Melbourne Although Adelaide has a reputation for exuding a European atmosphere, Melbourne is by far the most European out of all Australian cities. The state capital enjoys a more subtle charm and appeal. The trams glide past chic cafes and old-fashioned bookstores and in the winter locals dress warmly to brace against the chilly weather. Many of the locals are actually from Greece and Italy but also from Vietnam and Lebanon. As a result, there is a beautiful range of international restaurants to choose from and visitors can dine on a different cuisine or fusion every night.
The city hosts a number of arts and cultural festivals and events throughout the year. In October there is the Melbourne International Arts Festival and then the Fringe Festival. The city has a wealth of cultural attractions including the Old Melbourne Goal, the Immigration Museum, the Queen Victoria Market and the Melbourne Museum, all great places to visit no matter how old you may be.
Montsalvat
Taking inspiration from old European Medieval architecture and using funky contemporary elements, Montsalvat was the creation of artist Justus Jorgensen’s students. Unfortunately, he died before it was completed and it sadly has been left unfinished. Even unfinished, however, Montsalvat is still a thriving gallery where numerous artists of all crafts live and produce their works.
Heide Museum of Modern Art
Located 14km from the city, the Heide Museum of Modern Art was originally the dwelling of John and Sunday Reed. They purchased an old dairy farm near the banks of the Yarra River and over the course of several decades, helped numerous artists develop their crafts and was a significant help in the beginning of various Australian artistic movements which included the Anngry Penguins and the Annandale Realists. The farmhouse was transformed into a gallery which showcases various paintings and artworks the Reeds collected over 40 years, including pieces by Nolan and Boyd, and the exhibits are changed over twice a year. In addition to this, in 2006 two new galleries, an educational center, an outdoor sculpture section and the renovation of the second house the Reeds dwelled in was created costing $3 million.
Scienceworks
Scienceworks is the ideal place for kids and adults alike. It is located with a Space Age building and features a vast array of interactive exhibitions and displays. Inside the Lightning Room are 30 minute shows which explain how fireworks work and features the equipment that simulates real lightning.
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