Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Narrm, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and to Elders of all First Nations communities that visit MCEC.

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More Than Just Art at Melbourne Art Fair 2024

By Bree Pagliuso|

In Melbourne, art lovers are spoilt for choice, with galleries, museums, performances, and public art available at every turn.

Fox Jensen Gallery: Imi Knoebel - Anima Mundi installation
Fox Jensen Gallery: Imi Knoebel - Anima Mundi installation

This February, something big is happening.

Over 60 galleries will come together under one roof for four days of artistic excitement at the Melbourne Art Fair 2024.

Breaking tradition

Melbourne Art Fair has found its forever home at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), a state-of-the-art design by Denton Corker Marshall , alongside instantly recognisable wayfinding and signage conceived by Garry Emery; the venue boasts expansive space, bold colours and super-sized graphic overlays, offering awe-inspiring spaces for artistic exploration against Melbourne's vibrant cityscape.

The fair's inception dates back over three decades and continues to be a cornerstone of our cultural landscape, earning praise from critics and fans alike. A true loyalty to showcasing Australasian artists, it's the go-to place for unveiling their groundbreaking works.

Garry W. Emery -Melbourne ExhibitionCentre-Wayfinding 1996
Garry W. Emery Melbourne Exhibition Centre Wayfinding 1996

The perfect duo

“Melbourne Art Fair, Australia’s premier contemporary art fair, is proud to partner with MCEC as a world-class exhibition venue that shares in our vision for a more sustainable event industry. With soaring ceilings and pillarless exhibition spaces, MCEC provides the ideal environment for one of Australia’s most significant cultural events.” Maree Di Pasquale, CEO and Fair Director, Melbourne Art Foundation

Come face to face with artwork from over 100 artists across 7,500 sqm and experience major commissions, large-scale installations, video art, live performances, and thought-provoking panel discussions.

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Gregory Lorenzutti New Retro

Here's a sneak peek at what awaits you.

  • Explore works from esteemed female curators Tamsin Hong, Shelley McSpedden, and Anador Walsh

  • Be in a space abounding with new commissions, including a contemporary dance piece by Lucy Guerin Inc. and a life-size bronze sculptural work titled "SOMOS" by Julie Rrap

  • Engage with thought-provoking moving-image art presented by VICE

  • Encounter large-scale installations curated by Shelley McSpedden

  • Immerse yourself in onsite performances exploring the "Performing Care" theme by Narrm-based artists

  • Discover non-commercial platforms for artistic experimentation in PROJECT ROOMS

  • Be part of critical discourse during the Conversations Program with artists, gallerists, curators, collectors, and cultural luminaries

  • Witness innovative new commissions and collaborations with artists in partner activations

  • Engage with a showcase of diverse voices and histories

  • Feel an atmosphere celebrating contemporary art and culture in Venue Transformations

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Photo: Marie-Luise Skibbe

Experience Melbourne Art Fair 2024 from 22 to 25 February at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).