Athenauem
The Athenauem is the oldest public institution in Victoria, it was founded in 1839. In its early days it housed a small museum and art gallery, which closed in 1971. It is now a venue for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and since 2006 has hosted the Last Laugh Comedy Club, presenting comedy acts. 188 Collins Street, Melbourne (03 9650 1500).

Chapel Off Chapel
Chapel Off Chapel is Melbourne's trendiest art and entertainment precinct. The Chapel is the converted former Independant Church of Prahran that seats 240 and has featured a long list of local and international famous performers. The Chapel Loft is a smaller space that hosts music and theatre performances. The Chapel Galleries displays exhibitions of visual arts from community groups and local artists. 12 Little Chapel Street, Prahan (03 8290 7000).

Comedy Theatre
This Theatre was built in 1928 with a Spanish themed interior. It has a Florentine style exterior with wrought iron balconies. It is not only comedy acts that appear here, musicals, plays, operettas and dance recitals are also often on the bill. It seats 1000 people. 240 Exhibition Street, Melbourne (03 9299 9886).

Forum Theatre
The Forum is one of Australia's best live act venues. It showcases local and international talents, including rock bands and stand up comedians. There are two venues in its complex, a large auditorium that is used as a concert or caberet venue and a smaller venue with theatre seating. Corner Russell and Flinders Streets, Melbourne (03 9299 9886)

Her Majesty's Theatre
Melbourne's famous theatre showpiece was built in 1886. Dame Nellie Melba made her Melbourne grand opera debut here in 1911 and gave her final farewell performance as well in 1928. It has hosted over 100 musicals. 219 Exhibition Street, Melbourne (03 8643 3300).

Princess Theatre
The Princess Theatre is renowned for its extravaganza productions. It opened its doors in 1886 and can seat 1488 theatre patrons over three levels. The Princess Theatre is famous for it's magnificent marble staircase and it's ghost sightings! 163 Spring Street, Melbourne(03 9299 9800). City circle tram

Regent Theatre
The Regent is Melbourne's most opulent theatre. It was built in 1929, but fell into disrepair for many years, however, in 1996 after three years of meticulous restoration it was returned it to its former glory. 191 Collins Street, Melbourne

State Theatre
The State Theatre is situated in the Melbourne Arts Centre and can seat 2,079 patrons over three levels. The State Theatre is the major venue for performances by the Australian Ballet and Melbourne Theatre Company, it also hosts performances by Opera Australia when they are in Melbourne. 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne (03 9281 8000). Tram from city

Melbourne Art Rooms (MARS)
MARS is located in Port Melbourne, it was originally an old dairy but, opened as a gallery in 2005. It has a reputation for not being bound to traditional formats and its gallery space is state of the art. MARS hosts exhibitions by local, national and international artists as well as exhibiting works by unrepresented and emerging artists. Bay Street, Port Melbourne ( 03 9681 8425). Tram from city to North Port stop

National Gallery of Victoria
The NGV has been displaying one of Australia's wealthiest and impressive art collections since 1861. The continuing growing collection out grew its home in St Kilda Road, and in 2002 was split in two. The Australian works are now displayed in the new Ian Potter Centre across the road at Federation Square. The international works are still displayed at the National Gallery of Victoria next to the the Melbourne arts centre. St Kilda Road,Melbourne (03 8620 2222). Tram from city

Post Master Gallery
This gallery is home to the National Philatelic Collection, Australia's most significant collection of Philatelic heritage and artwork. The gallery displays nine decades of Australian stamps. 321 Exhibition Street, Melbourne (03 9204 5021) City circle tram

The Ian Potter Museum of Art
Known as The Potter, this is the University of Melbourne's Art Museum. It houses and exhibits the University of Melbourne Art Collection as well as staging temporary exhibitions ranging from classic to contemporary. Swanston Street, Parkville ( 03 8344 5148). Tram from city to University of Melbourne

The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art
This distinctive landmark on Southbank is a rust red steel structure that houses contemporary art exhibitions.The ACCA prides itself on displaying innovative exhibitions by International and Australian artists. 111 Sturt Street, Southbank (03 9697 9999).