Premier performing-arts establishments and art galleries are well represented in Melbourne. Several major venues act as focal points for the city's social and cultural scene, and world-class collections of art from all over the globe are represented in public and private galleries.

From cutting-edge architecture and blockbuster musicals to art exhibitions and popular festivals, Melbourne is a city where cultural pursuits are woven into the fabric of everyday life.

Southbank arts precinct:  A 'corridor' of exciting arts and culture institutions extends across the city, from the Yarra River to the world-heritage Royal Exhibition building and Melbourne Museum in the historic Carlton Gardens. Explore on foot, starting your tour near Southbank at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art in its striking building featuring a giant rusted-iron facade. Nearby is NGV International - the National Gallery of Victoria's headquarters, and the Victorian Arts Centre, home to theatre, opera, contemporary and classical music, ballet and visual arts.

Across the Yarra River, Federation Square is a unique and controversial public space designed in a bold postmodern form that fuses art with architecture, exhibitions and events. With its large open spaces, glimpses of the city and the Yarra from unusual angles, and heady mix of bars, restaurants, galleries and shops, Fed Square is beginning to surpass Flinders Street station, just opposite, as the meeting place of Melbourne. It houses Australia's first major gallery devoted to Australian art, including an impressive collection of Aboriginal art - The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia - and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, the world's first gallery dedicated to the moving image in all its forms.

Melbourne also has an array of fine theatres that host leading national and international arts companies.

Melbourne laneways and precincts are filled with commercial galleries, craft and design outlets, and fashion boutiques showcasing the innovation and skill of Melbourne-based artists and designers. Small theatre companies produce edgy and innovative theatre, contemporary dance and physical theatre, and the city streets are alive with buskers and public art.

Each year Melbourne hosts a range of arts and cultural festivals and events, including the annual fashion and film festivals, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, the Melbourne Fringe Festival, the Melbourne International Arts Festival, youth events and more.