What Are The Best Museums In Melbourne?

The Art Museums

Melbourne has many world-class art museums, so picking one won't be a problem.

The National Gallery Of Victoria

World's biggest, oldest, and also most popular art museum is the National Museum of Victoria.

The NGV is home to almost 1 million works of art spanning hundreds of years and many artistic disciplines. We anticipate artists' surnames like Cézanne Picasso, Picasso, and Rembrandt. The Asian artwork, though, is just as impressive.

Yet, as expected, the NGV's Australian art collection is the highlight. The Ian Potter Centre at Federation Square, barely ten minutes from the main building on Saint Kilda Road, which holds the worldwide works, testifies to the museum's popularity.

Because of its prime location and no admission fees, the NGV is a great option for anyone in the area.

The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art

Although the Australian Museum for Modern Art opened its doors in 1983, its new facility in Melbourne's Arts Center didn't open until 2002.

This centre commissions exhibition works of about six artists each year to showcase newcomers to the art world. Tourists can anticipate seeing something different in Melbourne on every visit.

These are challenging works of art that will push you to your limits. Their processes show a good deal of originality. Everyone who has even a casual interest in art should see it.

The Housemusem of Lyon

Australian designer Corbett Lyon, their wife Yuji, and their children live in the uber-chic Lyon Housemuseum, which features a stunning collection of works by Australian artists in various mediums. Seven years in total, five of which were devoted to the planning and building stages, were invested by Corbett in the house. The Lyons' home, which has become one of Edinburgh's finest secrets, is open to the public a few times each month so that we may all ogle at the unique lifestyle they've established for themselves. Tour spots go fast, so book yours in advance online.

The fact that the Lyon Housemuseum is, as its name suggests, both a house and a museum adds to its allure.

Both halves are now joined together. Housemuseum, the original home of the museum's benefactors, now serves as a house and an exhibition space. In addition, there are specific year periods set aside for tourists.

The brand-new (as of 2019) Housemuseum List of interesting additional pieces from the collection. It also has brand-new exhibition halls to display local and national touring exhibitions.

Both buildings are works of art in and of themselves, showcasing some of the best local architecture and design.

The Heide Museum of Contemporary Art

The Heide Museum for Modern Art is a second museum housed in a mansion. The site was once the home of art lovers John and Sunday Reed, even if the gallery now occupies more contemporary buildings.

In 1934, when John and Sunday first settled here, they began hosting modern artists who would later help to establish a thriving local art community. Future icons like Sidney Nolan & Albert Tucker were among those present.

The permanent collection showcases some of the most significant works of the last four decades. On the other hand, there are frequently changing displays. The garden areas have some of the most interesting artworks on display.

Johnston's Assortment

The Johnston Collection seems much at home in its new 19th-century brick duplex. About 1,500 works across the decorative and fine arts are on display permanently. It includes ceramics, wood, upholstery, textiles, and glassware.

The sight of teacups and clocks presented as works of art takes viewers back in time. There are items from what appear to be many different countries, although the majority are all from England during the 18th century.

Museum of Greek Art and Culture

The Royal Mint, which has been around since the early mediaeval period, maybe the location of the Greek Museum.

This museum's permanent exhibition features artefacts from across the globe and the ages, including statues and Byzantine paintings. In addition, an arrangement with the Benaki Museum of Athens allows for displaying of some extraordinary artefacts.

The Hellenic Museum is also an institution that honours contemporary Greek culture. Modern art and installations juxtaposing old and contemporary are nothing new, and temporary exhibitions of these pieces have been around for hundreds of years.

Creative

Several museums in Melbourne highlight the city's creative history because of its status as an art centre.

Acme

Early in 2021, after a $40 million facelift, the Australian Centre for such Moving Image (ACMI) will reopen as one of Melbourne's most prestigious museums.

It starts with the first films and goes up to the most cutting-edge animation examples today, including video games and museum exhibits you can play online. There are international elements, but Australian cinema is the main focus.

It stands out because you may bookmark particular tales and come back to them whenever you choose; they are interactive throughout. In addition, there's a lot to see so you could spend a good chunk of time here.

