The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) in Melbourne, Australia, is a flagship contemporary art space located in the Southbank Arts Precinct. Housed in an award-winning rust-red building designed by Wood Marsh Architects, ACCA has become an architectural landmark and a key destination among Melbourne cultural attractions. Established in 1983 and relocated to its purpose-built home in 2002, the organisation plays a pivotal role in the city’s contemporary art ecology and wider public life.
Operating as a kunsthalle without a permanent collection, ACCA focuses on commissioning and presenting new work by leading Australian and international artists. Visitors can expect ambitious exhibitions of contemporary art across media, from large-scale installations and moving image to performance, sculpture and painting. ACCA is recognised for bringing ground-breaking international art to Australian audiences while championing experimental practices and emerging voices.
ACCA develops a year-round program of curated exhibitions, major commissions and focused retrospectives that address urgent social, cultural and political questions. Recent and upcoming shows span Australian First Nations artists, global contemporary figures such as Julius von Bismarck and thematic group exhibitions that test the possibilities of the gallery space. Alongside exhibitions, ACCA produces publications, digital projects, talks, symposia and live events that deepen critical engagement with contemporary art. Visit the ACCA’s website for current exhibition information. You can also follow ACCA on platforms such as Ocula to be regularly updated when exhibitions are announced by the institution, and for related editorial.
ACCA’s gallery hours are generally Tuesday to Friday 10am–5pm and Saturday to Sunday 11am–5pm, with Monday open by appointment only. Hours may vary for special events or public holidays, so visitors should check ACCA’s website for the most up-to-date opening hours before their visit.
Entry to the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art is free, making it one of the most accessible contemporary art venues in Melbourne. Some special programs or ticketed events may carry separate charges, so it is advisable to consult ACCA’s online visit information for current details on tickets and bookings.
ACCA runs an active calendar of guided tours, talks, lectures, symposia, performances, screenings and other public programs designed to foster critical engagement with contemporary art. Education initiatives cater to schools, tertiary groups and broader communities, positioning ACCA as a key learning resource within Melbourne’s arts precinct.
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