NGV: RONE: THE WORKROOM

Free to the public, a widely-acclaimed installation by world-renowned street artist Rone, opens today. It’s part of The Outsiders Melbourne, a ground-breaking exhibition dedicated to showcasing amazing work by artists defying the art establishment. 

Following his sold-out TIME exhibition at Flinders Street Station in 2022, the Melbourne-based street art sensation brings back one of the show’s most celebrated installations, The Workroom, to the heart of the street art capital. 

A giant of the Australian street art movement, Rone is renowned for his evocative and immersive site-specific installations that breathe new life into forgotten spaces. He has exhibited widely in Australia and overseas, and his popular murals have transformed public spaces worldwide. 

The Workroom draws inspiration from the industrial sewing rooms of the post-World War II era, recreating a space where seamstresses once worked, complete with vintage sewing machines and cutting tables. ’The multi-sensory installation deeply envelopes the visitor in an otherworldly place and time.

The Workroom honours Melbourne’s historic garment industry, with its fitting location on Flinders Lane – the centre of the city’s former fashion district – while also serving as a deeply personal homage to Rone’s family heritage. His grandmother, Elva, once worked in such a workroom as a young woman, and throughout the installation, fictitious labels subtly weave together her name with that of the artist’s other grandmother, preserving their legacy within the work. 

Rone says: “It’s amazing to have the opportunity to show The Workroom in Melbourne again, especially on Flinders Lane, where the garment industry that inspired the work was based. I’m honoured that the installation is now a part of The Outsiders Melbourne. It sits alongside the incredible and diverse art of many friends and peers, and is close to Hosier Lane, where my street art journey started.

Rone’s installation joins over 100 iconic and rare street art works in The Outsiders Melbourne, drawn exclusively from the private collection of Sandra Powell and Andrew King, named The Sandrew Collection. 

Among the renowned Australian and international street artists featured in the exhibition are locals Adnate, Drez, Lush, Kaff-eine, Ling, Sofles, and Lucy Lucy, alongside internationals such as Banksy, Barry McGee, Vhils, Invader, Swoon, Hush, Shepard Fairey, Ron English, and ELLE.

Since opening to the public in mid-December 2024, The Outsiders Melbourne has welcomed 60,000 visitors.

Sandra Powell says: “It is with great pride that The Outsiders Melbourne welcomes one of Rone’s most cherished installations, The Workroom, as a new addition to our exhibition. Set in Flinders Lane, honouring its history of the rag trade, this is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to see this beautiful room reimagined from his groundbreaking exhibition TIME at Flinders Street Station.”

Andrew King says: “I’m staggered by the overwhelming attendance and the pure enthusiasm of locals and tourists alike. It’s a testimony to the broad popularity of street art, especially in Melbourne.

“We’re proud that our exhibition has brought further attention to the incredible talent that too often goes unrecognised by the insiders of the art establishment.”

The Workroom is now open to the public as part of The Outsiders Melbourne until 25 May 2025. 

Photo Credit: Shannyn Higgins 

The NGV’s latest exhibit invites Melbourne into the world of the iconic Yayoi Kusama. Immersing yourself amongst her work, you’ll find yourself taking a deep dive into the renowned Japanese artist's distinctive world of bold polka dots, infinity rooms, and repetition. Kusama's decades-long exploration of infinity, self-identity, and her lifelong experiences with mental health is brought to life through her vibrant, larger-than-life installations.

The NGV’s impressive display includes several of Kusama's signature Infinity Rooms, including Chandelier of Grief, where visitors step into small, mirrored spaces flooded with lights and reflections that evoke a sense of endlessness. While only in the rooms for short amounts of time, you’ll still find yourself captivated by looking into the never-ending mirror world.

Kusama’s work spans painting, sculpture, and even fashion. Following her life from growing up in Japan, to making it in New York in the 60s, to her return to Japan, the exhibit presents not only her surreal and intricate works, but also her deep themes of self-observation, obsession, and the infinite. Seen throughout her dots, infinity nets, soft sculptures, and of course, her iconic pumpkins, Kusama’s installations encourage reflection, turning her deeply personal experiences into a shared, expansive art experience for all.

The gallery brilliantly exhibits Kusama’s legacy alongside her unique ability to draw audiences into a space of introspection, self-expression, and visual wonder. This is an exhibit not to be missed - and you’ll certainly find yourself losing track of time amongst Kusama’s endless patterns and infinity nets. 

Tickets available here. 

 From the moment you step inside Alcotraz, you're transported into a thrilling, prison-themed world where alcohol is the number one contraband. You're checked into the prison, given an orange jumpsuit and shown to your cell to play inmate for the evening.

