Saffron Swire

Getting up close to world-class art shouldn't cost an arm and a leg. We know that, and thankfully, so do many of Melbourne's best art galleries. From small commercial galleries to some of the biggest in the state, we've rounded up our favourite spots to peruse art for zilch. RECOMMENDED: Here's where to find the best street art in Melbourne

Whether you favour sculpture, painting, photography or textiles, there’s something for everyone spread across Australia’s biggest art exhibitions in 2024. Here are just a few of our favourites that have us booking flights in eager anticipation. RECOMMENDED: The best musical and theatre shows to see in Australia in 2024. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. 

You swipe right and hit it off, but then what? Picking the right bar for a first date isn't easy, especially in a city like ours with so many options. To take the stress out of finding the perfect spot to get to know someone, we've put together a list of Melbourne's most romantic bars to ensure you have a memorable first date. And hopefully, if things go well, you can plan your next date at one of the best date night restaurants in Melbourne.  Take your next date night up a notch at one of the 50 best restaurants in Melbourne. 

When the going gets tough, sometimes you just need to break a sweat and dance the night away. If you've been planning on a big night out, peruse our selection of the best 16 clubs in Melbourne for electronica, dance, house, trap, disco, hip-hop and everything in between. So what are you waiting for? Whack on those dancing shoes and get ready to paint the town red.  Looking for dancefloors? Here's our list of the best bars with dancefloors in Melbourne. Need some food to fuel all that dancing? Here are the best late-night eats around Melbourne. 

Melbourne is a city full of surprises, but while we've become used to the unexpected, there are a few things you'll never catch Melburnians saying. We've rounded up 33 phrases below, and after having a scroll, check out our guide to the things that make you a true Melburnian.  "I just felt like dressing in the colours of the rainbow today."  "Oh, this old thing? I bought it at Chaddy."  "I just prefer drinking closer to the ground." "Sure, I'm happy to work a shift the morning after Meredith!" "Holy shit, it's Tony Armstrong! Do you think he'll get a selfie with me?"  "Are you kidding me? For $22 I could've made this Negroni at home!"  "I've saved up enough money for a home loan!"  "Don't stress, I'm sure we'll have no problem finding a table at the Queen Vic Night Market."  "I reckon we'll pass on the burrata, but thanks!" "Sorry, I don't drink skin-contact wine." "Those Extinction Rebellion people have a fair point, and I respect their right to protest." "I'm so sick of deli sandwiches." "Let's have a massive one in Travancore tonight." "I miss Stereosonic." "Mel-born." "I love that mullets are back in style." "I don't like to dress like everyone else, so I buy my clothes from Gorman."  "Look! Melbourne Skydeck!"  "Do you have anything with gluten?" "I'm so glad that the ugly old pub at the end of my street is turning into apartments."  "Who buys a house these days?" "I've got this revolutionary idea to open a burger joint on wheels! A truck that sells food, if you will!"

Melbourne may be chock-full of things to do and see, but sometimes you crave a break from the hubbub of city life. From national parks and world-class wineries to Gold Rush towns and sandy beaches, the state of Victoria teems with things to escape to – all within a short distance of the CBD.   While most will drive to these hotspots for a day-long sojourn, only some of us have the wheels (and license) to do so. No car? No problem. The city's backyard is no longer out of bounds thanks to the state's regional train, ferry and coach system.  So avoid traffic, reduce your carbon footprint and be more carfree with these five driverless trips from Melbourne.  Have access to a car? These are the best day trips from Melbourne and the most scenic drives in Victoria.

It’s a magical time to be in Adelaide, as revellers descend in their droves to the largest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere: Adelaide Fringe. Take a walk down the buzzing city streets like Rundle and Hutt and see the clusters of cafés, bars and restaurants spring to life with people chortling with laughter. Or watch on as the fire-breathers, plate-spinners, and card-dealing magicians punctuate the pavements with their talent.  Get gorging at the Fringe hub Gluttony in Rhymill Park, home to a variety of worldwide flavours that you can tuck into by the emerald lake. And then there’s the electric Garden of Unearthly Delights, another Fringe hub that remains unrivalled as one of Australia’s best festival precincts with its merry-go-round of performance venues, bars, carnival rides, and market stalls.   In stringing together more than 6,000 artists in 500 venues, Adelaide Fringe collectively stages more than a whopping 1,400 shows. Stretching from Whyalla across the state to Naracoorte, the city is currently bursting at the seams with cabaret, theatre, comedy, circus, music, visual arts, workshops and more.  While it is curtains up for some of these shows, there are still plenty of things to catch before the Fringe is over on March 17 – you can find the full programme here. Can't make it to Adelaide this year? Bide your time with our guide to the festivals happening in Australia this year.

