Australian Centre for Contemporary Art

Overview

The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) is one of Australia's leading contemporary art spaces, housed in a striking rusted-steel building in Southbank. It specialises in exhibitions by leading Australian and international contemporary artists.

Highlights

• Architecture: The Corten steel exterior, designed by Wood Marsh Architecture, resembles a series of rusted geometric volumes and is itself a work of art.
• Bold Programming: ACCA is known for ambitious, challenging exhibitions that push boundaries — installations often transform the entire interior.
• Free Entry: All exhibitions are free, in keeping with ACCA's mission to make contemporary art accessible.

History

Founded in 1983, ACCA moved to its purpose-built Sturt Street gallery in 2002. The building won the Victorian Architecture Medal and has become a landmark of Melbourne's Southbank arts precinct.

Visitor Tips

• Check What's On: ACCA rotates exhibitions frequently — check the website before visiting.
• Combine With: Walk to the nearby Malthouse Theatre and Shrine of Remembrance.
• Duration: 30–60 minutes.