Melbourne's must-see exhibitions
From giant interactive installations to pop-up galleries featuring internationally renowned art, these exhibitions cannot be missed.
Free exhibitions
Distraction
An exhibition that plugs into the torrent of content and places we go when craving distraction.
MECCA X NGV Women in Design Commission: Nipa Doshi
Designer Nipa Doshi explores beauty, plurality and diversity in her handcrafted cabinet.
Swinging 60s
Did the sixties really swing in Victoria? A new exhibition from the Old Treasury Building.
Creative Acts: Artists and their inspirations
Step inside the unseen inner worlds of artists at State Library Victoria.
The Story of the Moving Image
An ongoing exhibition that journeys through the past, present and future of the moving image.
Making Memoir of a Snail
Explore handmade sets, props and characters from Adam Elliot's claymation film Memoir of a Snail.
Ayoung Kim – Delivery Dancer's Arc: 0° Receiver
Korean artist Ayoung Kim creates a multiverse that blurs boundaries between space, time and self.
Yarra: Stories of Melbourne's River
Explores the chequered history of the stream we call the ‘city’s river’.
CHARGE! Agincourt by Back to Back Theatre
A new exhibition by Geelong's Back to Back Theatre brings fresh perspective to the story of Henry V.
Memento Mori
Public murals influenced by the Fates of Greek mythology, inspiring passersby to embrace life.
Rigg Design Prize: Next in Design
The Rigg Design Prize is Australia’s most prestigious accolade for contemporary design.
Our Way: Celebrating Indigenous Art
Exploring how Indigenous artists reimagine storytelling today, expanding on artistic traditions.
Myth and Religion in Ancient Cyprus
Discover the magic of ancient Cyprus in a free talk presented by Dr Christopher Gribbin.
Bloom: By Melbourne Central x Melissa Likes Sushi
Step inside the immersive installation wrapping the historic Shot Tower in vibrant greenery.
Small!
Celebrate creativity in all its forms with this annual community-sourced exhibition of small works.
Blockbuster exhibitions
LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition
Step into a world of epic battles, spaceships and landscapes from a galaxy far, far away.
Nocturnal: Museum After Dark
Step into a world of wonder at an after-hours Melbourne Museum experience just for adults.
Martin Grant
A major exhibition of work by Australian-born Paris-based fashion designer Martin Grant.
Game Worlds
ACMI's new playable exhibition features more than 30 videogames from the 1970s to today.
Westwood | Kawakubo
NGV’s summer exhibition pairs two icons of the fashion world, Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo.
Events, talks and tours
Art and Heritage Collection Tour
Take a free guided tour of the art and heritage collection at Melbourne Town Hall.
Best of NGV International Tour
Join an expert for a guided tour to uncover the unexpected and overlooked within the NGV Collection.
Best of NGV Australia Tour
Join an expert for a guided tour to uncover the unexpected and overlooked within the NGV Collection
The Lost Impressionist Art Tours
Discover Melbourne's artistic story and its connection to Monet with this unique group walking tour.
Last updated on Mon 3 Nov 2025
Christmas
Christmas things to do
The city’s wrapped and ready with magical moments, twinkling lights and festive fun.
Christmas eat and drink
Savour the city’s festive flavours with rooftop bars, laneways and menus made for merry moments.
Discover more
Six Artists: Seven Days
A new art exhibition by six Australian artists at Sofitel Melbourne On Collins.
Stronger Families, Stronger Communities
Elevating the voices of nine First Nations men exploring themes of strength and cultural pride.
Amy Cohen: When Time Becomes Space
A collection of clay and fibre forms explore the connection between seashells and safe spaces.