Australians have a love affair with art, and with incredible galleries dotted throughout the country, it’s also one of the top reasons we travel interstate. Every year, our nation welcomes blockbuster international exhibitions, along with major showings of our most colourful and creative local talents.  Whether it’s contemporary Aboriginal art in Alice Springs, delicate glassworks in Wagga Wagga, topical portraits in Canberra or 21st-century Chinese art in Sydney, these are the best public galleries worth visiting in Australia.  RECOMMENDED: These are the 20 top tourist attractions in Australia.

As the cost of living continues to tighten purse strings, it's hard to find things to do in the city that won't break the bank. So, if you're keen on seeing some of the best art the city has to offer, but don't want to cough up, don't worry – we've got you covered.  Here's our guide to Melbourne's best free art and exhibitions this month. Get amongst it, without spending a single penny. For more ways to save a buck, check out our favourite free things to do in the city. Have some cash to flash? Here are 25 things to do for less than $25.

If you ever want to feel humbled by nature, the sights and sounds of New Zealand (Aotearoa) are nothing short of awe-inspiring. From its icy glaciers to its lush greenery and picture-postcard scenery, it's of little surprise that this 58,000-square-mile island in the southwestern Pacific Ocean is now one of the most in-demand travel destinations worldwide. The North and South Islands of New Zealand offer incredible experiences to hikers, campers and nature enthusiasts. While the North Island is blessed with thick rainforest, pristine coastline and geothermal hotspots, the mountainous South Island boasts snow-capped mountains, glistening glaciers and world-class wineries.  It's impossible to choose between the Islands when there is so much to do, see, eat and drink in both. To help you narrow it down, we've curated a list of the top eight destinations in New Zealand that deserve a place at the top of your bucket list.

Speakers out and volume up; it's almost time to countdown Triple J's Hottest 100 songs of the year. You've all been submitting your votes, and it's not long until you can dial in and see if they managed to nab a hot spot on the legendary countdown. This year, the centrepiece of the Hottest 100 weekend is the main event on Saturday, January 27, from noon. So what are you waiting for? Grab your pals and head to these listening parties to dance to the songs that got you through the year. After some live music? Check out our guide to the best music festivals to head to this summer.

New York has Broadway, London has the West End, and here in Melbourne, it's all about the East End. We're an all-singing, all-dancing city which means we are spoiled for choice when it comes to the musicals taking centre stage in the historic East End Theatre District in the CBD. From glitzy theatrical numbers, singalong musicals, to smaller-scale productions, Melbourne is an absolute haven when it comes to all things musical theatre. See for yourself by checking out the new and upcoming musicals making their way here. Book the best spot with our guide to scoring the best seats in every Melbourne theatre.

It’s a tale as old as time, but the Australian premiere of Disney Theatrical’s Broadway blockbuster Beauty and the Beast is getting a modern makeover ahead of its run at Melbourne's Her Majesty's Theatre from June 27. The production will head to Melbourne off the back of a run at Brisbane's Lyric Theatre. The enchanting tale – which Time Out Sydney crowned five stars – will be brought to life in a reimagined production from the producers of The Lion King, Mary Poppins, Aladdin and Frozen. Audiences can expect to be bedazzled by the cutting-edge technology, costumes and Broadway-style dance numbers paired with live orchestral scores by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice.  Based on the 1991 animated Disney film, the classic romance story of Belle and her Beast will feature a stellar all-Australian cast including Brisbane's Shubshri Kandiah as Belle, Brendan Xavier as Beast and Melbourne's Rohan Browne in the role of Lumiere. Brisbane's Jackson Head will step into the role of Gaston, Cogsworth will be played by Melbourne's Gareth Jacobs and Gold Coast's Jayde Westaby will play Mrs Potts. For the full cast and creative team, visit the website here. Beauty and the Beast will be staged at Her Majesty's Theatre in June 2024. Tickets are now on sale here. Love the ol'razzle dazzle? Check out the best theatre and musicals in Melbourne this month.  

Update April 23 2024: After months of confusion following the announcement in November last year that the Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn tour was postponed due to “unforeseen circumstances”, it has just been revealed that the entire run of sold-out Aussie gigs have been cancelled. For more information (including how you can get a refund) check out our explainer here. Pack your sunglasses and prepare to be blinded by the lights as The Weeknd has just announced a number of Antipodean dates as part of the extended After Hours Til Dawn Tour. Hot on the heels of the record-breaking European tour, the three-time Grammy Award-winning starboy will perform four shows in Melbourne on December 1, 2, 4 and 5 at Marvel Stadium. The tour will celebrate the Weeknd’s 2020 album After Hours, which features the hit single ‘Blinding Lights’, which peaked at number one globally and was crowned the new No.1 Billboard Hot 100 song of all time.  Born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye – known now as The Weeknd – the singer first gained critical and commercial success with his debut studio album Kiss Land and subsequent albums Beauty Behind the Madness (2015), Starboy (2016), My Dear Melancholy (2018), After Hours (2020) and Dawn FM (2022). Concertgoers can expect to hear tracks from across the years, including chart-topping anthems like ‘Can’t Feel My Face’, ‘Starboy’, ‘Blinding Lights’, ‘Heartless’ and ‘Save Your Tears’.  As a United Nations World Programme ambassador, Tesafye has said he will contribute funds

