Winter in Melbourne: Arts in Focus
From cornerstone arts exhibitions to the can’t-miss theatre productions on the horizon, here are the key events for your arty agenda this winter.
Melbourne International Jazz Festival
May 28 – June 7, 2015
Boutique venues like Bennetts Lane Jazz Club all the way to the Arts Centre will play host to musicians from near and far, celebrating the enduring popularity of jazz. A local favourite on the arts calendar, the festival is known for having some aces up its sleeve – a few years back Prince took to the state at Bennetts Lane to play a super-secret club show. Whilst we can’t guarantee he’ll be in attendance this year, we can guarantee you’ll hear some fantastic music, watch some very talented people perform and quite possibly stumble on your new favourite band. View the program here.
Until July 26
Baz is back in Aus, and he’s turning his attention to the stage this time, bringing to life his much-loved 1992 Australian classic. He’s also enlisted his right-hand (wo)man, Catherine Martin, to weave her magic on the costumes and set design, and added to the cult soundtrack with new hits from Eddie Perfect and Sia. With the signature flourish only Lurhmann can bring, this musical is already winning the hearts of a new generation.
Until August 31st, 2015
Theatre buffs and newbies alike have gushed over this beloved adaptation of the Disney film, originally brought to the stage by Julie Taymor and now in its 18th year. If you’ve never seen the performance or just want to revisit the magic, we can promise it unites the best of the film (such as Elton John and Tim Rice’s score) with incredible sets, costumes and puppets bringing the show to life. Book tickets here.
Nobody puts Baby in a corner, and nobody can stop us from indulging in our 80s nostalgia and kicking up our heels
David Bowie Exhibition at ACMI
July 16 – November 1, 2015
The one, the only. Sure to be an instant blockbuster, ACMI will go Bowie-crazy when their multi-sensory, immersive exhibition arrives from London’s Victoria & Albert Museum. Promising unprecedented access to objects from the David Bowie archive, both old and new fans will find plenty to pore over, with costumes, lyric sheets, album artwork, film and photos on display.
Melbourne Winter Masterpieces at NGV International
July 31 – November 8, 2015
Journey deep into the depths of the incredible collection of Catherine the Great, with over 400 works from a 34-year period on display at NGV International this winter. Masterpieces indeed, the collection includes artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens, Van Dyck and Velasquez. You know, just your usual Dutch and Flemish masters. On loan from the revered Hermitage Museum, this is a chance to glimpse one of history’s most prolific art collections.
Until May 17, 2015
Nobody puts Baby in a corner, and nobody can stop us from indulging in our 80s nostalgia and kicking up our heels for this stage spectacular. Can you tell we’re fans? Anyway, don’t just take our opinion, get along yourself and have a boogie in the aisles with Baby, Johnny and the gang. Just don’t try the lift. We do not recommend that to anyone. Tickets here.
All that cultural immersion will you have needing a dreamy bed to curl up in at the end of the night. Continue the arty escape and bunker down at our Melbourne hotels; The Olsen, The Cullen, The Blackman or The Larwill Studio.
Grab an earlybird rate from just $173 a night. Or, if you like to bundle it up, grab a Bed & Breakfast package at The Olsen, The Cullen or The Blackman for $269.
