Melbourne, Australia

Museums in Melbourne

14 places, ranked by traveler reviews. The museums in Melbourne travelers actually rate, art, history and everything odd in between.

Museum4.6

National Gallery of Victoria

5,678 reviews

Australia's oldest and most visited art museum, showcasing an extensive collection of international and Australian masterpieces.

Museum4.4

Old Melbourne Gaol

3,313 reviews

A former prison turned museum, offering immersive tours about notorious criminals like Ned Kelly.

Museum4.5

Immigration Museum

1,569 reviews

The Immigration Museum in Melbourne tells the powerful, moving stories of the millions of people who have migrated to Australia from across the world, their journeys, hopes, struggles, and the rich diversity they brought to the nation.

Museum4.5

ACMI (museum)

1,514 reviews

A museum dedicated to the moving image, exploring film, TV, video games, and digital culture through interactive exhibits.

Museum

Museum4.5

The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia

808 reviews

A premier museum showcasing Australian art from colonial times to contemporary works, housed in a striking modern building at Federation Square.

Museum4.5

Museum of Chinese Australian History

173 reviews · Chinatown

A museum in Melbourne's Chinatown exploring the history and contributions of Chinese Australians through artifacts and stories.

Museum5

The Johnston Collection

151 reviews

An exquisite museum showcasing decorative arts and period furniture in a historic Melbourne home, offering intimate guided tours.

Museum4.5

Victoria Police Museum

102 reviews

A free museum in Melbourne showcasing the history of Victoria Police through exhibits on crime, forensics, and famous cases.

Museum4.5

Hellenic Museum

76 reviews

Museum in Melbourne's CBD showcasing Greek history, art, and culture through exhibitions and events.

Museum4

Fire Services Museum of Victoria

73 reviews

Explore Melbourne's firefighting heritage through vintage engines, equipment, and memorabilia at this volunteer-run museum.

Museum

Museum4.5

The National Opal Collection

59 reviews

A museum showcasing Australia's finest opals, including rare fossils and stunning gemstone displays in the heart of Melbourne.

Museum

Museum4

The Butterfly Club

48 reviews

A unique museum in Melbourne where visitors can walk among free-flying butterflies in a tropical garden setting.

Museum

Museum4.5

Salvation Army Heritage Centre

18 reviews

A museum in Melbourne's CBD exploring the history and social impact of The Salvation Army through artifacts, stories, and interactive exhibits.

Museum

Museum4.5

Original & Authentic Aboriginal Art

18 reviews · Chinatown

A museum in Melbourne's Chinatown showcasing authentic Aboriginal art, including paintings, sculptures, and cultural artifacts.

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Good to know

What is the best-known of the museums in Melbourne?

National Gallery of Victoria is the most reviewed, with 5,678 traveler reviews and a 4.6 rating. That makes it the safe choice if you are only fitting in one.

Which of Melbourne's museums is worth going out of your way for?

The Johnston Collection rates highest at 5.0 out of 5 across 151 reviews. Smaller crowds than the headline entry usually explain the gap.

How is this list of museums ranked?

By how many travelers reviewed each place, filtered to those rated well enough to be worth your time. No one pays to appear on it, and the order is refreshed monthly as new reviews land.

More of Melbourne: see all things to do, caves, parks & nature, markets, bars, cafes, or build a Melbourne itinerary.