It’s been a cinema, a nightclub, a live theatre and even a Pentecostal church, but nowadays, this historic institution on 20 Bourke Street glistens as the glamorous new Le Méridien hotel. Originally built as a hotel in the 1850s, the venue has long been a keystone of Melbourne’s arts and culture scene as the former site of the Palace Theatre and Metro Nightclub, where live music once reverberated wall-to-wall. Like the iterations that came before, Le Méridien Melbourne invites visitors to experience the richness of the city’s sprawling art, cuisine and culture. Riffing on its art deco facade, the 235-room hotel is where contemporary chic meets mid century elegance. Walking into the lobby of the hotel, you’ll clock a cinematic-style lobby café, where you can enjoy an Axil-brewed coffee, a cocktail or a cone of the signature Le Scoop gelato (the Espresso Martini flavour will leave you hankering for oodles more). All of the rooms are doused in the brand's signature scent, and come complete with Malin and Goetz toiletries, signature Le Méridien beds, Marshall speakers, 55-inch LCD TVs, a coffee machine with pods, a chic marble bathroom and a dedicated working desk. A lovely touch is a complimentary bottled cocktail which The Everleigh Bottling Co. has created in collaboration with Le Méridien. The 14 larger suites feature black stone kitchenettes, Smeg appliances, beautifully crafted oak board games and Yamaha MusicCast 500 turntables with a selection of vinyl from artists like P

It's been less than a year since global sensation J Balvin was last on Aussie soil (he performed a sold-out show at the Hordern Pavilion in July 2023), and now he's just announced a return as part of his massive Que Bueno Volver a Verte Tour (It’s Good To See You Tour). Hailing from Medellín, Colombia, the reggaeton superstar’s first chart-topper was ‘Mi Gente’ with Willy William in 2017, and he quickly rose to fame for his high-octane live concerts. In 2019, Balvin made history as the first Latin headliner in Lollapalooza’s 28-year history and ever since, the artist has worked with musical titans like Justin Beiber, Dua Lipa, Cardi B, Ed Sheeran, Skrillex and Pharrell.  When is J Balvin playing in Sydney? The barrier-busting musician will perform at Qudos Bank Arena on Friday, September 6. J Balvin will also head to Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Auckland as part of his five-leg touring route. How can I get tickets to the Sydney J Balvin show and how much do tickets cost? The Frontier Members pre-sale will run for 24 hours from 2pm (local time) on Monday, March 25, or until the allocation is exhausted. General tickets go on sale from 1pm (local time) on Wednesday, March 27. You can get them from the Frontier Touring website here. What will the Sydney J Balvin show be like? It’s time to dust off your dancing shoes and look – and feel – bonita, because J Balvin's shows are known to be epic, high-energy spectacles. You're guaranteed to hear all the bangers, including 'Mi Gente'

It's been less than a year since global sensation J Balvin was last on Aussie soil (he performed a sold-out show at Margaret Court Arena in July 2023), and now he's just announced a return as part of his massive Que Bueno Volver a Verte Tour (It’s Good To See You Tour). Hailing from Medellín, Colombia, the reggaeton superstar’s first chart-topper was ‘Mi Gente’ with Willy William in 2017, and he quickly rose to fame for his high-octane live concerts. In 2019, Balvin made history as the first Latin headliner in Lollapalooza’s 28-year history and ever since, the artist has worked with musical titans like Justin Beiber, Dua Lipa, Cardi B, Ed Sheeran, Skrillex and Pharrell.  When is J Balvin playing in Melbourne? The barrier-busting musician will perform at Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday, September 4. J Balvin will also head to Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Auckland as part of his five-leg touring route. How can I get tickets to the Melbourne J Balvin shows and how much do they cost? The Frontier Members pre-sale will run for 24 hours from 2pm (local time) on Monday, March 25, or until the allocation is exhausted. General tickets go on sale from 1pm (local time) on Wednesday, March 27. You can get them from the Frontier Touring website here. What will the Melbourne J Balvin show be like? It’s time to dust off your dancing shoes and look – and feel – bonita, because J Balvin's shows are known to be epic, high-energy spectacles. You're guaranteed to hear all the bangers, including

