Best Arts and Culture Places in Melbourne

"Possibly most well known for its iconic La Trobe reading room, the State Library of Victoria is a grand building that is well worthy of an hour’s exploration. As well as snapping a photo of the beautiful interior of the reading room, you can see various exhibits that demonstrate Victoria’s history, as well as various displays about literature. The coffee in neighbouring Mr Tonks is awesome as well!"

"From its columned facade to the majestic domed reading room, the city-block-sized State Library of Victoria is a 19th century treasure. Queen’s Hall (now known as The Ian Potter Queen’s Hall), remains one of the city’s grandest and most beautiful 19th-century interiors. On 25 July architectural experts will lead a free video tour of the hall from inside the iconic patterned skylight roof."

"Melbourne can claim many of Australia's oldest attractions; the oldest public art gallery, oldest building, and the oldest arcade. We also have the oldest public library in Australia, and indeed one of the first libraries in the world. The State Library of Victoria is opposite Melbourne Central - and is filled with historical artifacts."

"This is Melbourne's cultural heart, home to cutting-edge art at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and an extensive range of Aboriginal works at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. Explore the galleries before sitting down to lunch at one of the many restaurants on nearby Flinders Lane – Chin Chin and Coda are both standouts."

"Art enthusiasts often find Melbourne’s cultural and art scene very fascinating. This is probably because the city’s vibrant cultural scene offers a range of top-class galleries, cutting-edge performance art..."

"A free City Circle tram runs throughout town, starting at Flinders Street Station, and takes in must-see attractions such as St Paul's Cathedral, Parliament House and the Royal Exhibition Building. Hop off the tram at Flagstaff Station and take a five minute stroll to Queen Victoria Market. The market has been a Melbourne landmark for more than a century and offers an incredible range of local and imported gourmet foods. Grab a coffee from Market Lane Coffee, in the Deli Hall, and a spinach and cheese borek from the Borek Shop."

"Visit the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens for somewhere unique in Melbourne – it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest existing exhibition buildings in the world. The building hosts various exhibitions and events in all areas of interest, of which price for each will vary so check out what’s on before visiting. Regardless, a simple walk around the outside provides a moment to admire the restoration work on this wonderful building!"

"For a really quirky interaction with Melbourne’s artistic scene, head to the eastern suburb of Kew to Lyon Housemuseum. The gallery consists of two distinct sections; the first being the original house museum, which is where founders Corbett and Yueji Lyon live and which can only be visited on pre-booked tours held on certain days of the year. The second space is the newly-opened public Housemuseum Galleries."

"What makes the Lyon Housemuseum so interesting is that it truly is both the things the name suggests – a house and a museum. It’s now made up of two adjacent sections. The first is the original Housemuseum that’s the private home of the founding patrons, with residential areas blending with exhibitions."

"As its name suggests, Linden New Art supports brand new contemporary art from mid-career artists. The not-for-profit gallery is housed within a grand Victorian mansion in the heart of St Kilda and rotates exhibitions every eight weeks, making it a place to visit again and again. Next time you head south, why not catch brave, inspiring and thought-provoking works on your way to the beach?"

"Located in the heart of the city on the Northbank of the Yarra River, Signal is the last surviving signal box in Flinders Street Station. Once decommissioned, Signal has been converted into a creative studio for young people using simple environmental design concepts. Until your next visit, have a look-see at this creative hub online."

"A lot more than you might think, as this 1980s building extends five floors underground and includes three theatres. Take a peek inside Hamer Hall on the virtual tour, or watch a clip about the iconic performing arts collection. The collection includes over 500 pieces of Australia’s performing arts history, including Kylie’s famous hot pants!"

"Spend the day hopping between eclectic cafes and small shops, and explore iconic places such as the State Parliament buildings, Shrine of Remembrance, Federation Square, Arts Centre, Yarra River, Fitzroy Garden and St Patrick’s Cathedral. Take advantage of the free tram service around the City Circle loop to get around!"

"This is one of those spots which only really works when there is some cloud in the sky to light up. With the sunsetting to the far left, when conditions are right the colours in the sky over Flinders Street Station, St Paul’s Cathedral and high rises beyond can be spectacular."

"One of the more lifeless buildings of Melbourne on the outside, the old Melbourne Gaol has quite a ghastly history to back it up. Sitting right on Russel street (another very famous Melbourne street) is an incredibly eerie, 3 story high former prison. While it’s no longer a prison (it was officially closed in 1924), it’s now a museum filled with relics of the past and the history of some of Australia’s most notorious criminals."

"For 87 years, Victoria’s Old Melbourne Gaol housed minor offenders and notorious criminals including gangster Squizzy Taylor. Among those executed were bushranger Ned Kelly and Jack the Ripper suspect Frederick Bailey Deeming. Today, the prison operates as a museum where visitors can see death masks, Kelly gang weapons and memorabilia from prisoners and staff."

"Coop’s shot tower standing tall and sunbaking under it’s massive glass dome. Sitting right in the middle of Melbourne Central train station (think the equivalent of New York’s central station but in Melbourne.) This 50-meter high tower truly is a sight to behold, especially sitting directly under the 84-meter high glass cone. Something really fascinating about this building is that it was actually built because of Melbourne’s riches during and after the Gold Rush."

"Coops shot tower is one of the most photographed buildings in Melbourne that claims of a heritage as old as the city itself. At the time of its construction, it was the tallest building in Melbourne's CBD until the mid-1940s. Today, this tower has been incorporated in the Melbourne centre where it been preserved and is opened for the visitors."

"Perhaps the most notable council building is Melbourne Town Hall. This heritage listed building was the prototype for numerous suburban town halls. While the building’s architectural significance is clear with its impressive Tasmanian freestone façade (built in 1867), the Prince Alfred Tower (added in 1869) and temple-like portico (1887), it’s also notable for its role in many historical moments."

"Make your event extra special with a delicious Trivelli cake!. At Trivelli Cakes we take great pride in creating a cake that reflects you both and we are passionate about our cakes tasting as beautiful as they look. With a delicious variety of flavours and styles to choose from, there is something to suit everyone!"

"Sugar Buns Bakery Cafe located in Hampton Park shopping center is one of the trendiest cafes in town. Best known for their outrageous mega-milkshakes that are so decadent you might need to get a health check after one. Featured with permission from sugarbunsbakerycafe"