This centre is a real treasure for contemporary art lovers, with a top-class collection complementing the building’s innovative design.
The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) offers the best contemporary art experience in Melbourne. It is operated in the Kunsthalle tradition, meaning that the centre commissions the art which it exhibits, rather than collecting it. This approach makes it unique in Australia, and results in a dynamic environment, with regularly changing exhibitions from Melbourne and across the globe.As you arrive at the ACCA, be sure to take in the building itself, designed by the local architectural firm Wood Marsh. Its red steel facade and distinctive, multi-angled style of design mark it out as an iconic structure in the Melbourne cityscape.The collections housed here mix the best in current trends in the art world with a commitment to displaying and developing young talent by providing it with prominent exhibitions.The styles and forms of art accommodated here are wide-ranging, from sculpture and painting to modern audio-visual exhibitions and interactive exhibits. What they have in common is their ability to inspire often strong emotions and reactions, whether you are somebody with a deep interest in art or a casual visitor. The exhibition space is relatively small, and only one or two shows take place at a time – it's worth checking the centre website before you visit.You can find the ACCA in Southbank, Melbourne, where it is located only a 10-minute walk from Flinders Street train station (the city's main station). It is also served by the city trams, and there is pay parking available on the street, as well as in nearby commercial car parks. The centre is open every day, with the exceptions of Mondays, Good Friday, and Christmas Day, and admission is free of charge.