Great design, fashion and the arts – Melbourne is passionate about its sensual life and is Australia’s capital of culture. The city has a range of artistic influences giving it style and uniqueness. Cultural activities and art attractions can be used to add a special touch to a conference, or can be integrated into an incentive program, depending on the group’s needs.
Culture All Around in Melbourne
In Melbourne, contemporary architecture sits comfortably beside the historic, including the iconic cutting edge design of Federation Square. ‘Fed Square’ is a public plaza where people gather to dine, attend events or to browse the galleries – some highlights include the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), which celebrates film through exhibitions and screenings, and the National Gallery of Victoria.
A recent spark of architectural inspiration is the Eureka Tower - the Southern Hemisphere's highest event space and observation deck - which practically sparkles with its glass aluminium panels and 24 carat gold plated glass on the top 10 floors.
All kinds of art can be viewed in hundreds of Melbourne galleries. Outside, public art is on display throughout the city, some hidden down intimate laneways, some on show through dynamic street performances, and some boldly presented on billboards. Plus, Melbourne hosts a busy calendar of community events and international festivals that celebrate fashion and design, words and ideas, film, comedy and the arts.
Visit one of Melbourne’s museums; Melbourne Museum comprehensively explores life in Victoria, from our natural environment to our culture and history, while Scienceworks makes learning about science and technology a fun, interactive experience.
Melbourne on Stage
Musicians, actors, dancers and entertainers take to the stage every day to perform in historic theatres, clubs and pubs, and state-of-the-art venues.
From classical recitals at the Victorian Arts Centre to musicals at historic theatres, there are always performances going on in Melbourne. The Melbourne Theatre Company, traditional circus acts, independent theatre, and innovative dance are all on show. The Melbourne Recital Centre opened its doors in February 2009. Since then, music lovers have enjoyed chamber ensembles, small orchestras, choirs, vocal ensembles and soloists.
Jersey Boys – The Story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons is the multi-award winning Broadway musical about how four boys from the wrong side of the tracks became pop music sensations. It opened in Melbourne at the Princess Theatre in July 2009 and the spirited show is expecting a long run. Her Majesty’s Theatre is another of Melbourne’s famous venues, which hosts internationally acclaimed productions. Upcoming shows include Marry Poppins as well as Mamma Mia – one of the world's most successful musicals of all time, which has been seen by over 40 million people across the globe.