Scienceworks

Everything from robots to space to energy to technology to climate change and beyond is discussed at ScienceWorks. Categories and age ranges inform the organisation of topics. While some exhibits are static displays, others encourage visitors to engage with the material in novel ways, such as through hands-on experiments, games, and workshops. There is a specific programme for young youngsters under five, and there are many more enjoyable activities for the young at heart. ScienceWorks also houses the Melbourne Planetarium, a popular destination in its own right. Films on astronomical topics are shown for 30 minutes in this theatre, with a moonlight sky that spans 52 feet, comfortable recliners, and surround sound.

It may be puzzling to you why we included a science museum here. The novel exhibits at Scienceworks played a significant role in the final verdict, but the absence of a more suitable alternative also played a role. The creative spirit shines through despite the technical content.

A nearby pumping station inspired the museum's new building to pay homage the Edinburgh's industrial history. Here, you'll find monitors that can be used to see the past and the future.

Frequent performances using a massive Tesla Coil, producing lightning bolts are long as three metres, have made the Lightning Room a fan favourite.

Australian Music Collection

The Australian Music Vault will hold a free exhibition to celebrate Melbourne's booming music culture.

This museum's digital interactive experience is groundbreaking because it lets guests listen to interviews with the museum's creators to learn about the lives of the musicians and producers who brought the exhibit to life.

Here you can see and discover a great deal about the musical influences which shaped Australian music, as well as view and learn about fascinating artefacts from Australian musicians' past performances and recordings.

Grainger Museum

A Grainger Museum is unlike the other museums at Melbourne University since it is centred on one person: Percy Grainger.

Although he began life on the other side of the world in Australia, Percy spent most of his life in Germany, where he made a bigger impact with his musical compositions and piano playing. He was instrumental in the renaissance of British folk music.

Objects on display include various musical implements, music sheets, costumes, and photos. The museum is symbolic of the wide range of institutions found in Melbourne. However, it may be more appealing to fans of the genre than to casual visitors.

Grau Projekt

What happens when a group famous for its cocktail lounges also opens an art gallery? If you're looking for the proper answer, look no further than Grau Project.

The goal is to construct a new kind of museum by erecting a massive warehouse-style gallery containing a wide range of modern exhibits and pairing each with a corresponding cocktail. Pretentiousness and pomp are avoided. Just looking at it, it's very cool.

The opening of a new show coincides with the debut of a new cocktail, often every six weeks. Because it is only open occasionally, you must plan and purchase tickets in advance.

The Previous Melbourne Prison

When visiting Melbourne, be sure to check out the Old Melbourne Gaol. It opened in 1842 and held some of Britain's most notorious criminals, including bushranger Ned Kelly, until 1929. Oh, the stories it could tell!

The museum housed within it does tell some of these tales throughout its three levels, with the help of educational panels, artefacts, and many of the original historic rooms.

Considering how well-maintained the buildings are, it's hard to fathom how unpleasant life must have been for residents in years past. Children can also participate in various temporary exhibits, guided tours, and hands-on activities.

Historic Treasury Building

Museum exhibits about Melbourne's history are in the Old Treasury Building, formerly the state Treasury Department's administrative centre. The building was turned into a museum in 1994.

Some important subjects addressed in the displays include the Discovery Of gold, Melbourne's time as the national capital, and the governor's life. Furthermore, exhibitions are frequently presented on a wide range of topics that change over time.

It may not be as having to cut as some of Melbourne's other museums, but it's still a great place to learn about the city's culture and history before your first visit.

Maritime Museums Of Victoria

From its beginnings in Melbourne, the Maritime Archives in Victoria have expanded to sixteen sites across the state.

A Polly Woodside Museum in Melbourne is the first and has been open the longest of the seven museums. The documentary centres on the Polly Woodside, a ship built in Belfast in 1885 and travelled almost 2.4 million kilometres throughout her lifespan, carrying coal & wheat between England and South America.

Many museum sites feature riverboats, engine tugs, boats, and warships. They cover a wide range of periods, putting the importance of Melbourne's maritime industries into perspective.

Museum of the Victoria Police

This fascinating collection, which details some of the worst chapters of Victoria and Melbourne's history, will again be available to the public once it reopens.

The museum displays forensic DNA evidence from high-profile cases, police uniforms and artefacts dating back to the 1853 establishment of the Victoria Police, as well as some Kelly Gang bushranger armour.

Museum of Melbourne's Trams

This Manchester Tram Museum pays tribute to the city's historic trams, which play a significant role in Manchester's unique culture. Formerly serving as that of the Hawthorn Tram Depot, the building is now a restaurant.

