Get some drama in your life with the range of international artworks, soaring symphonies, classical ballet performances, conceptual art and emerging thespians that are stuffed inside Melbourne's bulging arts pocket.

A journey of artistic discovery

Make your way along the Yarra River's south bank to St Kilda Road and begin your exploration of the arts precinct. Catch a theatre premiere at the Arts Centre, or big-name productions with international stars at the home of the Australian Ballet. Take in blockbuster art at NGV International, and see the artists of the future in training at the Victorian College of the Arts.

Wander further south to Southbank Theatre, home of the Melbourne Theatre Company, and on to the Melbourne Recital Centre, an artistic bridge over to the boundary-pushing Malthouse Theatre and Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA), where innovation is relentlessly pursued.

Impressive inside and out

It's what's inside that counts, but in Melbourne's arts precinct the exterior is pretty important too. Stroll around before your performance begins to see the iconic Arts Centre spire, the NGV's famed water wall, the Recital Centre's honeycomb facade, the glowing tubes adorning Southbank Theatre, and ACCA's distinctive rusty steel exterior.

The extras

You'll find no shortage of bars and restaurants in venues and around the arts precinct, ideal for pre- and post-show refreshments and recaps. Head into Indigenous-owned Big Esso by Mabu Mabu to enjoy a feast of native ingredients, or drop into riverside favourites Arbory and Yarra Botanica. Alternatively, you can perch at a table in Taxi Kitchen and take in views of the Yarra River, the 'G, the Arts Centre and Southbank.

Explore the area on Sundays to snap up a few handmade artworks of your own at the Arts Centre Market located along the footpaths at the eastern end of the riverbank.

Precinct Transformation

A major upgrade to the Arts Precinct has commenced and will continue through until 2028. The transformation includes significant upgrades to Arts Centre Melbourne, the construction of a new contemporary art and design gallery The Fox: NGV Contemporary; and more open public space, restaurants and bars. You will notice some changes in the precinct during this period - please be sure to plan your visit in advance.

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