Why Is Melbourne Known as the Cultural Capital of Australia?

Melbourne has a lot going for it. The food scene here is spectacular, and getting around the city is no challenge at all. There’s one thing that makes Melbourne stand out: its culture. The city is known as Australia’s cultural capital. This is where you find some of the best galleries and museums in the country. The city seems to be in a festive mood throughout the year, with some festival or other happening every week. Here’s why Melbourne is considered the cultural capital of Australia.

National Gallery of Victoria - NGV 

The oldest and most popular gallery in the city, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV for short), has a large collection containing over 70,000 artworks sourced from both local and international artists. The building is as much an attraction as the collection of artwork it holds. The back entrance features stunning stained glass work. 

There’s no entrance fee, and you can easily spend a day in the gallery. 

NGV has two locations: NGV Australia, which focuses on Australian artwork, and NGV International, which displays art by international artists.

Melbourne Museum 

This is the largest museum in the Southern Hemisphere. A must-visit for students, Melbourne Museum is located at 11 Nicholson St, Carlton. The extensive collection of exhibits is spread over three levels. Science, history, life, forestry, and Aboriginal culture are the main focus of the museum. There’s also a dedicated gallery for kids. 

The museum houses thousands of exhibits, which include fossils and items related to human biology. 

You’re bound to feel a bit worn out after exploring the museum, but it boasts one of the biggest IMAX screens in the world, so you can catch a break. 

The location of the museum is pretty convenient too, with city amenities and accommodation nearby. It’s only 10 minutes from Pan Pacific Melbourne, known for offering hotel suites in Melbourne.

Australian Centre for the Moving Image - ACMI

ACMI is a popular spot in Melbourne. Ask any local how to get there, and they’ll tell you. Once the State Film Centre, the building is about 70 years old. From film to television to digital culture, ACMI celebrates and explores the world of moving images. 

The museum hosts various exhibitions, with the permanent exhibition called Screen Worlds, which offers a deep dive into the history of film and TV. The museum also has a screening room where you can watch movies and TV shows for free.

Royal Exhibition Building

One of the first exhibition pavilions in the world, the Royal Exhibition Building is a World Heritage site. Various events, fairs, and conventions are held here throughout the year. It’s right next to the Melbourne Museum and was originally intended for the city’s first international fair. 

The building was also the site of Australia’s first Commonwealth Parliament, which marked a key moment in Australia’s history. 

Now, it’s a celebrated architectural marvel, valued for its beautiful interior, grand dome, and galleries. A highlight is the Great Hall, which serves as the venue for community events, trade shows, and fairs.

Street Art 

Melbourne’s streets are like an art gallery with rotating exhibitions. It’s not just graffiti that you see here; the streets frequently become venues for artwork shows. These artworks often focus on current political and social issues, with the aim of bringing awareness to what’s happening not only in Australia but also around the world.

There are various street art tours you can join, or you can explore the streets on your own with the assistance of an online map, which can be downloaded from Walking Maps.

State Library of Victoria

Did you know that Melbourne is a City of Literature? It’s no wonder that the city has a thriving publishing industry. The best way to explore the local literary scene is to visit the State Library of Victoria. 

The library always offers something interesting, and it’s an architectural highlight too. There’s a large collection of literary works. The library also houses Ned Kelly’s suit of armour.