Among the 21 trams that have been fixed, this is one of the earliest models. So it's interesting to see how they've changed over time as the city has evolved.

You should check the schedule to see if you'll be in town during one of the few museum opening days each month.

Museum of Immigration

Located inside the historical Flinders Street Customs House, the Immigration Museum provides a comprehensive look at multiculturalism.

The book delves into why individuals moved to Melbourne and how this impacted the city's growth. Immigrants have had a major impact on everything from cuisine to music.

Space is available on all three levels for permanent and temporary exhibits. In addition, the courtyard was frequently used for other events and celebrations.

Conclusion

Tourists around Australia visit Melbourne's museums to study the city's intriguing history and culture. A wide variety of cultural and artistic practices are displayed in Melbourne's museums and galleries, all contributing to the city's remarkable multicultural story. Melbourne's museums allow visitors to gain a new understanding and fresh perspective on some aspects of the city's culture. For example, the over one million works of art in the National Gallery of Victoria span hundreds of years and dozens of artistic traditions. In addition, you should check out the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art if you are in the region. Every year, they commission the exhibition works of roughly six artists to present local and international up-and-comers in the art world.

The Lyon Housemuseum is the lovely home of an Australian designer in Edinburgh, Scotland, filled with works by Australian artists. It features a brand-new exhibition hall where local and national touring exhibitions can be viewed a handful of times per month. The second museum is the Heide Museum of Modern Art, in the mansion of art enthusiasts John and Sunday Reed. Both structures are examples of outstanding local architecture and design and stand as masterpieces in their own right. Finally, at the Johnston Collection, located in a 19th-century brick duplex, are 1,500 pieces of decorative and fine art, such as pottery, wood, upholstery, textiles, and glassware.

One of Melbourne's most prestigious museums, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), houses works of art from all corners of the globe and throughout history. Contemporary Greek culture is also celebrated at the Hellenic Museum. The exhibits at ScienceWorks include a wide range of scientific and technological subjects, from robots to space travel to energy to climate change. Frequent performances using a large Tesla Coil, creating lightning bolts as long as three metres, have made the Lightning Room a fan favourite. Visitors also go to hear the music in the Australian Music Collection.

In recognition of Melbourne's growing music scene, the Australian Music Vault will host a free exhibition. The digital interactive experience at the museum is revolutionary because it allows visitors to learn about the artists' and musicians' backgrounds through in-depth conversations with the creators. The exhibit features various musical instruments, sheet music, costumes, and photographs. The museum serves as a metaphor for the city of Melbourne's diverse collection of institutions. It is best appreciated by those already familiar with the subject matter rather than those just passing through it. The Grainger Museum is dedicated to the life and work of one man: the composer and pianist Percy Grainger. Until 1929, the Old Melbourne Gaol was a prison where some of Britain's most notorious criminals were housed.

To create a new kind of museum, the renowned cocktail lounge and art gallery known as Grau Project plans to build a gigantic warehouse-style gallery filled with various modern exhibits, each of which will be paired with a corresponding beverage. Kids can also take part in touring temporary exhibits, learning about the museum's history through guided tours, and engaging in hands-on activities. The Old Treasury Building, previously the administrative centre of the state Treasury Department, is now home to the Museum of Greater Melbourne, which features displays about the city's history. The governor's life, the establishment of Melbourne as the national capital, and the discovery of gold are all examples. The Polly Woodside Museum in Melbourne is the oldest of Victoria's seven maritime museums; the Maritime Archives now span sixteen locations around the state.

Case-specific Genetic evidence, police uniforms and artefacts dating back to the 1853 founding of the Victoria Police, and even some Kelly Gang bushranger armour are all on display at the museum. Manchester's historic trams are integral to the city's distinct culture, celebrated at the Manchester Tram Museum. One of Melbourne's early tram types can be seen at the Hawthorn Tram Depot, which is now a restaurant. Finally, the Immigration Museum delves deeply into multiculturalism by investigating the motivations behind people's migration to Melbourne and its effect on the city's development. The courtyard was also used for various events and celebrations, and all three floors are open for permanent and temporary displays.