It's been less than a year since global sensation J Balvin was last on Aussie soil (he performed a sold-out show at Margaret Court Arena in July 2023), and now he's just announced a return as part of his massive Que Bueno Volver a Verte Tour (It’s Good To See You Tour). Hailing from Medellín, Colombia, the reggaeton superstar’s first chart-topper was ‘Mi Gente’ with Willy William in 2017, and he quickly rose to fame for his high-octane live concerts. In 2019, Balvin made history as the first Latin headliner in Lollapalooza’s 28-year history and ever since, the artist has worked with musical titans like Justin Beiber, Dua Lipa, Cardi B, Ed Sheeran, Skrillex and Pharrell.  When is J Balvin playing in Melbourne? The barrier-busting musician will perform at Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday, September 4. J Balvin will also head to Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Auckland as part of his five-leg touring route. How can I get tickets to the Melbourne J Balvin shows and how much do they cost? The Frontier Members pre-sale will run for 24 hours from 2pm (local time) on Monday, March 25, or until the allocation is exhausted. General tickets go on sale from 1pm (local time) on Wednesday, March 27. You can get them from the Frontier Touring website here. What will the Melbourne J Balvin show be like? It’s time to dust off your dancing shoes and look – and feel – bonita, because J Balvin's shows are known to be epic, high-energy spectacles. You're guaranteed to hear all the bangers, including

Just as Sydney (and the rest of the world) is in raptures about a doctored image released by Catherine the Princess of Wales, the Sydney dates for a very royal photograph exhibition have been announced. The exhibition documenting the life of Princess Diana will take to Sydney from Wednesday, April 10 until July 10 – and tickets go on sale soon.  Hot on the regal heels of sold-out tours in Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto and Puerto Rico, and a successful Aussie debut Melbourne, it's now Sydney's turn to spotlight Princess Diana's life, showcasing her version of events as told through the lens of her official royal photographer, Anwar Hussein.  Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition will delve into the intimate relationship between a princess and a photographer, uncovering all sides of Diana. Accredited by the royal family, Anwar Hussein is famed for capturing the shifting perceptions of the Windsors through work that focuses on capturing the humanity of these aloof figures. His sons, Samir and Zak, have followed in their father's footsteps and won awards for their photographs of Diana's sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. Themes for the exhibition include The Photography Dark Room, Growing, Glam, Hats and Tiaras, Art Installations and Humanitarian and Unguarded. You can expect the showcase to whisk you on a journey with first-hand narration and images that transport you to a time and place where the people's princess reigned supreme.  Princess Diana: Accredited Access E

If you need an excuse to raise your glass (if you are wrong in all the right ways), international pop legend Pink has made her highly-anticipated return to Australia. The three-time Grammy Award-winning singer and performer embarked on a massive ‘Summer Carnival’ Australian tour earlier this month, recently performing her first leg in Melbourne. Kicking off at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on February 9, the ‘Who Knew’ singer literally soared and flipped her way around Australia. Recently, she performed at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on February 23 and 24, 2024, and will then return for two more huge shows of soaring around the stadium on March 12 and 13. Produced by Live Nation, Pink’s Summer Carnival tour of Australia coincides with the release of her highly-anticipated new album Trustfall, which dropped on February 17 2023 via RCA Records. The titular track, also dubbed ‘Trustfall’ is co-produced by in-demand DJ Fred Again. Born in Pennsylvania, Pink (otherwise known as Alecia Beth Moore) began performing in local clubs where she was eventually signed to the R&B band Basic Instinct and then the group Choice. Once these groups disbanded, Pink embarked on a solo career and announced her new stage name – inspired by the character of Mr Pink from Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs. Her first album, Can’t Take Me Home, was released in 2000, with her next album Missundaztood launched her into the stratosphere with the smash-hit song ‘Get the Party Started.’ After working with Missy El

A seminal fixture on the Australasian cultural calendar, the Melbourne Art Fair (MAF) returns this year to orbit around the unifying theme of ‘ketherba’ – a Boonwurrung word used to express togetherness.The progressive fair – which will now run annually – will braid together 60 of the region’s leading galleries and Indigenous art centres, spanning 7,500sqm at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.  Running from February 22 until 25, MAF will spotlight gallery presentations alongside a broader program of interdisciplinary practices, installations, video works, performances and conversations, alongside the 2024 Melbourne Art Foundation Commission, awarded to contemporary artist Julie Rrap. The expansive schedule features more than 50 events, including four large-scale installations and six performances. A snapshot of the participating galleries includes 1301SW/Starkwhite, Anna Schwartz Gallery, Blackartprojects, Charles Nodrum Gallery, Darren Knight Gallery, Fox Jensen, Jan Murphy Gallery, Martin Browne Contemporary, Olsen Gallery, Sullivan+Strumpf, Tolarno Galleries, Vivien Anderson Gallery, Wagner Contemporary and many, many more. MAF will also present 11 young galleries established after 2016 as well as four Indigenous art centres. Award-winning contemporary dance company Lucy Guerin Inc will perform a reimagined adaptation of the site-responsive work Newretro – which marks the first time dance has formed part of an MAF line-up.  The Conversations program will bring

