Melbourne is a vibrant city renowned for its rich cultural landscape, and it offers a variety of free museums that cater to diverse interests. These museums provide an excellent opportunity for locals and tourists to explore art, history, and culture without spending a dime.
There is something for everyone, from the extensive art collections at the National Gallery of Victoria to the interactive exhibits at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. The Ian Potter Centre celebrates Australian art, including Indigenous works, while the State Library of Victoria offers a wealth of historical and literary treasures.
Additionally, the Koorie Heritage Trust provides invaluable insights into Indigenous Australian culture. Discover the best of Melbourne’s cultural offerings through these accessible and enriching free museums.
Table of Contents
Free Museums in Melbourne
List of Free Museums in Melbourne:
1. National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
Location: 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Entry: Free entry all year round for the permanent collection.
The NGV is the oldest and most visited art museum in Australia, offering a wide range of Australian and international art. Highlights include collections of European, Asian, Oceanic, and American art, along with temporary exhibitions and installations. The museum features works by artists such as Rembrandt, Bonnard, and Rodin, as well as contemporary pieces by local and international artists.
2. Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)
Location: Federation Square, Melbourne
Entry: Free entry all year round for the permanent exhibitions.
ACMI celebrates the art and culture of film, television, video games, and digital culture. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, view classic and contemporary films, and engage with innovative media art. Highlights include the Screen Worlds exhibition, which covers the history of moving images, and various temporary exhibitions that showcase cutting-edge digital media.
3. The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
Location: Federation Square, Melbourne
Entry: Free entry all year round for the permanent collection.
The Ian Potter Centre features an extensive collection of Australian art, including works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. Highlights include colonial artworks, modernist pieces, and contemporary art. The museum offers a deep dive into the history and culture of Australia through its artistic expressions.
4. State Library of Victoria
Location: 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Entry: Free entry all year round.
The State Library of Victoria is a cultural landmark that offers historical exhibits, art collections, and interactive displays. Highlights include the La Trobe Reading Room, rare books, manuscripts, and exhibitions on the history of Victoria. The library also hosts various events and public programs.
5. Koorie Heritage Trust
Location: Federation Square, Melbourne
Entry: Free entry all year round.
The Koorie Heritage Trust showcases Indigenous Australian art, cultural artifacts, and educational programs. Highlights include contemporary and traditional artworks, cultural heritage exhibitions, and a range of public programs aimed at preserving and promoting Aboriginal culture and history.
6. Grainger Museum
Location: University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville
Entry: Free entry all year round.
The Grainger Museum is dedicated to the life and works of composer Percy Grainger. Highlights include musical instruments, personal memorabilia, letters, photographs, and original scores. The museum offers insights into Grainger’s contributions to music and his eclectic interests.
7. The Victoria Police Museum
Location: World Trade Centre, 637 Flinders Street, Melbourne
Entry: Free entry all year round.
The Victoria Police Museum explores the history of policing in Victoria. Highlights include crime exhibits, historical uniforms, police equipment, and stories of famous cases. The museum provides a unique look into the challenges and developments in law enforcement over the years.
8. The Old Treasury Building
Location: 20 Spring Street, Melbourne
Entry: Free entry all year round.
The Old Treasury Building is a historical site that offers exhibits on Melbourne’s gold rush history and early colonial life. Highlights include historical documents, gold vaults, and architectural exhibits. The building itself is a prime example of 19th-century Renaissance Revival architecture.
9. RMIT Gallery
Location: 344 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Entry: Free entry all year round.
The RMIT Gallery showcases contemporary art and design, featuring works by local and international artists. Highlights include exhibitions on various art forms such as painting, sculpture, photography, and multimedia installations. The gallery aims to promote innovation and creativity in the arts.
10. La Trobe’s Cottage
Location: Kings Domain, Melbourne
Entry: Free on special occasions (gold coin donation for guided tours).
La Trobe’s Cottage is the historic home of Charles La Trobe, the first Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria. Highlights include period furnishings, historical artifacts, and insights into the early colonial life of Melbourne. The cottage provides a glimpse into the domestic life of one of Victoria’s key historical figures.
11. Australian Music Vault
Location: Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Entry: Free entry all year round.
The Australian Music Vault celebrates the history and impact of Australian music. Highlights include memorabilia from famous Australian musicians, interactive exhibits, and historical artifacts. The museum provides an immersive experience into the evolution of music in Australia.
12. Science Gallery Melbourne
Location: University of Melbourne, Swanston Street, Parkville
Entry: Free entry all year round.
The Science Gallery Melbourne blends science and art to create interactive exhibits targeting young adults. Highlights include innovative installations that explore scientific concepts through artistic expression. The gallery hosts a variety of events and workshops to engage the public in science.
13. Medical History Museum
Location: University of Melbourne, Brownless Biomedical Library, Parkville
Entry: Free entry all year round.
The Medical History Museum offers exhibits on the history of medicine and healthcare. Highlights include historical medical instruments, documents, and artifacts that illustrate the development of medical practices and education in Australia. The museum provides insights into the evolution of healthcare.
14. The Hellenic Museum
Location: Former Royal Mint, 280 William Street, Melbourne
Entry: Free on certain days and special events.
The Hellenic Museum showcases Greek history, art, and culture. Highlights include ancient artifacts, Byzantine icons, and contemporary Greek art. The museum aims to promote understanding and appreciation of Greek heritage through its diverse exhibits and programs.
15. The Shrine of Remembrance
Location: Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne
Entry: Free entry all year round.
The Shrine of Remembrance is a war memorial honoring Australians who have served in armed conflicts. Highlights include historical exhibits, military artifacts, and commemorative ceremonies. The site offers educational programs and guided tours to explore Australia’s military history.
16. Chinese Museum
Location: 22 Cohen Place, Melbourne
Entry: Free on Chinese New Year and some special occasions.
The Chinese Museum celebrates Chinese-Australian history and culture. Highlights include traditional costumes, historical artifacts, and exhibitions on the contributions of Chinese immigrants to Australian society. The museum hosts cultural events and educational programs throughout the year.
17. Jewish Museum of Australia
Location: 26 Alma Road, St Kilda
Entry: Free on Jewish holidays and special events.
The Jewish Museum of Australia explores Jewish culture, history, and traditions. Highlights include religious artifacts, historical documents, and exhibitions on Jewish life in Australia. The museum offers educational programs and cultural events to promote understanding of Jewish heritage.
18. Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building
Location: 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton
Entry: Free for children and concession cardholders.
Melbourne Museum offers exhibits on natural history, cultural heritage, and science. Highlights include the dinosaur skeletons, the Forest Gallery, and the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre. The Royal Exhibition Building is a UNESCO World Heritage site that hosts various events and exhibitions.
19. Cooks’ Cottage
Location: Fitzroy Gardens, Wellington Parade, East Melbourne
Entry: Free on Open House Melbourne weekend.
Cooks’ Cottage is the historical home of Captain James Cook’s parents, relocated from England to Melbourne. Highlights include period furnishings, historical artifacts, and insights into the life of the Cook family. The cottage provides a historical context to the life and voyages of Captain Cook.
20. Immigration Museum
Location: 400 Flinders Street, Melbourne
Entry: Free for children and on special occasions.
The Immigration Museum explores the stories of immigrants to Australia, showcasing cultural diversity and personal narratives. Highlights include interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and exhibitions on the impact of immigration on Australian society. The museum hosts educational programs and cultural events.
