Buxton Contemporary is a free art gallery on the University of Melbourne’s Southbank campus, opposite the National Gallery of Victoria and close to Melbourne Theatre Company’s Southbank Theatre. Its changing exhibitions focus on contemporary Australian art, with displays that can bring together drawing, sculpture, installation and moving-image work. The gallery spans two floors and includes a large outdoor screen dedicated to moving-image art. Check the exhibition program before you go, as the gallery can close while a new show is being installed.
A university gallery in Southbank
Buxton Contemporary is part of the University of Melbourne’s Victorian College of the Arts campus in Southbank. The gallery opened in 2018 after collector Michael Buxton donated 350 major Australian artworks to the university. The collection forms the foundation for exhibitions and other gallery activity.
The building was designed by Australian architecture practice Fender Katsalidis. Its galleries sit within Melbourne’s Arts Precinct, opposite the National Gallery of Victoria and near Southbank Theatre. The campus location makes it easy to pair the gallery with other cultural stops in the area.
Exhibitions and moving-image art
Exhibitions change over time and explore contemporary art through different media, including drawing, sculpture and installation. Some shows bring art into conversation with other fields. One exhibition, for example, paired newly commissioned work exploring language and matter with drawings and models from the University of Melbourne Herbarium.
The gallery also has an outdoor screen devoted to moving-image art. Exhibition displays can be minimal or text-led, so check the current program to see whether the subjects and formats suit your interests. The website is also useful for checking whether the gallery is closed during installation between shows.
Planning your visit
Admission is free. The gallery has two floors, a lift and a small gift store. Staff can help explain the exhibitions, which is useful if you want more context for the works on display.
For a quieter visit, choose a weekday. You can combine the gallery with the National Gallery of Victoria or other nearby Arts Precinct stops. Check the exhibition program before setting out, especially if your visit depends on seeing a particular show.
FAQ
Is admission to Buxton Contemporary free?
Yes. Admission is free.
Where is Buxton Contemporary?
It is on the University of Melbourne’s Southbank campus, opposite the National Gallery of Victoria and near Southbank Theatre.
How often do the exhibitions change?
The program changes regularly. Check the gallery’s website for current exhibitions and possible installation closures.
Is Buxton Contemporary accessible by wheelchair?
The gallery has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and restroom, as well as a lift between floors.