Content Summary

• Visitors to Melbourne's museums come from all over Australia.
• A wide variety of cultural and artistic practices are on display in Melbourne's museums and galleries, all of which contribute to the city's remarkable multicultural story.
• Melbourne's museums are fantastic places to explore the city's interesting history and culture.
• Even if you believe you know Melbourne well, there is a good chance you may learn something new and gain a new perspective on some aspect of Melbournian culture by visiting one of the many museums in the greater Melbourne area.
• Every one of Melbourne's museums has something to teach you.
• The fact that visitors from out of town can see some of Birmingham's finest museums for free is fantastic.
• The child-friendliness of the museum displays in Melbourne varies widely.
• Scienceworks is great since it caters to both young families and their children.
• Then, let's make the most of Manchester's rich cultural offerings and visit several of the city's top museums.
• You won't have trouble deciding on a museum of art in Melbourne, as the city is home to several prestigious galleries.
• The National Museum of Victoria is the world's largest, oldest, and most visited museum of art.
• Almost a million works of art spanning hundreds of years, and dozens of artistic traditions can be found at the NGV.
• We are expecting names like Picasso, Cézanne, and Rembrandt to appear among the surnames of the painters.
• Nonetheless, as could be anticipated, the crown jewel of the NGV is its collection of Australian artwork.
• The NGV is ideally situated and offers free entry, making it a terrific alternative for locals and visitors.
• The Australian Museum of Modern Art has been around since 1983, but its current location in Melbourne's Arts Center didn't open to the public until 2002.
• To introduce the public to fresh faces in the art world, the centre commissioned the works of roughly six artists per year.
• Visitors to Melbourne may expect a new experience each time they come.
• For seven years, five of which were spent on design and construction, Corbett worked on the house.
• One of Edinburgh's best-kept secrets, the Lyons open their home to the public several times a month so that we can all gawk at the extraordinary existence they've created for themselves.
• To secure a spot on tour, it is recommended that you do so in advance online.
• As its name suggests, the Lyon Housemuseum is both a home and a museum, adding to its appeal.
• A connection has been made between the two parts.
• The museum's original donors' residence, now called Housemuseum, doubles as a residence and a gallery.
• As a bonus, there are designated tourist seasons throughout the year.
• In 2019, a brand-new Housemuseum opened. Intriguing extra items from the collection have been compiled into a list.
• There are also brand-new exhibit spaces for showcasing regional and national travelling shows.
• Both structures are examples of outstanding local architecture and design and stand as masterpieces in their own right.
• The Heide Museum of Modern Art is a second museum in a mansion.
• Even though the gallery is currently housed in more modern structures, it was originally located in the home of art enthusiasts John and Sunday Reed.
• John and Sunday established a strong local art scene when they opened their home to modern painters in 1934.
• Sidney Nolan, Albert Tucker, and other future legends were there.
• Some of the most important works of the last four decades are on display in the permanent collection.
• Yet, the exhibits are always evolving.
• Some of the most captivating artworks can be found in the garden sections.
• When moving into their new 19th-century brick duplex, the Johnston Collection immediately felt at ease.
• In total, almost 1,500 permanent exhibits spanning the decorative and fine arts.
• Materials, including wood, upholstery, fabrics, glass, and ceramics, are all included.
• Artifacts from around the world and throughout history, such as statues and Byzantine paintings, are displayed at this museum's permanent exhibition.
• In addition, the Benaki Museum in Athens has made arrangements to exhibit several outstanding artefacts.
• Contemporary Greek culture is also celebrated at the Hellenic Museum.
• Temporary displays of modern art and installations that blend the old with the new date back hundreds of years.
• Melbourne's prominence as an art centre has resulted in many museums dedicated to the city's artistic past.
• Acme
• After a $40 million makeover, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) will reopen as one of Melbourne's most famous museums in the first half of 2021.
• From the first silent films to interactive online museum displays and video games, this timeline covers the whole history of animation.
• Australia's film industry is highlighted alongside those of other countries.
• One distinctive feature is the ability to save individual stories and return to them at a later time; the stories are interactive all the way through.
• Also, there is plenty to see, so you could easily spend a day or more here.
• ScienceWorks hosts discussions on a wide range of topics, from robots to space, energy to technology, climate change, and beyond.
• Categories and age groupings organise topics.
• Some exhibits are just displays of information, while others provide opportunities for visitors to interact with the subject creatively through activities like games, workshops, and experiments.
