Boasting a wide range of galleries from artist-run initiatives to commercial ventures to large public institutions, Victoria is home to a thriving arts scene in Australia. There is plenty to appreciate when it comes to the ground-breaking works here by both national and international artists from across the globe. For those with a keen interest in the arts, here are a few top attractions you can easily access by choosing Victoria bus charter today for your travel group.
Heide Museum of Modern Art
Founded in 1934, the Heide Museum of Modern Art or more popularly known as Heide, was incorporated in the Melbourne home of Sunday and John Reed. Over the decades, it has evolved into one of the most inventive destinations in Australia for contemporary and traditional display of Australian art. Set in 15 acres of beautiful parklands, and a short drive from the city, the property features a sculpture park, the Heide Store, two historic kitchen gardens and three dedicated exhibition spaces.
A wide array of programs and exhibitions are hosted regularly, giving you a chance to discover the fascinating history of the museum. For some delicious lunch, breakfast or coffee, you can head to the Cafe Heide tucked inside the sculpture plaza, offering food made from fresh produce sown in the kitchen garden.
Australian Centre for Contemporary Art
Highly acclaimed as the leading modern art gallery in Australia, the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art brings the best of national and international artists under one roof for art lovers looking for inspiration. Experience the culture of Melbourne with innovative exhibitions that have established international repute around the world producing ruthless artworks by living artists. The venue is housed inside one of historic buildings in Melbourne at the South Bank Arts Precinct.
Each exhibition conducted at this venue is accompanied by a range of public, education and curatorial programs including events, music, screenings, performances, symposia, talks and lectures.
National Gallery of Victoria
Comprising of two fantastic galleries located at a short distance apart, the NGV international is home to a huge collection of international art, displaying collections of American, Oceanic, Asian and European art. The collections have doubled in size, ever since the opening of Gallery in 1968, with more than 70,000 artworks. It is set in a truly iconic building, housing some of the most impressive collections in the Southern Hemisphere. With eclectic performances, late-night openings, kids programs, tours, talks, collection displays and diverse temporary exhibitions, the Gallery offers a fantastic visually appealing experience for one and all.
RMIT Gallery
Presenting a range of national and international exhibitions including fine art, new media, technology, architecture, design and craft, the RMIT gallery is the most vibrant publically accessible gallery in Melbourne. The performances, seminars and artist talks offer a social and enjoyable means of experiencing modern culture.
The gallery is located right at the heart of the key cultural tourism area of Melbourne, and close to the Melbourne Museum, Federation Square, and the state Library. No matter what time of the year, it’s a great place to visit, whenever you are in the city.
Bundoora Homestead Art Centre
Certified by the National Trust and registered by Heritage Victoria, the Bundoora Homestead was established in the year 1899. It is an iconic Queen Anne style Federation house operating as an art gallery and a historic mansion. Throughout the year, it hosts a variety of events, workshops, artist talks, public education programs, along with visual arts and craft exhibitions. They maintain an excellent disability access to make sure no one is missed out.
The cafe housed inside the Bundoora Homestead provides a seasonal menu of quality fresh market produce. Located in an elegant drawing room, set against heritage gardens, it is an ideal dining location in a friendly ambiance.
Cowen Gallery Exhibition
Showcasing some of the most important collections of Victorian artworks, the elegant Cowen Gallery of The Library is a visual delight for art enthusiasts. Discover the rich history of Victoria in the scenes of early European Settlement, portraits of some of the most influential figures in Australia and the Melbourne Streetscapes.
The dramatic collection includes lively masterpieces by John Francis, Percival Ball, Danila Vassilieff, John Glover, William Strutt and Frederick McCubbin. The gallery comprises of two rooms: the Blue Rounda and the Red Rotunda. Housing the collection of 20th century works is the Blue Rotunda, with portraits of artists, authors and other significant figures who have contributed to the rich Victorian culture. On the other hand, the Red Rotunda comprises 19th century sculptures and paintings of some of the early settlers who made an impact on the history of Victorian state, including William Barak, William Buckley and Sir Redmond Barry. The gallery also hosts occasion exhibitions throughout the year.
Bendigo Art Gallery
Known to be one of the largest and oldest regional galleries in Australia, the Bendigo Art Gallery was established in the year 1887. Over the century, it has gained reputation for conducting outstanding exhibitions and public programs, in the interest of community development. Some key names include The Body Beautiful ancient Greece from the British Museum, Grimaldi Forum and Grace Kelly: Style Icon from V and A.
The varies and extensive collection of art gallery includes works on paper from 19th century till today, photography, decorative arts, ceramics, sculpture and Australian painting. The collection also features 19th century European and British paintings, decorative arts and sculpture. Some of the key highlights of the modern collection include art works by Benjamin Armstrong, Kit Webster, Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Fiona Hall, Jan Nelson, Dale Frank, Bill Henson and Patricia Piccinini. Along with travelling and international exhibitions, the gallery offers a dynamic suite of events and public programs, attracting art lovers from across the state of Victoria, and the country.
If you are travelling in a group to any of these art destinations, make sure you hire a bus in Victoria, for a convenient and affordable group ride to all of the above-mentioned venues.