The arty party bit
Melbourne is home to more than 100 art galleries, ranging from large public galleries to smaller independent commercial galleries and artist-run spaces. However much time you've allotted for exploring the city's galleries, double it.
Major public galleries
Melbourne's compact arts precinct is home to four of the city's biggest and best galleries: NGV International; the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia – the world's first major public gallery dedicated to Australian art; Buxton Contemporary; and the Australian Centre of Contemporary Art (ACCA).
Independent galleries and artist-run spaces
Discover groundbreaking works by local and international artists in galleries and cooperatives all across the city. Top spots to explore include the city's Flinders Lane and city-fringe suburbs Fitzroy, Collingwood, Prahran and Windsor. Slightly further afield, Armadale is well worth a visit for its high-end commercial galleries.
Sculpture gardens
For art in the outdoors, wander among large-scale sculptures at Heide Museum of Modern Art and Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park, or explore the city's range of public art and street art.
