ACCA is proud to unveil This is not the storm, the long-awaited Australian solo debut of artist Julius von Bismarck. Spanning over two decades of work, this exhibition brings together major kinetic sculptures, photography, and immersive video installations much of it never before seen on our shores. Von Bismarck isn’t just showing us landscapes; he’s challenging how we define “nature” itself. Is it a romantic sanctuary? An economic resource? Or a vengeful force beyond our control?
With scientific curiosity and a touch of dry humor, his work captures the “Anthropocene”, the era of human impact, by highlighting the awe, the terror, and the sheer absurdity of our attempts to dominate the environment. It is poetic, unsettling, and deeply experimental. This is not the storm invites you to step into the eye of the gale and reconsider the reality we’ve built. See the website for details.
Finishes 14th June https://acca.melbourne
In the heart of Naarm, a new exhibition at Alcaston Gallery is bringing the atmospheric power of the Kimberley to life. Dr. Vanessa Russ, a Ngarinyin and Gija artist and highly accomplished academic, presents a series of exquisite, monochromatic works that transcend simple landscape. Using Indian ink on paper, these pieces are recollections of her Country capturing the ever-shifting climate and the raw energy of Western Australia.
Dr. Russ describes her process as a form of “memorial DNA” a song or a meditation where Country speaks through her. In these frames, you can feel the rhythm of the land: the sudden arrival of cyclones, the torrents of flooded rivers, and the silt that is lifted and carried on its long journey to the sea. It is an invitation to witness a deep, physical connection to the environment. Experience the works of Dr. Vanessa Russ at the Alcaston Gallery Viewing Rooms, located on Market Street, Melbourne.
Finishes 15th May https://www.alcastongallery.com.au
As the winter chill settles over the city, Melbourne isn’t heading into hibernation. Instead, it’s waking up. RISING, Victoria’s flagship festival of new art, music, and performance, is back to transform the heart of Naarm this June. This isn’t just a festival; it’s a takeover. From massive visual art displays that redefine our streets to immersive performances hidden in unexpected corners … there is truly something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a late-night party, a world-class live concert, or a quiet moment of wonder at a public installation, RISING invites you to choose your own adventure.
It’s a celebration of creativity that belongs to the whole city. So, grab a coat and head into the glow. To see the full program, visit the website.
Starts 27th May https://2026.rising.melbourne
Something sweet is finally coming to our shores. Broadway’s smash-hit musical, Waitress, is baking its way to Australia for the very first time! Inspired by the beloved film and brought to life by a trailblazing, all-female creative team, this is the irresistible story of resilience and hope. Featuring an original, uplifting score by Grammy-winner Sara Bareilles, it’s a show that hits all the right notes.
Experience a powerhouse Australian cast, starring Natalie Bassingthwaighte as Jenna, alongside Rob Mills, John Waters, and a stellar ensemble. Follow Jenna, a small-town waitress and master pie-maker, as she dreams of a fresh start. When a baking contest and an unexpected romance offer her a taste of change, she discovers that the secret ingredient to happiness is her own.
It is quite simply “a slice of five-star musical pie.” Waitress. Opening May first at Her Majesty’s Theatre. Grab your seat at the counter—tickets are on sale now!
Opens in May https://hmt.com.au
Close your eyes and imagine the year 1876. You are standing in the engine room of Melbourne’s survival: The Long Room. It is a noisy, bustling hive of activity. Around you, thirty customs officers and a hundred merchants are shouting over the din, processing the trade that built this city. Today, that noise has vanished, leaving behind a hall of “noble proportions.” This is the jewel of the Immigration Museum. Architect Peter Kerr didn’t just build a customs house; he built a temple to trade. Look up at the towering Ionic columns and ornate architraves—modeled after the Erechtheion in Athens from 400 BC.
It is a space designed to secure “unbounded admiration.” From its origins in London to its survival through the centuries, the Long Room remains one of Melbourne’s most awe-inspiring architectural wonders. Step inside and feel the weight of history. The Long Room at the Immigration Museum. Beautiful in art. Eternal in spirit.
Open daily 10am–5pm https://museumsvictoria.com.au/immigrationmuseum
Melbourne is alive in winter with fantastic events such as Lightscape at the Botanic Gardens in 2026. Celebrated nationwide, Lightscape now holds two consecutive Gold wins at the Victorian Tourism Awards, cementing its place as one of Australia’s most sought after winter experiences. This year, the iconic landscape of the Royal Botanic Gardens has been completely reimagined. Prepare to be mesmerized by brand-new light installations.
Enjoy the magic under the stars with mulled wine, hot chocolate, and delicious treats. Whether it’s a family adventure, a romantic evening, or a unique escape into nature after dark, Lightscape is an experience that you’ll never forget. Move beneath towering, glowing floral arches that reach toward the heavens. Stand in awe before a vast, shimmering “Lawn of Light” that ripples like a neon ocean. Here, the boundary between art and nature disappears.
Wander along glowing pathways, encounter breath-taking large-scale artworks, interactive experiences and lose yourself within a landscape of colour and music as the Gardens are transformed beneath the night sky.Every step is a new chord in a symphony of color and music, transforming the familiar gardens into a dreamscape beneath the night sky. Whether it’s your first visit or a returning tradition, Lightscape 2026 promises an unforgettable night under the stars. See the website for details.
