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Melbourne Arts & Culture News: 11 Must-See & Do Experiences
Craving a dose of creativity in the city? Discover the latest art and cultural news and happenings here.
Step into the heart of Melbourne’s dynamic art and culture scene this summer, where creativity and expression are front and centre. From vibrant theatre premieres to immersive exhibitions and thought-provoking installations, the city is alive with experiences that push boundaries and inspire.
Whether you’re seeking a whimsical journey through the world of Yayoi Kusama at NGV, or diving into experimental performances at the Malthouse Theatre, there’s something for every culture enthusiast.
Here’s your guide to Melbourne’s must-see arts and culture events this February, March, and beyond–your passport to unforgettable moments awaits!
In The Heights Brings the Heat to Melbourne
Breaking news: Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights is storming into Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from 1st August 2025, and it’s impossible to resist. A high-voltage mix of hip hop, salsa, and Latin beats, this Tony Award-winning sensation pulses with raw energy, big dreams, and even bigger heart. Fresh off sold-out runs, the electrifying production stars Ryan González (Moulin Rouge!), Olivia Vásquez (West Side Story), and more. Directed by Luke Joslin with dynamic choreography by Amy Campbell, this is a firecracker of a musical—loud, joyful, and deeply human. Melbourne, get ready.
Tickets drop 6th March here
Melbourne Comedy Festival
The Dirty Dozen: A Tasty, Twisted History of Melbourne’s Street Food
Food is never just food—it’s history, culture, and sometimes, a little bit of scandal. As part of the 2025 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, The Dirty Dozen is taking over the City Gallery to uncover the stories behind Melbourne’s most iconic street eats. Curated by food writer Richard Cornish and brought to life through hyper-real ceramic sculptures by artist Kenny Pittock, this exhibition peels back the layers of the city’s food scene—one bite at a time. From Indigenous Angasi oysters to the rise of the mighty dim sim, it’s a must-see for food lovers and history buffs alike.
13th March to 29th August, 2025
City Gallery, Melbourne Town Hall
Nipa Doshi to Unveil Groundbreaking Work as 2025 MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission Recipient
Nipa Doshi, the Mumbai-born, London-based designer renowned for fusing craft, storytelling, and function, has been named the 2025 recipient of the prestigious MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission. A defining moment for Australian design and cultural discourse, this annual commission highlights global female designers pushing creative boundaries.
Doshi’s new work, A Room of My Own, is a striking, handcrafted cabinet inspired by Indian Kavad shrines—an intimate fusion of personal ritual and memory. Designed as both a dressing table and a shrine, it reveals abstract portraits of women who shaped Doshi’s life, from a 1970s Bollywood star to a maternal neighbour and a compassionate nurse. This poetic yet functional piece embodies her signature style—blending cultural heritage, intricate craftsmanship, and narrative depth.
A globally celebrated designer, Doshi’s work has been showcased at MoMA, the V&A, and the Art Institute of Chicago. As the fourth designer in this five-year commission, she joins a legacy of trailblazing women. A Room of My Own will be unveiled at NGV International on 25th September 2025, marking a milestone in design’s evolving conversation on gender, identity, and tradition.
From 25th September, 2025
Free entry
NGV International, Melbourne
Bernhard Sachs: After History—A Posthumous Reckoning at Linden New Art
Linden New Art presents Bernhard Sachs: After History, the first posthumous exhibition of the late Melbourne artist and academic, running from 15th February to 18th May. Forget a polished retrospective—this is raw, alive, and deeply personal. Sachs, known for reworking his own pieces across years, blurred the lines between past and present, interrogating history to understand the now.
Featuring works from Sachs’ studio alongside those of peers and protégés, this show isn’t just about legacy—it’s about the indelible mark of an artist who never stopped questioning.
Until 18th May
Bunurong Boon Wurrung Country, 26 Acland Street, St Kilda
NGV’s 2025 Autumn-Winter Season Brings French Impressionism, Martin Grant & Kimono Exhibitions
Melbourne’s art scene is heating up for winter 2025 with NGV’s globally exclusive French Impressionism exhibition, finally getting the encore it deserves. From 6th June, expect masterpieces from Monet, Renoir, and Degas—thanks to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston—plus never-before-seen works in Australia.
Fashion lovers, don’t sleep on Martin Grant, a retrospective of the Aussie designer who dressed Cate Blanchett and Lady Gaga. Meanwhile, Kimono unpacks Japan’s most iconic garment, from samurai-era silks to avant-garde couture.
