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From Victorian-era grandeur to cutting-edge modern design, Melbourne is a treasure trove for anyone with an interest in the architects, artists and craftsmen who have shaped the city. There’s a lot to see in Melbourne that’s above eye level, so remember: look up!
 

Australian Centre for Contemporary Art

This vast, rust-coloured building hosts a mix of installation and more traditional framed works. It’s also home to one of Melbourne’s most controversial sculptures, Vault, otherwise known as the ‘Yellow Peril’.

Address: 111 Sturt St, Southbank; free

Birrarung Marr

Melbourne’s newest public parkland features a creatively designed series of sculptured terraces that link the city, the sporting precinct and the river. Landscaped areas of native grasses alternate with public spaces to create a restful and inspiring place to relax, walk, jog, cycle or frisbee.

Address: Between Federation Square & the Yarra River; free

Block Arcade

Melbourne’s tribute to Milan’s Galleria, the Block Arcade was built in 1891–93 and features beautiful etched-glass ceilings, mosaic floors and some of the city’s most elegant shops.

Address: Off Collins St – Victorian

Federation Square

Melbourne’s cultural and social heart is home to the Ian Potter Centre-NGV Australia, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image and an ongoing program of public artworks and events. The square’s various facades are clad in geometric panels to complement the pink-hued cobblestones of the piazza that forms the entry to this bold architectural statement.

Address: corner Flinders & Swanston Streets

La Trobe Reading Room

A Melbourne icon, the Dome Reading Room was opened in 1913 and renamed after extensive refurbishment work was completed in 2003. Reading at one of the desks made of Queensland silky oak as the light pours in from the towering eight-sided dome is a must.

(State Library of Victoria)

Manchester Unity Building

An Art Deco masterpiece in the Commercial Gothic Modern style dating from 1932, the vertically thrusting Manchester Unity Building is one of Melbourne’s architectural gems.

Address: cnr Collins & Swanston Sts

Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building

The World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building is one of the few remaining Victorian-era exhibition pavilions. Adjacent is the sharply angled 1990s architecture of Denton Corker Marshall, topped off by a giant Rubik’s Cube.

Address: Carlton Gardens

National Gallery of Victoria International

The NGVI’s permanent collection and program of exhibitions incorporates a range of design elements such as fashion, furniture, glass and ceramics, pottery and fabrics.

Address: St Kilda Rd

Platform 2

This exhibition space in the depths of Melbourne’s suburban rail terminal presents the work of practising and emerging artists and designers to inspire commuters and passers-by alike.

Address: Campbell Arcade, Flinders St Station Subway, Degraves St entrance; free