Melbourne’s art scene isn’t just confined to the walls of the NGV or ACMI. In its very own Melbourne style, it spills onto pavements, hides behind unmarked doors, and pops up at weekend markets. If you appreciate art with a story and enjoy the thrill of discovery, the city has a wealth of opportunities for you to uncover unique artwork in unexpected places. You just need to know where to look.
From street stalls to galleries and a working studio, this guide covers everything you need to know about where to buy art in Melbourne.
Melbourne is Australia’s arts playground, where traditional craftsmanship meets fresh, contemporary creativity. With over 100 galleries dotted around the city, from grand institutions to cosy artist-run spaces, there’s something for every taste. Classic paintings, bold modern pieces, or the totally unexpected. You’ll find it here.
What really makes Melbourne special is how approachable the art scene feels. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just dipping your toes in, galleries are welcoming, easy to explore, and full of opportunities to discover and buy something you love. So let’s get into where you’ll find the best art for sale in Melbourne.
If your idea of art shopping in Melbourne is browsing in the open air, chatting directly with makers, Melbourne’s markets are a goldmine for affordable and original finds. They’re also places where emerging artists often get their start, so you never know when you might be buying from someone whose work will one day hang in a major gallery. Here are some of our top picks for art discovery on the streets of Melbourne.
Every Saturday and Sunday in Fitzroy, Rose Street Artists’ Market transforms a tucked-away corner of the suburb into a vibrant hub of creativity. The stalls here showcase artwork ranging from bright acrylic paintings and fine art prints to handmade ceramics, wearable art, and sculptural pieces.
Many local artists use Rose Street as a launchpad, including designers whose work now features in national retail outlets. As you’re buying directly from the artist, you can ask about commissions or custom work. This is ideal if you want something truly one-of-a-kind.
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Since the 1970s, the St Kilda Esplanade Market has been a Sunday ritual for locals and visitors alike. With palm trees swaying overhead and Port Phillip Bay just steps away, it’s got that perfect mix of beachside charm and creative energy.
Stalls here are packed with oil paintings of coastal landscapes, colourful glass art, striking photography, and beautifully carved wooden pieces. Plenty of Melbourne’s now-famous artists started here before hitting the gallery circuit. It’s also a great place to find art that captures the city’s surf, music, and laid-back lifestyle.
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We all know Queen Vic Market for its legendary food stalls, but its design and art pop-ups deserve just as much love. These rotating stalls bring in illustrators, printmakers, and mixed-media artists for short stints, so there’s always something new to see.
You could come home with a limited-edition print, a piece of modern Indigenous art, or something bold and experimental from a fresh-faced local talent. The line-up changes so often, making it one of those places where you never know what you’ll find, or who you’ll be bragging about discovering first.
Some of the best art in Melbourne comes directly from the source, where paint is still drying, or clay is still warm from the kiln. Visiting an artist’s studio isn’t just about shopping; it’s about connection. Here are our picks for Melbourne art studios, where the work comes to life. You can hear the stories behind each piece, and walk away with something truly personal.
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Held annually in July, Open House Melbourne is a city-wide event that opens up buildings and spaces normally closed to the public, including working artist studios. Visitors can step inside creative spaces, see artworks in progress, and connect with the artists themselves. It’s a rare behind-the-scenes look at Melbourne’s creative heartbeat, offering inspiration and the chance to buy directly from the source.
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In West Melbourne, Blender Studios is a buzzing community for street artists, muralists, and contemporary creators. Walk through the roller door, and you’ll be surrounded by colour, half-finished murals, and canvases that blur the lines between fine art and street culture. Many resident artists sell directly from their space, so you might find something you love and take it home the same day.
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Nestled in Collingwood, Everfresh Studio's warehouse has been at the forefront of Melbourne’s street art scene for decades. Known for its collaborations and bold murals, the studio also sells artwork from its resident artists.
Visiting here offers a chance to see large-scale works being created, chat with the makers, and even take home prints or original paintings that carry the studio’s signature energy.
While Melbourne is buzzing with vibrant studio and street art culture, gems are still to be found within the traditional walls of a city gallery. Best of all, Melbourne happens to be home to some of Australia’s most respected galleries, where you can browse and buy original works.
From contemporary spaces to boutique gallery experiences, here are some of the best spots for you to pick up pieces.
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Tolarno Galleries has been a staple in Melbourne’s art scene since the 1960s, representing contemporary Australian and international artists. Based in St Kilda, the gallery features large-scale paintings, conceptual works, and immersive installations. Visitors can purchase directly from the exhibitions.
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Located in the heart of Collingwood, Anna Pappas Gallery champions emerging and mid-career Australian artists. It’s a boutique space with a strong focus on contemporary painting and sculpture, often featuring experimental and thought-provoking works. The gallery also hosts talks and artist events, giving buyers insight into the creative process behind each piece.
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For collectors seeking contemporary and conceptual art, MARS Gallery in Prahran is a must-visit. It showcases a diverse range of media, including painting, photography, and installation works. The gallery is known for its approachable and lively atmosphere. It regularly rotates exhibitions, giving buyers a chance to discover something new every few weeks.
From colourful laneways to quiet galleries, Melbourne is packed with opportunities to discover and buy original artwork. Whether you’re hunting for a show-stopping piece for your living room or a unique gift, there’s always something new around the corner.
When it's time to bring your treasures home safely, read our practical guide on how to move artwork safely.
Upmove can then help you book the best removalists and specialist couriers in Melbourne who make transporting art simple, secure, and stress-free.
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