This unique cocktail bar offers an interactive experience like no other - as you're asked to smuggle in your own sealed alcohol past the warden and directly into your cell. The inmate mixologists transform your illegal hooch into four personalised and delicious cocktails over the course of the 1 hour and 45 minute experience. Each drink is a masterpiece, crafted with creativity and prison flair, using mixers and ingredients provided by the venue. 

While you drink your sorrows away, take in the ambiance behind prison bars, experiencing the dim lighting and enthralling storylines as you interact with the characters and fellow inmates. The experience is not just about the drinks; it's about the whole narrative as you delve deeper into the prison system. 

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or looking for a unique experience, Alcotraz promises to be an unforgettable night out. 

Spend some time behind bars at the best bar in town. 

Find out how you can spend some time at Alcotraz here.

Melbourne fans of the revolutionary and provocative phenomenon Banksy can now experience his iconic works up close. Located at the District Docklands, and open now until 3rd August, this is an exhibition not to be missed. 

When the topic is street art, there is no way around him: Banksy is probably the most famous and also the most mysterious graffiti artist in the world. The Art of Banksy: Without Limits shows more than 180 of the artist’s works, including over 70 originals, prints on different kinds of materials, photos, sculptures, and much more.

The Melbourne experience will build on the incredible recent success of the exhibition in Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide over the past year. With tours across Europe, The Middle East, Asia and the U.S, over 1.75 million people have now experienced this incredible exhibition worldwide. 

Custom-built to fit the venue, The Art of Banksy: “Without Limits” includes several experiential areas and more than 180 of the artist’s works such as certified originals, prints, photos, lithographs, sculptures, murals, and video mapping installations especially created for this tour.

Melburnians can be proud to boast that there are more of Banksy’s works on display here than its previous exhibitions interstate!

Regarded as one of the most valuable and talked about artists of our time, Banksy’s popularity cannot be denied. Visitors can get insight into Banksy’s life and work through uniquely presented works, promising and delivering an impressive must-see experience that celebrates and educates about his art. 

Other highlights include “Dismaland” installations from Banksy’s 2015 pop-up Bemusement Park, prints of “Flower Thrower” and “Kissing Coppers,” and the sculpture “Phone Booth.” Other surprises include a section dedicated to Banksy’s activism related to immigrants and a completely immersive “infinity room” addressing politics.

Tickets are available to purchase today HERE. 

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience to open on Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula this autumn

Follow the forest light trail and discover illuminated moments from the Wizarding World.  

Following a massively successful run in the US and the UK, Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment in partnership with Fever and IMG, has announced that Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience will open in Melbourne in autumn 2024. 

For the first time in Australia, the breathtaking light trail will open on April 6, 2024 for Wizarding World fans of all ages to enjoy in the awe-inspiring woods of The Briars, Mount Martha on the Mornington Peninsula.Tickets will be available for purchase starting December 20, but fans who sign up for the waitlist today will unlock exclusive access to secure tickets. 

Inspired by the iconic Forbidden Forest and featuring creatures from the Harry Potter™ and Fantastic Beasts™ series, mesmerising lights will transform the landscape into a magical outdoor trail. Visitors will discover some of their favourite moments from the Forbidden Forest, encounter mystical creatures such as Hippogriffs, Unicorns, and Nifflers, and practice casting their very own spells. 

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is for the whole family and promises a wonderful time for fans of all ages, giving them the opportunity to experience the magic of the Wizarding World in a whole new way. Visitors will also find a themed village at the end of the trail where they can enjoy delicious food and drink, as well as a gift shop with merchandise from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movies. An unforgettable evening lies ahead!

The outdoor experience was created by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment in partnership with leading entertainment discovery platform Fever, and award-winning theatrical designers Thinkwell and Unify.  

The arrival of Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Melbourne is the latest drop of magic from the beloved franchise to come to Australia, following the four-year spell of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Princess Theatre and national retail programs like the Magical Builders collectables at Coles. 

Currently, Wizarding World fans in Sydney can experience Warner Bros. Discovery Australia’s Harry Potter Christmas Lights, a Harry Potter-themed Christmas lights setup. The enchanting Christmas lights display is open to the public and free to enjoy until December 26th at 30 Alfred Street, Ramsgate Beach. 

Tickets for Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience will be available for purchase from December 20, with prices starting at $56 for adults and $41 for children. You can read more about the experience and sign up for the ticket waitlist at hpforbiddenforestexperience.com/melbourne