SeePerson museumInner north
Grainger Museum
A small but fascinating autobiographical museum on the university's western side. Documents the life and times of Percy Grainger, a Victorian concert pianist who achieved international fame and success. In addition to the Grainger collection, there is a broad variety of items relating to music.
Sun-Fri 12-4pm · Free, tours $5 · Wi-Fi · Limited wheelchair access
SeeHistoric siteCBD
Polly Woodside Maritime Museum
A maritime museum based aboard the restored 1885 Belfast-built, three-masted, iron-hulled barque "Polly Woodside". Various kids activities available, including Pirate Sundays.
Daily in Summer, July school holidays and weekends in Winter: 10AM-4PM · $10 adult, $7 child
SeeAttractionCBD
Arts Centre Melbourne
The Arts Centre Melbourne is home to the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Ballet, Opera Australia and the Melbourne Theatre Company. It has a variety of performance venues, exhibition spaces, bars and restaurants. On Sundays, it hosts an Artisans' Market.
SeeMuseumCBD
Chinese Museum
Situated in the midst of Chinatown, it documents and explains the history of Chinese immigrants in Australia. The 'millennium dragon' is on display, the largest Chinese dragon in the world, along with an interactive underground exhibit highlighting the goldfields. Also on-site is a free visitor centre and a gift shop. The museum runs walking tours of Chinatown by appointment ($10 per person).
Daily 10AM-5PM, closed Good Fri, Christmas and New Year's Day · $12.5 adult, $10 child/concession
SeeAttractionEastern suburbs
Melbourne Tram Museum
Hawthorn Tram Depot
Housed in the historic Hawthorn Tram Depot, this museum holds 21 beautifully restored trams dating back to 1906, including the iconic W-class trams. Explore Melbourne’s tram history in a building with classic American Romanesque architecture.
11AM-5PM, 2nd & 4th Sat each month (only 2nd Sat in December) · $1-2 donation
SeeMuseumCBD
Fire Services Museum
A largely niche museum, it is the largest fire service-related collection in Australia. Houses historical uniforms, vehicles, photos and other memorabilia.
Thu-Fri 9AM-3PM, Sun 10AM-4PM · Wheelchair accessible
SeeArt galleryEastern suburbs
Hawthorn Town Hall
Hawthorn Arts Centre
Built in 1890, this grand town hall showcases Second Empire-style architecture. It now functions as an arts and community hub with galleries and a performing arts centre.
Tue-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat Sun 11AM-4PM · Free
SeePublic artCBD
Hosier Lane
If you want to sample street art, head for this little lane full of ever-evolving, colourful graffiti from end to end.
24/7 · Free entry · Wheelchair accessible
SeeArt museumSouth-Eastern suburbs
Monash University Museum of Art
Monash University is one of the major tertiary institutions in Melbourne.
Tu-Fr 10:00-17:00; Sa 12:00-17:00; Su closed; Mo "by appointment" · Free entry · Wheelchair accessible
SeeHistory museumCBD
Old Treasury Building and Gold Museum
Built in 1858 by a 19-year-old architect, it was the city’s first Italian Renaissance building and many consider that its elegance has not been surpassed by anything in Melbourne since. Contains displays on the history of Melbourne as well as the history of gold in Victoria, including the original gold vaults. Fun activities for children, including the chance to earn a novelty gold licence. The expansive Treasury Gardens behind the building are also worth a visit.
Sun-Fri 10AM-4PM, closed Good Fri, Christmas and Boxing Day · Free · Free entry · Wheelchair accessible
SeeMuseumInner north
Italian Museum
Museo Italiano
Recounts the history of the tens of thousands of Italian migrants that came to Melbourne following World War II, including the impact that they've had on Australian culture. Also details the story of the Lygon Street precinct and how it has developed over time. Includes a number of permanent and rotating exhibitions.
Tue-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat 12-5PM · Free entry
SeeArt galleryNorthern suburbs
Brunswick Town Hall and Counihan Gallery
The historic Brunswick Town Hall contains the Brunswick Library branch of the Merri-bek City Council library, and the Counihan Gallery, a contemporary art space with changing exhibitions.
Library: Mon-Thu 10AM-8PM, Fri 10AM-6pm, Sat 9AM-4PM, Sun 1-5PM; gallery: Wed-Sat 11AM-5PM and Sun 1-5PM · Free
SeeArt galleryInner east
Centre for Contemporary Photography
Daily night projections after dark. One of Australia's premier venues for displaying contemporary photographic works.
Wed-Sat 11AM-6PM; Sun noon-5PM
SeeViewpointStonnington
Como House
House built in 1847 and gardens, run by the National Trust.
Gardens: Mon-Sat, Sun; House only on pre-booked tours on Sat Sun · House tour $15 · Free entry · Built 1847
BuyArt shopCBD
Outre Gallery
For the art lover that doesn't have a lot to spend, Outre can get you started with originals for under $100.
SeeInner east
Abbotsford Convent
This site is host to a number of historic buildings which were originally home to sisters from a Christian religious order. Traditionally associated with community service, the convent now houses a variety of community organisations, including restaurants, bars and two art galleries. Many visitors simply enjoy the ambience of the grounds and soak up the building's history. Guided social history tours run every Sunday at 2PM for $15/person, but must be booked. There are also occasional markets and rotating exhibitions.