How do you like your eggs in the morning? We like ours alongside a hefty serving of all the best Broadway hits. For those who also like a razzle-dazzle of a brunch, Broadway Brunch is making a showstopping appearance at Evie's Disco Diner on February 4 to present a theatrical extravaganza like no other.  Prefer to have your pancakes with a side of Les Misérables? Or are you more partial to an avocado toast with some Grease? At Broadway Brunch, you can expect ladles full of hits from musicals like Phantom of the Opera, Hamilton, Wicked, Rent, The Lion King, Chicago, Mamma Mia!, Cats, Dear Evan Hansen, The Book of Mormon, Hairspray and many more.  For 90 minutes, experience these hits alongside interactive and fun-filled activities, dance-offs and trivia. And, of course, a brunch and drink menu to warm those vocal cords with. There will also be a chance to win big in some competitions hosted on the day. Tickets for Broadway Brunch at Evie's Disco Diner start from $65, and you can get them on the website here. The brunch will cater to all dietary preferences and restrictions (including allergies), with options for vegetarians and vegans. Hate brunch but love musicals? Check out the new and upcoming musicals in Melbourne. 

Listen up Melbourne, here's some news worth tuning in for. A new underground live music venue has landed in the CBD – and it's founded by Guy Roseby and Tim Bartold of the legendary record store, Wax Museum Records. Over the years, the idea for Wax Music Lounge has been mixed, mastered and pressed into a venue made for performers and patrons. The team promises it is no "ordinary lounge" but an "extension of our world-famous record store, a sanctuary that encapsulates every music lover's wildest dreams". You'll find Wax Music Lounge nestled in the basement of the Selina Central Melbourne Hotel, opposite Flinders Street Station. Step into the 175-person space created by award-winning architects and lighting designers who have illuminated the listening lounge with a dim red glow. The venue will also be home to a bespoke sound system courtesy of Australian sonic maestros Pitt and Giblin.  Open daily from 5pm until late, expect an eclectic musical line-up with some of the city's best DJs, trusted beat makers and live virtuosos. An Australian-centric drinks menu will also be slinging lo-fi natural wines, craft beers and spirits that complement the tunes.  For more information on Wax Music Lounge and upcoming live performances, visit the venue's website here. Keen to go crate digging? These are the best record stores in Melbourne.

A first-of-its-kind exhibition presented by Midsumma Festival and Photo 2024, Queer Photo will feature large-scale outdoor artworks, gallery exhibitions and interactive performances across Melbourne's west. Running between January 27 and March 24, Queer Photo will feature 17 artists, 14 exhibitions, and 30 interactive events that will transform the streets and venues of Footscray, Newport and Werribee into a gallery full of artworks by established and emerging queer voices from Australia and afar. Responding to the theme of 'The Future Is Shaped by Those Who Can See It', artists have been invited to respond to what is happening in the world, from the climate crisis to technology, and envisage alternative realities while tapping into Indigenous ways of thinking.  Highlights from Queer Photo include 'Black and Blur', a world premiere by Lilah Benetti that features portraits of migrants and Indigenous Black people; 'the Zizi Show', a project by Jake Elwes that explores the intersection of AI and drag performance; 'TBWWWTB', a world premiere by Vic Bakin who uses photography to explore the Ukrainian queer scene; and 'So'otaga (Connection)', a world premiere made with the Pasifika community about identity, grief, loss and culture.  Venues used for Queer Photo include Footscray Community Arts, the Outside Gallery, Trocadero Art Space, Substation, Wyndham Art Gallery, Werribee Train Station and Werribee Park Mansion. For more information about the upcoming exhibition and artists, vi

Update April 23 2024: After months of confusion following the announcement in November last year that the Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn tour was postponed due to “unforeseen circumstances”, it has just been revealed that the entire run of sold-out Aussie gigs have been cancelled. For more information (including how you can get a refund) check out our explainer here. Has the Weekend cancelled his Australian tour in 2024? Due to "unforeseen circumstances", all of his Australian shows – including his Melbourne dates – have been cancelled. Is the Weeknd touring Australia in 2024? Not anymore. Ticketek has announced the Weeknd will not be rescheduling any of his 2023 dates for his After Hours Til Dawn tour. When is the Weeknd coming to Melbourne? The Weeknd was originally set to perform in Melbourne on December 1, 2, 4 and 5, 2023. These shows have now been cancelled.  How much are the Weeknd tickets for Melbourne?  Ticket prices will range from $102.87-$306.75, but prices may be subject to change.  What stadium will the Weeknd play at in Melbourne?  The Weeknd was scheduled to play at Marvel Stadium in Docklands, near the CBD.  Where else is the Weeknd playing in Australia as part of the 2023 After Hours til Dawn tour? In addition to his Melbourne show, the Weeknd was scheduled to perform at Accor Stadium in Sydney on November 24, 25 and 27, and Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on November 20 and 21. All of these dates have now been cancelled. When do the Weeknd tickets Melbourne go o

