Galleries

Melbourne is a gallery city. The NGV, Australia's oldest public art gallery, displays a vast collection across two sites with free entry to the collection. ACCA presents ambitious contemporary exhibitions, also free. Around them are university and council galleries, artist-run initiatives and dozens of commercial galleries, plus regional galleries within a day trip. This section helps you plan visits, make sense of contemporary art and buy work with confidence.

The guides in this section

• Visiting the NGV: NGV International and The Ian Potter Centre, free collection entry, exhibitions, children and etiquette.
• Contemporary art spaces: ACCA, university and regional galleries, artist-run initiatives and commercial galleries.
• Buying art in Melbourne: where to look, budgets, questions, paperwork, resale royalties and care.
• Buying First Nations art: the Indigenous Art Code, art centres, warning signs and your rights.

The big two

The NGV was founded in 1861 and, as the NGV says, is Australia's oldest public art gallery. NGV International on St Kilda Road shows the international collection, and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square shows Australian art. The NGV says entry to the State Collection is free, with some exhibitions ticketed.

ACCA, the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, in Southbank, says it was established in 1983 and moved into its purpose-built building in 2002. It's a non-collecting institution that commissions and presents contemporary art, and ACCA says entry is free.

The wider scene

Beyond the major institutions, university galleries, council galleries, artist-run initiatives and commercial galleries make Melbourne's contemporary art scene unusually rich. Most are free to visit. Artist-run spaces give emerging artists a start; commercial galleries represent established and mid-career artists. Our guide to contemporary art spaces explains how to explore them.

Visiting well

• Check opening hours and exhibitions before you go.
• Choose a focus rather than trying to see everything.
• Take breaks and come back another day.
• Follow photography rules, which vary between collection areas and exhibitions.
• Ask questions; gallery staff are usually happy to talk.

Buying art

Buying original art is more accessible than many people think. Graduate shows, artist-run spaces and print fairs offer affordable work. Wherever you buy, get a detailed invoice, ask about materials, editions and care, and understand the return policy. Australia's Resale Royalty Scheme gives eligible artists 5% when their work is commercially resold for $1,000 or more, including GST. Our guide to buying art in Melbourne walks you through it.

Buying First Nations art ethically

The Indigenous Art Code recommends buying from Code signatories, Indigenous-owned art centres or directly from artists. Ask who made the work, where and how the artist was paid. Be wary of "Aboriginal style" products without a named artist. Our guide to buying First Nations art explains how to buy with confidence.

Gallery etiquette in brief

• Don't touch artworks unless invited.
• Keep a respectful distance and watch your bag.
• Follow photography rules; flash is usually not allowed.
• Keep voices down in quiet spaces.

Planning a gallery day

A good gallery day in Melbourne might start at The Ian Potter Centre at Federation Square, cross Princes Bridge to NGV International, then continue to ACCA in Southbank, all within walking distance. Add a commercial gallery or two in the afternoon, or finish at an opening night. Our art day planner can turn your choices into a simple timetable, and our self-guided art walks suggest routes.

Visiting with children

Galleries can be great for children if visits are short and active. Let them choose favourite works, look for colours or animals, bring a small sketchbook and take breaks. The NGV often runs family programs and kids' spaces linked to major exhibitions, and many contemporary spaces welcome families too.

Regional galleries

If you have more time, Victoria's regional galleries, in cities such as Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong, hold important collections and stage major exhibitions. They make an easy day trip from Melbourne by car or train.

Accessibility

Major galleries publish accessibility information on their websites, covering lifts, wheelchairs, seating, quiet times and assistance animals. Smaller spaces vary, especially artist-run initiatives in older buildings, so check ahead or contact the gallery.

Staying up to date

Exhibitions change constantly. Sign up to newsletters from galleries you enjoy, follow them on social media and check listings before you go. Many galleries post opening nights, talks and events well in advance.

Opening nights

Openings are free, social and open to anyone. They're a great way to meet artists and see new work, and you don't need to buy anything. Check gallery websites and social media for dates, and come back later to see the show quietly.

Buying responsibly

Wherever you buy, ask questions, get a detailed invoice and check the return policy. If a seller can't answer basic questions about who made a work and how it was made, take your time. Consumer law protects you from misleading claims about artworks.

Where to go next

Our art history section gives the background to what you'll see in the galleries, and our public art section covers street art, sculpture and self-guided walks.

About these guides

Melbourne Art Network is independent. We don't sell, value or rank artworks, and we aren't affiliated with any gallery, museum or dealer.