Hellenic Museum

At 280 William Street in Melbourne’s CBD, the Hellenic Museum explores Greek culture through ancient artefacts, sculpture, photography and contemporary art. It is housed in the former Melbourne Mint, whose grand staircase leads to themed exhibition rooms. Look for pottery, armour and depictions of Greek gods, then try the Greek board game or view the 3D renderings of Ancient Greece. The collection spans ancient and modern Greek history, and the museum’s indoor and outdoor spaces add interest beyond the displays.

Inside the former Melbourne Mint

The museum occupies the former Melbourne Mint building at 280 William Street. Inside, a grand staircase leads to exhibition rooms arranged around different themes. The displays combine objects and interpretation, so you can move from artefacts to photography and other forms of art as you explore Greek culture and history.

The collection includes pottery, armour, statuettes, sculpture and religious artwork. Exhibitions draw on material from Greece and Australia, with displays that cover ancient and modern Greek culture. The building’s historic interiors are part of the visit, too.

Ancient objects and contemporary art

Look for displays connected with Greek mythology and the gods, as well as objects from different periods of Greek history. The museum also presents contemporary work alongside historic material. Bill Henson’s photographic installation ONEIROI is among the works on display, and Sam Jinks’s The Messenger Goddess is a hyper-realistic, life-sized figure with golden wings.

Some exhibits use interactive elements. You can try a Greek board game and watch 3D renderings of Ancient Greece. Themed rooms give the displays a clear structure, with information to help place the objects in context.