A reimagining of the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens has opened up in the NGV garden. 'Temple of Boom', by Australian architects Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang, has replaced the incredibly popular 'Pink Pond', which has been the centrepiece of outdoor events at the gallery for the past year. The Greek-style temple features overlapping large-scale artworks (like floral motifs and optical illusions), which are evocative of the vibrant colours long since lost from the facade of the original building from over two thousand years ago. Taking its name from the vibrations of music, 'Temple of Boom' will act as a meeting place and colourful centrepiece for all of the upcoming NGV summer events, including a series of curated performances, programs and live music. The NGV has recently unveiled new vibrant works by Melbourne-based contemporary artists Aretha Brown, Creature Creature, Manda Lane, Chuck Mayfield, and Resio on the temple. In this second phase of painting, Temple of Boom – a contemporary reimagining of The Parthenon on the Acropolis - has been adorned with large-scale works inspired by Greek mythology and diverse connections to culture and nature.  Photograph: Sean Fennessy "One of the most famous examples of classical architecture, the Parthenon in Athens, is often viewed as a potent symbol of Western art and culture," says Tony Ellwood AM, director of the NGV. "This thought-provoking work by Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang invites us to consider how we create and imb

Since 1937, the legendary Lorne Theatre has been enchanting generation after generation of cinephiles down on the Great Ocean Road. And now, thanks to the Barton brothers – the brains behind Sydney's Golden Age Cinema and Melbourne's Rooftop Cinema – the heritage-listed theatre has reopened for a pop-up season of screenings ahead of an extensive restoration and refurbishment. “As a family, some of our fondest summer memories were formed within the walls of the Lorne Theatre,” revealed Chris Barton. “It has always been a special place for us and we’re deeply aware of the space this building holds in the hearts of generations of local and visiting movie lovers.  “This shared personal history with the space is why we jumped at this opportunity. It’s a huge legacy to take on, but it’s one that we’re very excited to uphold and build upon.” Scheduled to be unveiled in late 2024, the refurbishment for the 550-seat cinema – done in tandem with Heritage Victoria – will include a new licensed bar with an interior design accentuating the theatre's Art Deco history through its seating, lighting, acoustics and menu offerings.  Commended for breathing new life into Australia’s modern movie-going experience, the Barton brothers fervently believe in the power of cinema to change lives and build communities. When it came to masterminding the Lorne Theatre, the brothers decided on a pop-up program to attract a new generation of film lovers, showcasing contemporary and classic films, special

Attention all opera aficionados: the upcoming Victorian Opera 2024 season is laden with maestros, masterpieces, gothic horror, world premieres, First Nations creation myths and Australian literary classics reimagined. The 2024 season will be the first under the incoming artistic director, Stuart Maunder. "I have long admired Victorian Opera's bold repertoire choices," said Maunder. "Championing of new Australian work, a formidable record of collaborating with other arts companies, commitment to showcasing Australian artists, and for pushing the boundaries of our extraordinary art form." The highlights of the Victorian Opera 2024 season include: Candide: Between February 8–10 at the Palais Theatre, follow Candide and his beloved Cunegonde on an adventure in this tale filled with sparkling wit and humour. Led by the multi-talented Eddie Perfect and the award-winning star of Hamilton, Lyndon Watts, Candide sees Voltaire's satirical tale of mindless optimism spring to life through a brilliant score from the West Side Story creator Leonard Bernstein.  Parrwang Lifts the Sky: Between May 10–18 at the Malthouse Theatre, Victorian Opera will again present Deborah Cheetham Fraillon's retelling of the Wadawurrung creation story. Parrwang Lifts the Sky explores the courage of Parrwang the magpie, who helps her friends lift the blanket of darkness from the human world. The plan is drafted, but Parrwang must first convince the Great Council of Birds led by Bunjil (an eagle) – will the cou

This is not a drill. Lin Manuel Miranda's Tony, Grammy, Olivier and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Hamilton has announced it is returning Down Under next year, and the news has left us quaking with excitement. From its motifs of revolution and fighting for one's rights to its fusion of hip-hop, jazz and Broadway scores, the tale of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton has met a tsunami of rave reviews since it first hit the stage in 2015. After its season in Brisbane, we thought it might be the last we'd see of Hamilton for a while, but we can now confirm that Miranda's theatrical masterpiece is returning to Australia. OK, so there may be a slight catch: only an appearance in Sydney has been announced so far. But surely that means a Melbourne announcement is just around the corner? We can only cross our fingers – watch this space for more. Alternatively, for anyone looking for a reason to visit the bright lights of Sydney Harbour, Hamilton will return with an encore season opening at the Sydney Lyric Theatre on July 30, 2024 (where Wicked is currently defying gravity). Hamilton made its Australian premiere at the Lyric in March 2021, and was met with overwhelming audience and critical acclaim. The original Australian production went on to play in Melbourne, Brisbane and New Zealand, concluding in June. The Australian premiere season was the first production of Hamilton worldwide to open following the Covid-19 pandemic. While the season was a success, some 133 performances of t

