National Gallery of Victoria

Founded in 1861, the National Gallery of Victoria was the first public art gallery in Australia. It also contains the largest and widest range of art collections in the country. Starting from a humble collection of mostly reproductions, the gallery has grown into a collection of great richness and diversity, encompassing all major media of the fine and applied arts ranging in date from antiquity to the present day. The Gallery also provides an outline of the history of world art as well as a comprehensive survey of the finest achievements of Australian artists of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal descent.

Victorian Art Centre and the Performing Arts Centre

The Victorian Art Centre was built in three successive stages. The first stage was the National Gallery of Victoria, which opened in 1968 and is leased to the National Gallery Trustees. The second stage, the Melbourne Concert Hall, opened in 1982 while the third and final stage, the Theatres, encompassing the State Theatres, Playhouse, and George Fairfax Studio, opened in 1984. The many celebrated artists who perform here regularly include the Australian Opera, the Melbourne Theatre Company, the Melbourne Symphony, Victoria State Opera, and The Australian Ballet.

With the aim of preserving and providing public access to the history, traditions, landmarks and trends of performing arts, the Performing Arts Centre, which is a part of the Victorian Art Centre, brings to life all forms of performing arts including circus, magic, puppetry, opera, dance, drama, comedy, and many others.

Museum of Chinese Australian History

Opened in 1985 to preserve the heritage of Australians of Chinese descent, this museum is in the heart of Chinatown, Melbourne. Its range of displays starts from the influx of Chinese gold seekers to contemporary Chinese art. There's an audiovisual theater, touring exhibitions, and a permanent exhibition on the history of Chinese-Australians that includes costumes, furniture, and temple regalia. This museum also houses the beautiful Melbourne Chinese dragon, whose head is the largest of its kind anywhere in the world.

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