The best art galleries in Melbourne

What is it? The NGV is an imposing Brutalist building where Melbourne's biggest blockbuster art exhibitions are held. The gallery is also home to a phenomenal permanent collection that includes a Rembrandt, a Dali, a Bonnard and a Tiepolo. Not to mention the spectacular stained glass ceiling by Leonard French or the Water Wall at the gallery entrance.

Good for: Getting better acquainted with art, no matter your age or experience. Exhibitions present art in engaging, accessible ways and there are many family-friendly events and activities as well. There are also regular events for adults.

What is it? The Ian Potter Centre houses NGV's extensive collection of Australian artwork, ranging from the Colonial period through to contemporary art. It also hosts regular temporary exhibitions from Australian artists and has an amazing collection of works (and exhibitions) from First Nations artists.

Good for: Learning more about Australia's artistic history.

What is it? ACCA is a high profile not-for-profit gallery and one of the most recognisable buildings in Melbourne thanks to its red-rust facade. It showcases local and international artists across all mediums. 

Good for: Pushing the boundaries of what you think consitutes 'art'.

What is it? This torch bearer for Australian modernism is comprised of three core buildings – Heide I, II and III – as well as extensive gardens and a sculpture park. It's also filled with history, as it was the former home of cultural patrons John and Sunday Reed (and often housed their artist friends like Sidney Nolan, Joy Hester and Albert Tucker.) Outside, the sculpture garden is also a highlight.

Good for: Discovering more about the modernist period in Australia as well as some of the most exciting contemporary artists. And for having a picnic in the gardens after viewing the galleries.

What is it? FCAC has well and truly earned its stripes as an institution – not just in Footscray, but Melbourne-wide. The centre is a hub for cultural expression, contemporary arts and community involvement and been kicking around since 1974. It caters to everyone, from the curious to the established artist, and has a day program for people with disabilities to get involved in artistic experiences.

Good for: Celebrating the thriving and diverse arts scene in Melbourne's western suburbs. As well as exhibitions, the site also hosts performances and workshops.

What is it? Linden New Art is a unique not-for-profit contemporary art gallery located in the heart of St Kilda. It's a fun and exciting gallery that showcases work from some of the upcoming names in Australian art. 

Good for: Nabbing yourself a pint-sized work from an Australian artist – the annual Linden Postcard Show is a hoot, presenting postcard-sized works from hundreds artists.

What is it: Since moving from Port Melbourne to a purpose-built, state-of-the-art (ha) gallery in Windsor, MARS (Melbourne Art Rooms) has continued to be one of the city's most versatile spaces for local and international artists.

Good for: This commercial gallery represents some of the brightest names in contemporary art. Visit MARS if you want to purchase work from the cream of the crop. The general public is welcome to explore the works as well.

What is it? Located on the corner opposite the NGV and Melbourne Theatre Company's Southbank Theatre, Buxton Contemporary is the home of Melbourne property developer and collector Michael Buxton's art collection. The gallery is part of University of Melbourne’s Victorian College of the Arts.

Good for: Learning about contemporary Australasian art, and especially moving image and video art – Buxton has the largest outdoor screen in Australia.

What is it? Set up in the mid-80s as a not-for-profit exhibition and resource centre, the CCP still holds photography courses for beginners and those wanting to further their skills. See a range of works from emerging and established photographers.

Good for: The name says it all, this gallery is great for those with a keen interest in photography.

What is it? Gertrude Contemporary is popular gallery in Melbourne's north that showcases up and coming Melbourne and international artists.

Good for: Mingling with the arty "it" crowd as you view amazing conceptual artworks.

What is it? Not technically a gallery per se, but rather Blender is an artists' collective and the undeniable bricks and mortar home of street art in Melbourne. The space provides residencies to more than 20 artists and regularly hosts exhibitions.

Good for: Support Melbourne's street art scene – you can buy works from Blenders artists, plus book in for a street art tour or join a stencil workshop.

What is it? The Koorie Heritage Trust celebrates Indigenous art and culture of the south-eastern region of Australia with three gallery spaces. Works in the collection are a combination of acquired and commissioned works, gathered since the early 1980s.

Good for: Learning more about Koorie culture through art and exhibitions.

What is it? This art gallery in Brunswick is run by artists, for artists. Its group shows often feature upwards of 40 to 50 artists and are known to draw crowds of nearly 1,500 visitors.

Good for: Providing early career artists a platform and means to exhibit. For the public, a trip to Honey Bones means you might just discover the next big thing before everyone else.

What is it? Set in a building designed by Harry Seidler, the MGA is an artwork in itself. Surrounded by a sculpture park, it is home to a nationally significant collection of Australian photography.

Good for: Monash is again a great gallery for those interested in photography, with the added benefit of having a beautiful sculpture garden, cute shop and a café.

What is it? This public art and design gallery features regularly changing exhibitions that explore interesting aspects of Australian and international visual culture.

Good for: Exploring art as inspired by research from RMIT. If you're a student studying art, the gallery often presents shows drawing from that experience.