Are you ready to defy gravity? Well, it's time to click your heels together three times because one of Broadway's biggest blockbusters is set to crash land in Melbourne's Regent Theatre in 2024.  The 20th anniversary of Wicked is currently being celebrated at Sydney's Lyric Theatre and has met rapturous praise from critics and audiences alike (Time Out Sydney gave it four stars – read the review here).  Courtney Monsma leads the cast as Glinda, and in her debut in a lead role, Melbourne-born Sheridan Adams stars as Elphaba, the girl born with emerald-green skin who grows up to become the “Wicked Witch of the West”. Robyn Nevin plays the role of Madame Morrible, Todd McKenney is the Wizard, Liam Head plays Fiyero, Adam Murphy is Dr Dillamond, Shewit Belay plays Nessarose, Kurtis Papadinis is Boq and Zoe Coppinger is the Elphaba Standby.   Almost 20 years since its premiere, Wicked remains one of the most successful and popular musicals in the world and has played to more than 60 million people in 16 countries. It's the winner of more than 100 major awards, including a Grammy Award, an Olivier Award, six Helpmann Awards, three Tony Awards and six Drama Desk Awards. By the time of its first return performance in Sydney, Wicked will have become the fourth longest-running show in Broadway history (surpassing Cats). Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, Wicked is set in the Land of Oz long before Dorothy drop

The darkly debaucherous Nipaulina/Hobart festival Dark Mofo has today announced that the festival will take a break in 2024 for a period of renewal. Despite reaching record-breaking attendance and box office results, the organisers will use the time to take stock of changing conditions and rising costs. The festival intends to use this time to reshape a more sustainable model for a full return in 2025 and set the foundation for the next decade. However, not all the fun will be put on pause. The festival organisers have announced that they have agreed with the State Government to present two of the key events – the Winter Feast and the Nude Solstice Swim. The two events will also coincide with the opening of a new major exhibition at the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona). "Dark Mofo has always been dedicated to enriching and transforming lives through ambitious art and ideas," said Dark Mofo artistic director Chris Twite. "We want to make sure that we have a festival that continues to deliver incredible art and artists, that continues to expand its artistic boundaries and remains a beacon of creativity, innovation, and cultural significance." "While this was a tough decision, it ensures we move forward in a viable manner. The fallow year will enable us to secure the future of Dark Mofo and its return at full force in 2025." Dates for the 2024 Winter Feast and Nude Solstice Swim will be announced soon. Keep an eye on the Dark Mofo website here for more information. RECOMMENDED:

The darkly debaucherous Nipaulina/Hobart festival Dark Mofo has today announced that the festival will take a break in 2024 for a period of renewal. Despite reaching record-breaking attendance and box office results, the organisers will use the time to take stock of changing conditions and rising costs. The festival intends to use this time to reshape a more sustainable model for a full return in 2025 and set the foundation for the next decade. However, not all the fun will be put on pause. The festival organisers have announced that they have agreed with the State Government to present two of the key events – the Winter Feast and the Nude Solstice Swim. The two events will also coincide with the opening of a new major exhibition at the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona). "Dark Mofo has always been dedicated to enriching and transforming lives through ambitious art and ideas," said Dark Mofo Artistic Director Chris Twite. "We want to make sure that we have a festival that continues to deliver incredible art and artists, that continues to expand its artistic boundaries and remains a beacon of creativity, innovation, and cultural significance." "While this was a tough decision, it ensures we move forward in a viable manner. The fallow year will enable us to secure the future of Dark Mofo and its return at full force in 2025." Dates for the 2024 Winter Feast and Nude Solstice Swim will be announced soon. Keep an eye on the Dark Mofo website here for more information. RECOMMENDED:

