Design & Travel

“Federation Square is not only a cultural hub but also an architectural masterpiece”

3. ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image)

Design isn’t just static objects; it’s also about storytelling and innovation in media. At ACMI, explore the world of design through film, digital culture, and interactive media. This museum celebrates design’s role in the evolution of screen culture, offering exhibitions and events that cover everything from animation and game design to cutting-edge digital art.

4. Melbourne Design Week

If your trip coincides with Melbourne Design Week, you’re in for a treat. This annual event, often around May and June, showcases the latest trends in architecture, industrial design, fashion, and more, with exhibitions, talks, and workshops held throughout the city. The festival celebrates local and international talent, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the future of design across various disciplines. The 2024 event featured a cross-cultural think-tank that explored design solutions for ghost net and associated marine debris impacting Indigenous communities and Sea Country across Northern Australia, As well as a Design With Attitude talk with Alice Rawsthorn. See more of the 2024 event at https://2024.designweek.melbourne

5. Chapel Street Precinct

Fashion lovers will find their paradise along Chapel Street, Melbourne’s iconic shopping district. Known for its independent boutiques, this area is the pulse of contemporary fashion and design. Browse through Australian and international labels, discover one-of-a-kind pieces, and soak up the effortlessly chic atmosphere that defines Melbourne’s style.

6. MPavilion

For a seasonal design experience, check out MPavilion, a temporary architectural pavilion in the Queen Victoria Gardens. Each year, a different architect is commissioned to create a pavilion that serves as a public meeting space and host for cultural events. The innovative designs often push the boundaries of architecture and public space, making it a highlight for any design lover visiting Melbourne.

7. The Fitzroy & Collingwood District

Melbourne’s Fitzroy and Collingwood districts are more than just trendy neighbourhoods – they are a creative playground that embodies the city’s dedication to art, design, and innovation. For any design lover visiting Melbourne, these adjacent suburbs offer a fascinating mix of contemporary design studios, galleries, boutique stores, and immersive street art, making them the perfect place to begin a design-focused exploration of the city. Here’s why Fitzroy and Collingwood should be your first stop and how to extend your journey with top picks from Melbourne’s other design hotspots.

Fitzroy and Collingwood are world-renowned for their vibrant street art scene. The laneways here are like open-air galleries, offering an ever-evolving showcase of large-scale murals, graffiti, and installations by both local and international artists. The famous Johnston Street and Brunswick Street are must-visit spots, where each turn reveals a new piece of street art that reflects the city’s raw and experimental creative energy. This street art culture ties back to the broader Melbourne design ethos, also visible at Federation Square, where modernist architecture becomes an art form itself, and the NGV exhibits both traditional and experimental forms of design.

In Fitzroy and Collingwood, you’ll find plenty of independent design boutiques and workshops that celebrate craftsmanship and creativity. From minimalist fashion to eclectic furniture and homewares, the area is brimming with unique finds for the discerning design lover. While in the area, head over to the Koskela Showroom for an infusion of sustainable, socially responsible design. Like Fitzroy, Koskela is committed to showcasing contemporary Australian design, supporting Indigenous craftsmanship, and promoting ethical practices.

The Fitzroy-Collingwood area is also known for its dynamic gallery scene. Venues such as Gertrude Contemporary and Centre for Contemporary Photography (CCP) feature cutting-edge exhibitions and installations from both emerging and established designers and artists. The rotating exhibitions ensure that every visit offers something new, much like the ever-evolving design shows at RMIT Design Hub, where you can catch work from Australia’s leading design school and uncover experimental projects that push the boundaries of design thinking.

One of the joys of exploring Fitzroy and Collingwood is the thrill of discovering hidden gems. While wandering through side streets, you might stumble upon a pop-up gallery or a new design studio that wasn’t on your radar. This spontaneity is part of what makes Melbourne’s design scene so exciting – it’s constantly evolving and always offering something unexpected.

Melbourne’s vibrant mix of heritage and contemporary design offers an inspiring experience for visitors from all corners of the globe. Whether you’re exploring its galleries, admiring its architecture, or uncovering hidden gems in its creative neighbourhoods, Melbourne is a city where design comes to life in every corner.