Buxton Contemporary
Melbourne Learn more about what's on at Buxton Contemporary and the artists shaping its programme.Buxton Contemporary is a public art museum dedicated to contemporary art, located at the University of Melbourne’s Southbank Campus in the Melbourne Arts Precinct, Australia. Opened in 2018, the museum was purpose-built to house the Michael Buxton Collection, one of the most significant collections of recent Australian art. Designed by Australian architecture practice Fender Katsalidis, the building includes multiple gallery spaces, education facilities, and an expansive outdoor screen dedicated to moving-image art that activates the surrounding streetscape.
Established through a landmark act of philanthropy by Michael and Janet Buxton, the museum reflects a long-term commitment to supporting ambitious artistic practice and fostering public engagement with contemporary art. The donation of the collection, together with funds to construct and partially endow the museum, ensured that the evolving collection could be preserved, researched and displayed for broad audiences in a dedicated institutional setting.
Art and Exhibitions at Buxton Contemporary
Buxton Contemporary focuses on contemporary Australian art, presenting exhibitions that draw on the Michael Buxton Collection while commissioning new projects and thematic group shows. The collection comprises more than 300 works by over 50 artists, acquired in depth across media and over time, and includes significant figures in recent Australian art. Exhibitions often juxtapose collection works with new commissions, research-driven projects and collaborations with artists, curators and academic partners.
Displays at Buxton Contemporary are organised as rotating exhibitions rather than a fixed permanent hang, allowing for regular rethinking of the collection and its contexts. Recent and past exhibitions have explored themes such as identity, materiality, urban change and speculative futures, and have included solo presentations and curated group shows featuring both established and emerging artists.
Buxton Contemporary FAQs
Who is Michael Buxton?
Michael Buxton is an Australian property developer, philanthropist and art collector, and he donated the Michael Buxton Collection of contemporary Australian art to the University of Melbourne so it could be preserved, researched and exhibited for public benefit
What is Buxton Contemporary known for?
Buxton Contemporary is known for its focus on contemporary Australian art and for housing the Michael Buxton Collection, one of the country’s most significant collections of recent art. Buxton Contemporary is also recognised for its purpose-built Fender Katsalidis building, which includes multiple galleries and a prominent outdoor screen dedicated to moving-image works.
What kind of art can I see at Buxton Contemporary?
Buxton Contemporary presents exhibitions of contemporary art, with a particular emphasis on Australian artists working across painting, sculpture, installation, photography, video and performance. Buxton Contemporary bases many of its exhibitions on the Michael Buxton Collection, while also commissioning new projects and thematic shows that situate Australian practice within broader international conversations.
Where is Buxton Contemporary located?
Buxton Contemporary is located at the corner of Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street on the University of Melbourne’s Southbank Campus, in the Melbourne Arts Precinct, Victoria. Buxton Contemporary sits a short walk from central Melbourne, close to major cultural institutions such as the Arts Centre Melbourne and the National Gallery of Victoria.
What are Buxton Contemporary’s opening hours?
Buxton Contemporary is usually open Tuesday to Saturday, from 11 am to 5 pm, with free admission to its exhibitions. Buxton Contemporary may adjust hours during exhibition changeovers, public holidays or special events, so visitors should check the latest opening times on the museum’s official website before planning their visit.
How do I buy tickets for Buxton Contemporary?
Buxton Contemporary offers free entry to all exhibitions, so visitors do not usually need to purchase tickets in advance. Buxton Contemporary may require bookings for group tours, education visits or special events, and details on any registration processes are provided on the museum’s website and through its visitor information channels.
Does Buxton Contemporary offer tours, audio guides, or public programmes?
Buxton Contemporary offers a range of public programmes, including talks, education initiatives and free group tours that can be arranged by appointment. Buxton Contemporary publishes information about current tours, exhibition introductions and learning activities on its website, where visitors can also find contact details to request tailored group visits or check for additional resources such as audio-visual materials.
Artworks by Buxton Contemporary Artists
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