Street Art in Melbourne

One of the things I love about Melbourne is the city’s art scene. Not only does Melbourne have over 100 art galleries but you don’t need to spend long in the city to notice the vibrant street art, one of the features that keeps Melbourne streets interesting and edgy. Don’t be mistaken and think that ‘street art’ is a yuppy term for graffiti. Graffiti is definitely part of Melbourne’s street art scene but it is not just random sprays and tags. There is much more to it than that. Mosaics, murals and pieces of art also bring the city’s streets to life, making the city feel friendly and definitely making them more colourful.

Graffiti

In an effort to combat illegal graffiti, the City of Melbourne set legal graffiti zones, which have become visitor attractions in their own right. Hosier and Rutledge Lane, just opposite Federation Square, are a fantastic example in a convenient location for visitors.

Other locations to see legal graffiti include Caledonian Lane, Union Lane, Finlay Avenue, Degraves Street, Palmerston Street and Flinders Lane. The designs are interesting to examine and display religious images, opinion, political messages and some incredible artwork.

Works of art

Mosaics, murals and sculptures are also plentiful in Melbourne where quirky neighborhoods have embraced street art. One such neighbourhood (and a great one to visit if you want to see street art) is Fitzroy. Three colourful Russian Babushka dolls brighten up a housing estate and provide a play area for children.

Eccentric sculpture adds a curious but fun look to the shopping streets with Vasette florist advertising with a massive flower sculpture on the roof and bees flying up an external wall of the building. Dragons bring Polyester Books and Polyester Records alive and an angel offers a tray of goodies above Sweet Temptations.

Along Brunswick Street you can see mosaic designs inlaid into the pavement, many now in a state of poor repair. Mosaic murals can also be seen on walls in the housing estate. One of my favourite features of the area is the sculpted and mosaic benches created by Giuseppe Roneri. Two offer sightseeing legs a rest at the corner of Victoria Street and one is on the corner of Westgarth Street.

Have you been to Melbourne? Which areas would you suggest people visit to see street art?