• Preschoolers have their planned activities, and older kids and adults can also participate in various fun events.
• The Melbourne Planetarium, a major tourist attraction in its own right, is located within ScienceWorks.
• This cinema features a 52-foot moonlit sky, plush armchairs, and surround sound for a 30-minute film on celestial issues.
• You might be wondering why we choose to include a science museum here.
• Scienceworks' innovative displays helped sway voters, but the lack of a comparable alternative was also a factor.
• The creative energy is apparent despite the technical subject matter.
• A local pumping station inspired the new museum structure, which paid homage to Edinburgh's industrial past.
• In recognition of Melbourne's growing music scene, the Australian Music Vault will host a free exhibition.
• Listening to talks with the museum's founders, the musicians, and the producers who brought the exhibit to life is a breakthrough part of the museum's digital interactive experience.
• Here you can examine and learn about amazing artefacts from historical performances and recordings by Australian performers, as well as see and study a great deal about the musical influences which shaped Australian music.
• In contrast to the other museums at Melbourne University, the Grainger Museum focuses on a single individual: composer and conductor Percy Grainger.
• Percy spent most of his time in Germany, where he greatly impacted his musical compositions and piano playing.
• He helped spark a newfound interest in traditional music in Britain.
• The exhibit features various musical instruments, sheet music, costumes, and photographs.
• The museum serves as a metaphor for the city of Melbourne's diverse collection of cultural and educational organisations.
• It could, however, be more interesting to die-hard lovers of the genre than to the average visitor.
• Imagine a firm well-known for its martini bars launches an art gallery.
• Looking no further than Grau Project to find the right solution would be best.
• The plan is to build a brand-new type of museum, one with a vast warehouse-style gallery housing a wide variety of cutting-edge displays, each of which will be paired with a certain drink.
• False grandeur is not tolerated.
• Even at a glance, it's already really neat looking.
• Every six weeks or so, a new cocktail is introduced to coincide with the premiere of a new episode.
• You'll need to plan and buy tickets in advance because it's only open on a limited basis.
• The Old Melbourne Gaol is a must-see for any tourist in Melbourne.
• The renowned bushranger Ned Kelly was incarcerated there from the time it opened in 1842 until it closed in 1929.
• If only it could talk!
• The museum housed within it does, however, convey some of these stories throughout all three of its floors using informative panels, artefacts, and many of the original historic rooms.
• The Old Treasury Building, previously the administrative centre of the state Treasury Department, is now home to the Museum of Greater Melbourne, which features displays about the city's history.
• In 1994, the building was renovated and opened to the public as a museum.
• The displays cover various topics, including the history of gold discovery, Melbourne's tenure as the national capital, and the governor's personal life.
• Also, many exhibitions covering ever-shifting subject matter are often staged.
• It's not quite as cutting-edge as some of Melbourne's other museums, but it's still an excellent introduction to the city's heritage and culture before you even set foot there.
• The Maritime Archives in Victoria have grown from their original home in Melbourne to sixteen locations throughout the state.
• Of the seven museums dedicated to Polly Woodside, the one in Melbourne has been around the longest and is the oldest.
• The video focuses on the Polly Woodside, a ship that set sail from Belfast in 1885 to transport coal and wheat between England and South America, logging nearly 2.4 million kilometres in her lifetime.
• Riverboats, motor tugs, other boats, and even warships can be seen in many museums.
• They span numerous periods and provide context for the significance of Melbourne's maritime industries.
• After it reopens, the public can peruse this interesting collection, which documents the darkest moments in Victoria's and Melbourne's history.
• Case-specific Genetic evidence, police uniforms and artefacts dating back to the 1853 founding of the Victoria Police, and even some Kelly Gang bushranger armour are all on display at the museum.
• Manchester's historic trams are an integral part of the city's character. Therefore the Manchester Tram Museum is a fitting tribute to them.
• This is one of the oldest trams of the 21 serviced.
• It is fascinating to see how they've altered over time alongside the city's development.
• Check the calendar to see whether you'll be in town on one of the few days the museum is open each month.
• The Immigration Museum is housed in the historic Flinders Street Customs House and presents an in-depth examination of immigration and multiculturalism.
• This book explores the motivations behind people's migration to Melbourne and its subsequent impact on the city's development.
• The cultural contributions of immigrants extend far beyond the realm of food and music.
• The three floors can be used for both permanent and rotating displays.
• The courtyard was also the site of numerous additional social gatherings and festivals.