It seems Melbourne, with its never-ending attractions and things to do, is the capital of everything Australian. It's long been recognised as the best place for sport and shopping and has just recently been crowned 'Events Capital' of the country. No surprise then that the Victorian capital takes the title of 'Culture Capital' too. With dozens of free museums dedicated to everything from modern art to Australian war veterans, visiting Melbourne's museums is a must.
Free Melbourne Museums from the National Gallery of Victoria to the Shrine of Remembrance
The first part of the arts complex to be completed in 1968, the National Gallery of Victoria: International (NGV), boasts a huge, impressive collection of works by both the renowned European masters and artists from the rest of the world. Internationally acclaimed, the museums European section contains paintings from famous artists such as Picasso, Rembrandt, Monet and Pissarro. It also boasts a large sculpture courtyard and gallery where works by Auguste Rodin and Henry Moore are on display. The museum also houses many temporary exhibitions and recent international highlights include paintings from Paris' acclaimed Musee d'Orsay. Located in the culture-centred Arts Precinct at the intersection of St Kilda Road and Southgate, the NGV is open from 10am-5pm and admission is free.
Uber-modern, the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) is a museum celebrating a bit of everything. From cutting-edge art and screenings to moving dance performances, it's the place to be to appreciate all things new and unusual. Melbourne's leading contemporary art gallery, the museum presents the most creative and innovative visual art of today. Located at 111 Sturt St, Southbank, the ACCA is open 11am06pm, Tues-Sun and admission is free.
Home to popular performance venue Melbourne Concert Hall and the Theatres Building, the Victorian Arts Centre acts are not free. However, visitors are welcome to come in and admire the buildings stunning, stylish interiors. What is free of charge is the Performing Arts Museum in the Theatres Building. With temporary exhibitions on all aspects of the perfoming arts, including Aussie pop sensation Kylie Minogue's hot pants, it's a popular tourist attraction. Located on St Kilda Rd next to the NGV, it is open from 9am-11pm.
Housed in a contemporary and striking building, the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia is home to over 20,000 pieces of native Australian art from colonial times through to today. Featured work includes that of notable famous Australian painters such as modernist Sir Sidney Nolan, impressionist Arthur Streeton and contemporary artist Bea Maddock. And for something more traditional, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collections are a big draw with tourists and occupy the entire ground floor of the gallery. Located in Federation Square, this free museum is open 10am-5pm Mon-Thurs, 10am-9pm Fri, 10am-6pm Sat & Sun.
While not technically a museum, the Shrine of Remembrance was built as a memorial to Victorians who lost their lives in World War One. Housing the numerous medals of various soldiers and other artefacts, the shrine is crowded every Anzac (Australia New Zealand Army Corps) Day when people gather for a dawn service to commemorate all those who died in military operations for the country. Even for visitors who aren't particularly interested in Australian militia, the buildings top offers great views of the city. Located at 332 St Kilda Rd, the shrine is open 10am-5pm Mon-Fri and admission is free.
Readers may also be interested in Melbourne's Best Cheap Museums or Melbourne's Best Vegetarian Cheap Eats.
For info on more of Melbourne's attractions, take a look at Top Sights & Attractions in Melbourne, Australia.