Macbeth reimagined from Lady Macbeth’s perspective. A f*ck you to Christmas. An award-winning Australian memoir about growing up Black in white middle-class Australia. A sci-fi adventure. An exploration of secret queer identity within the confines of a Pentecostal Church. These are just a handful of the eclectic stories you can expect to see unfurl on stage at the Malthouse Theatre in 2024.  Malthouse Theatre Co-CEO and artistic director Matthew Lutton OAM said: “This is a highly theatrical season. There isn’t a moment of domesticity or realism in sight, as every work celebrates theatre that transports you into fantasies, heightened realities, folklore, or ecstasy. It is very deliberately a season of productions celebrating how theatrical theatre can be.” As well as being a “highly theatrical” season, Malthouse’s 2024 season features eight stories that vow to uphold inclusivity and diversity. Here is everything you need to know. What shows will feature in the Malthouse Theatre's 2024 season? The Hate Race: The season will open in February with the premiere of The Hate Race, a re-telling of Caribbean-Australian writer Maxine Beneba Clarke’s award-winning memoir about growing up Black in Australia. Yentl: After debuting in 2022 to widespread critical acclaim (we gave it five-stars), Malthouse has announced a return of Kadimah Yiddish Theatre’s Yentl, which follows a young woman who defies tradition by discussing and debating Judaism with her rabbi father. If you want some home

From a musical adaptation of Miles Franklin’s classic My Brilliant Career to Pulitzer Prize-winning plays, you can expect a daring season from the Melbourne Theatre Company in 2024.  Whether it’s diving into the life of former prime minister Julia Gillard or unravelling the complexities of brotherhood, the MTC season for 2024 – which includes 12 productions – vows to ignite conversations about who we are, how far we’ve come and where we’re going. “We are more committed than ever to providing a platform for the stories that define Australia and presenting works that spark conversation and help people understand the world around them,” said Melbourne Theatre Company artistic director and co-CEO Anne-Louise Sarks.  “At a time defined by ‘what to stream next’, Season 2024 is our invitation to experience the magic of live theatre here in Melbourne.” Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming season. What shows are in the Melbourne Theatre Company’s 2024 season? Seventeen: Kicking off the season on January 19, Seventeen is a compelling exploration of the bumpy transition to adulthood filled with joy, nostalgia and possibility. Written by Matthew Whittlet and starring Pamela Rabe, the play sees a cast of senior actors portraying teenagers on the brink of major life changes.  Meet Me At Dawn: Opening on February 15, Meet Me at Dawn is a poetic and evocative exploration of love and loss. Starring Sheridan Harbridge (Prima Facie), it traces two women stranded on a mysterious

Praised as one of the most innovative visual performances in dance music, Swedish superstar DJ Eric Prydz’s epic HOLO show is truly a spectacle to behold – and now you can see the mind-blowing visual and audio experience for yourself.  That's right, the DJ is bringing his internationally acclaimed show – which features cutting-edge technology, a massive LED screen and 3D holographic images – to the southern hemisphere for the very first time. Performing as part of Always Live, Prydz is returning to reintroduce fans to his blend of progressive house and techno, synchronised with a multi-dimensional experience. Let’s just say that when he performed it at Coachella, it was labelled as one of the best closing sets of all time.  Here’s everything you need to know. Is Eric Pyrdz touring Australia in 2023? Yes! The Swedish DJ may be afraid of flying, but he is facing his fears and is confirmed to return to Australia this December. However, the show will be exclusive to Melbourne (commiserations Sydneysiders, but what better excuse for a trip interstate?).  When is Eric Pyrdz coming to Melbourne?Eric Pyrdz is performing in Melbourne on Friday, December 8 and Saturday, December 9 and Sunday, December 10, 2023.  How much are the Eric Pyrdz for Melbourne? The ticket prices to see Eric Pyrdz range from $129.90 to $169.90 What stadium will Eric Pyrdz play in Melbourne?Eric Prydz will play at the Rod Laver Arena. When do the Eric Pyrdz tickets go on sale in Australia?The Frontier Members p

Ain’t nobody loves us better than her royal highness Chaka Khan, and thanks to the Melbourne International Jazz Festival (MIJF), we get to see the legend sing all of her greatest hits along with Nile Rodgers and Chic in what will emphatically be a funk-filled performance for the books.  As well as an unmissable performance from Chaka Khan, MIJF will become the epicentre of Australia’s vibrant and buzzing jazz scene in late October, with music taking over the streets, concert halls, clubs – and even the Melbourne City Baths.  Here’s everything you need to know about the festival.  When is the Melbourne International Jazz Festival?  The Melbourne International Jazz Festival will run from October 20 until 29, 2023. You can expect more than 100 events and performances to take place across the ten days.  Who is performing at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival?  As already disclosed, music legends Chaka Khan and Nile Rodgers and Chic will commence the jazz festivities with a launch event at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Saturday, October 22. They'll be supported by ARIA-winning neo-soul queen Kaiit and Horns of Leroy. Tickets are now available, and you can get them here.  Over at Federation Square on Friday, October 20, and Saturday, October 21, there'll be free shows from international and local legends, including performances by MIJF First Nations Resident Artist Bumpy, Zimbabwean-born First Lady of Soul Thndo and Rita Satch.  Earlier on Saturday, the Second Line Street Pa