A Guide to Free Museums, Exhibitions and Galleries
Raining? Hailing? 42 degrees Celsius? This list of FREE exhibitions around Melbourne is perfect for a day of unpredictable weather! All accessible on our free trams, these galleries and museums are the greatest way to learn about Melbourne’s (and the world’s) past, present and even future.
NGV (International and Ian Potter Centre)
FREE
The National Gallery of Victoria is Australia’s oldest and most frequented art gallery. Opened in 1861 at the State Library of Victoria, the NGV has grown significantly throughout it’s 157 year history, spanning across two locations featuring international and Australian artworks. The international gallery has resided on St. Kilda road since 1968 and is home to spectacular pieces by Artists such as Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet and David Shigley. NGV international covers everything from ancient civilisations to modern design and contemporary pieces. NGV Australia, at the Ian Potter Centre, was opened in 2002 in Federation Square and is home to a large collection of Indigenous paintings and sculptures dating back to pre-colonial Australia. Indigenous artists such Emily Kame Kngwarray, Rover Thomas Joolama and William Barak are all featured throughout the exhibition which explores the History and spirituality of Aboriginal culture. Delve into colonial Australian artworks by Sidney Nolan, Fredrick Mccubbin and Grace Cossington Smith as well the 2018 Top Arts exhibition which showcases the greatest artworks from VCE students around Victoria.
ACMI
Costs: Varying prices for temporary showcases
Screen Worlds: FREE
The Australian Centre for Moving Image (ACMI) is located at the heart of Melbourne’s Federation Square. ACMI explores the past, present and future of Film, Television, video games and digital culture in Australia. Their free permanent exhibition, Screen Worlds, is by far the highlight of the museum. Perfect for children of all ages (including adults), Screen Worlds features interactive and informative exhibitions on digital media as well as films produced by students, aged 6-18 from across the state. ACMI regularly hosts talks, performances and workshops as well as school holiday programs. Check out their website here to find out more!
STATE LIBRARY OF VICTORIA
FREE
The State Library of Victoria is a neo classical building opened in 1856 at the hight of the gold rush. Not only is the library a perfect place for studying, it’s also the perfect place to take a study break and learn more about Victoria’s rich history. Visit the notorious Ned Kelly and his iconic suit of armour in the library’s ‘Ned Kelly’ display. Discover Victoria from pre-colonial indigenous history through to the development of Modern Melbourne at the ‘Changing Face of Victoria’ exhibition and explore the ‘Writings of War’ archives with letters and documents from WW1. The library is also kid friendly with a children’s ‘Play Pod’ as well as story time and school holiday programs. Free tours around the library run each day from 2pm and a range of speciality tours (also free) are available through booking online. Have a look at the schedule on their website to find out more!
KOORIE HERITAGE TRUST
FREE
Established in 1985 with the aim of creating awareness, understanding and appreciation for Indigenous culture, the Koorie Heritage Trust is the only public collection in Victoria, solely dedicated to Koorie art and history. Their motto, ‘Gnokan Danna Murra Korki’, translates to “give me your hand my friend”, and summarises the purpose of the trust; to create a central meeting place for education and appreciation of Koorie people. Located at Federation Square, the Koorie Heritage Trust displays various artefacts, pictures and photographs dating back tens of thousands of years as well as a collection of oral history, and dream time stories. The Koorie Heritage Trust also has a shop dedicated to locally made indigenous artworks and souvenirs. Open from 10am-5pm, the Koorie Heritage Trust is a must see during your stay in Melbourne.
SHRINE OF REMEMBRANCE
FREE
The National War Memorial of Victoria (Shrine of Remembrance) is located on Kings Domain, visible through a boulevard of heritage listed elm trees lining Swanston street and continuing up St. Kilda road towards the monument. Opened on November 11th 1934, the Memorial was initially designed to honour the servicemen and women of WW1 however it now commemorates all those who have served in the Australian Armed Forces. The classical building was inspired by ancient Greek and Roman tombs and now hosts several exhibitions in the Gallery of Remembrance, exploring Australia’s involvement in conflicts from WW1 and warfare today.
OLD TREASURY BUILDING
FREE
Explore the Victorian gold vaults, uncover Melbourne’s hidden stories and view historic panoramic photographs of the cities development at the Old Treasury Building Museum! This remarkable facility was completed in 1862 and designed by a 19 year old, juvenile architect called J.J Clark! Clark first drafted ideas for the Renaissance Revival building in 1857 and went on to design the spectacular Melbourne City Baths and the Melbourne mint among several other iconic structures throughout his 30 year career. The Old Treasury Building is home to the Victoria Archival Treasures Exhibition, a collection sourced from the Public Record Office Victoria, featuring rare original documents, photographs and maps of early Melbourne. Perfect for travellers to get a better insight to the cities history and for locals to learn more about their own backyard.
MELBOURNE MUSEUM
FREE for concession, seniors, museum members and children
$15 for adults
Located in the beautiful Carlton Gardens, adjacent to the Royal Exhibition Building, The Melbourne Museum is one of Australia’s favourite tourist attractions! The Melbourne Museum was opened in 2000 and is regarded today as the largest museum in the southern hemisphere. The museum has something for all age groups with a children’s gallery, featuring interactive learning based activities for the kids to enjoy (even better, it’s free for them!). The Melbourne Museum covers everything from Evolution to dinosaurs, fashion, and even a taxidermy display of Pharlap, Australia’s greatest racehorse. Get back to nature with the Forest Secrets exhibition. Walk through the museum’s glass doors into a mini urban rainforest featuring rare plants, ferns, tall eucalyptus and wildlife. If you feel like slipping into the Royal Exhibition Building for some 19th century architecture, the Melbourne Museum runs public tours at 2pm most days for just $10!
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