Throw in Olaf Breuning’s wild kids’ installation and the freshest young talent in Top Arts, and NGV’s serving up a winter feast for the senses.
Yayoi Kusama Exhibition at NGV
Step into the whimsical world of Yayoi Kusama at the National Gallery of Victoria, where her signature polka dots and captivating installations come to life. This exhibition is a journey through Kusama’s iconic works, exploring themes of infinity, self-obliteration, and the interplay between art and nature. Highlights include her immersive mirror rooms and vibrant sculptures, each radiating her boundless creativity.
Perfect for art lovers and Instagram enthusiasts alike, the exhibition offers a unique blend of visual spectacle and profound artistic expression. Don’t miss this extraordinary showcase from one of the most influential artists of our time.
Until 21st April
180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Van Gogh at The Lume
Step into a masterpiece this summer as Van Gogh at THE LUME Melbourne makes its highly anticipated return on Boxing Day, now with an exhilarating twist! The record-breaking immersive experience unveils Finding Vincent, a world-first VR adventure that lets you and your crew explore Van Gogh’s iconic works like never before. Marvel at the dazzling Starry Night Room, dine under painted skies at Café Terrace 1888, and channel your inner artist in the interactive studio. A must-see this season.
Until June 1st
5 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf
Avenue Q
Take a dive into the irreverent world of Avenue Q as this Broadway smash lands at St Kilda’s National Theatre from February 22nd to March 8th. Presented by AG Theatre Productions, the show blends raunchy humour with razor-sharp wit, tackling everything from racism to love—with puppets. Following Princeton’s post-grad misadventures on a chaotic New York street, this triple Tony Award-winning “anti-musical” is perfect for those who love their theatre unconventional, edgy, and wildly hilarious. Affordable tickets make it a must-see for first-timers and diehard fans alike.
February 22nd to March 8th
Book tickets here
The National Theatre, 20 Carlisle Street, St Kilda
Moonlight Cinema at Royal Botanic Gardens
Experience the magic of cinema under the stars at Melbourne’s Moonlight Cinema, set in the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens. This beloved summer tradition offers a curated selection of films, including timeless classics like Bridget Jones’s Diary, the latest blockbusters such as Gladiator II and Wicked, and hot new indie darlings like Anora and A Real Pain.
Perfect for families, friends, or date nights, the outdoor screenings combine lush surroundings with a laid-back atmosphere. Pack a picnic or enjoy on-site food trucks and a fully licensed bar. With its unique open-air setting and vibrant lineup, Moonlight Cinema is the ultimate summer escape. Bring a blanket, relax, and enjoy unforgettable evenings beneath the night sky.
See the program here
Until 30th March 2025
Royal Botanic Gardens
Molto Bello: Icons of Modern Italian Design at Heide Museum of Modern Art
For design and flavour enthusiasts, Heide Museum’s Molto Bello: Icons of Modern Italian Design exhibition is a must-see this summer. Celebrating the intersection of beauty and functionality, this collection highlights iconic 1960s and 70s Italian furniture, lighting, and décor within Heide Modern’s serene minimalist setting. Marvel at Cini Boeri’s Ghost chair, Vico Magistretti’s Maralunga armchair, and more, as the exhibition explores Italy’s profound influence on modern design.
Adding a delicious twist, Pidapipo Gelateria collaborates with Heide to present Molto Bello! (Heide), a Fiordilatte gelato with Amarena cherry swirl inspired by Heide’s classic arvo tea rituals. Enjoy this limited-edition flavour at Pidapipo stores or Heide’s Sculpture Plaza gelato cart, Fridays to Sundays, 10am to 3pm, until 26th January.
Exhibition on until 23rd March
Malthouse Theatre 2025 Season Revealed
Malthouse Theatre’s 2025 season promises a dynamic mix of bold stories, innovative performances, and unforgettable experiences. Highlights include A Nightime Travesty, a provocative First Nations musical exploring Australia’s colonial past, and Truth, a gripping exploration of whistleblowers like Assange and Manning. Also on offer are The Red Shoes, The Birds, and Troy—epic tales of myth, power, and resistance, with immersive audio, spine-tingling horror, and poetic drama. With ECHO and The Orchard, Malthouse sets the stage for a year of groundbreaking theatre that will challenge, captivate, and leave audiences in awe. Don’t miss it!
As Melbourne continues to shine with its vibrant arts and culture scene, there’s no shortage of ways to immerse yourself in creativity this summer. Check out our guide to what’s on around the city this month, and don’t miss the chance to explore the top art galleries in Melbourne, where the best of local and international talent is on display.
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