7:30AM-10PM daily · Free entry
SeeObservatoryCBD
Eureka Tower
Contains the highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere on level 88, with panoramic views of the entirety of Melbourne. Only recommended in clear weather. Also offers an additional cost "Edge" experience whereby visitors are protruded outside of the building inside a glass-panelled cube.
10AM-10PM · $18.50 adult, $14 concession, $10 child (4-16yrs) and various family tickets. Discounted price for additional same-day visit at nighttime
SeeArt museumInner north
Ian Potter Museum of Art
The Potter
Houses and displays the university's wide collection of artworks, from classical antiquity to the contemporary, of Australia and European origin. Temporary exhibitions of other artefacts and artworks are regularly hosted.
Tue-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat-Sun 12-5PM · Free
SeeArt galleryWestern suburbs
Incinerator Gallery
Interesting gallery with exhibitions, art history talks, adult art courses, and workshops.
Tue-Sun 11AM-4PM · Free
SeeCommunity museumSt Kilda
Jewish Museum of Australia
An engaging museum that depicts the story of the Jewish community in Melbourne and Australia, in addition to the history of the strong local congregation within St Kilda and Caulfield. Houses a number of artefacts from around the world. Guided tours available on request.
Tue-Thu 10AM—4PM, Sun 10AM—5PM · Adult $10, child/concession $5
SeeHistory museumCBD
Victoria Police Museum
Displays with over 150 years of stories and of crime, justice, courage and forensic techniques. Includes some of the famous Kelly Gang's armour, the burnt out car used in the Russell Street Police HQ bombing and various records about famous gangland figures. Regular free exhibitions are on display.
Mon-Fri 10AM-4PM · Free
BuyNorthern suburbs
Artocracy
Locally made fashion, food and gifts from a variety of artists.
SeeHistory museumInner east
Melbourne Cricket Ground
MCG, The G
One of the world's most iconic sporting venues, this vast stadium, holding just over 100,000, is the spiritual home of Australian rules football and one of cricket's most hallowed grounds. "The G", which has existed since 1853 but has been expanded and modernised many times, was the main stadium of the 1956 Summer Olympics, hosted cricket's first official Test match in 1877 and One Day International in 1971, and hosts numerous Australian Football League matches, most notably the Grand Final. The stadium is also home to the National Sports Museum, which was redeveloped in 2020. Stadium tours are available on non-event days, and combined tickets to both attractions are available.
BuyGift shopCBD
Melbourne Central
It used to be the only shopping centre in the CBD, but now has a lot of competition. Sits above the train station of the same name, and home to a large variety of stores and brands. An old shot tower sits within the centre's iconic glass cone roof, along with a small museum display about the tower's history and a clock (The Marionette Watch) which plays Waltzing Matilda every hour.
Sat-Wed 10AM-7PM, Thu Fri 10AM-9PM
SeeLocal history museumCBD
ANZ Banking Museum
Housed in the late-19th century Gothic Revival ANZ Bank building, it walks through the history of Australian banking from Indigenous bartering economies to finance of the future.
Mon-Fri 10AM-3PM except public holidays · Free · Free entry
SeeMuseumCBD
Koorie Heritage Trust
Showcases contemporary art from Victorian First Peoples.
Daily 10AM-5PM · Free · Free entry
SeeSouth-Eastern suburbs
Australian National Aviation Museum
The Australian National Aviation Museum houses a substantial collection of over 50 civil and military aircraft, including several rare and locally significant types. Its exhibits chart the evolution of aviation in Australia from early pioneering designs through to the jet age, with many aircraft undergoing active restoration. Largely volunteer-run, the museum offers an informative and accessible insight into the country’s aviation heritage.
Mon-Fri 10AM-4PM, Sat Sun 10AM-5PM, closed Good Fri, Christmas Day and Boxing Day · Adult $10, child $5, family $20, concession $7
SeeEastern suburbs
Heide Museum of Modern Art
Set on the Yarra River floodplains, Heide is internationally acclaimed for its collections of modern and contemporary art. Featuring three galleries and an outdoor sculpture garden, the museum is also renowned for its connection to iconic Australian artists such as Sidney Nolan.
Tue-Sun 10AM-5PM · $16 adults, $14 seniors, $12 concessions, children (<12) and sculpture park entry free
DoEastern suburbs
Heide Museum of Modern Art sculpture garden tour
Take an immersive outdoor tour through the Heide Museum’s sculpture garden, which houses over 30 works by Australia’s leading artists. The garden is an artistic escape that’s as much about nature as it is about sculpture, featuring pieces inspired by and integrated into the surrounding landscape.
Tue-Sun 10AM-5PM · Free entry to garden; museum admission $16
SeeNorthern suburbs
Incinerator Gallery
Interesting gallery with exhibitions, art history talks, adult art courses, and workshops.
Tue-Sun 11AM-4PM · Free

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Melbourne (CC BY-SA 4.0). Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Place data from Overture Maps.