Explore Melbourne Life at the City Gallery
Tucked into the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, the City Gallery offers a unique window into the city’s past, present, and creative spirit. Despite its central location, the gallery is a hidden gem—supremely accessible yet curiously tucked away within the Swanston Street façade of Melbourne Town Hall. Two large street-facing windows display the current exhibition, hinting at the artistic discoveries within.
What’s showing at City Gallery Melbourne
Currently on display at the City Gallery is The Green Bus, a photographic journey through the familiar streets of Melbourne by photographer Andrew Chapman.
Running from 3 September 2026 to 19 February 2027, the exhibition features 55 photographs spanning 55 years of Melbourne life, beginning in 1971. Chapman has spent much of his life documenting the city and the events that have shaped it, and the exhibition captures the social history and community moments that have played out on Melbourne’s streets and in its public spaces.
Without nostalgia but with a candid, curious eye, Chapman points to the traces of the past that mark the passage of time — and the changing promises of city life across five decades.
Kaye’s review
Next time you’re in Melbourne’s CBD, take a few minutes to visit City Gallery at Melbourne Town Hall, 110 Swanston Street.
The Green Bus by Andrew Chapman OAM is a captivating photographic journey through everyday life, filled with nostalgia, memories and evocative glimpses of Melbourne.
I absolutely loved this exhibition. What a little gem!
Many of the images for me evoked a sense of lost innocence, capturing scenes that, as Chapman notes, would rarely happen today. One shows children enjoying the simple freedom of playing in a park; another captures the Queen walking alongside the Lord Mayor during her 1980 visit, without the layers of security we would see today.
The photographs brought back so many memories, including the little footpath kiosks, newspaper stands, colourful flower stalls and snack vendors on the platforms of Flinders Street Station.
Who could forget the paperboys calling, “Get your paper! Get your Herald!” as we hurried through the 5 o’clock rush to catch our evening train home?
My ‘old’ Melbourne streets once had such wonderful energy, colour and character. I couldn’t help feeling that much of that vibrancy has sadly faded—or perhaps I’m simply looking back through rose-coloured glasses.
Still, glimpses remain, particularly in the beautiful spring flower displays and the wonderful Fashion Week installation outside Town Hall.
I welcome progress, new challenges and the opportunities they bring, but I can’t ignore the uneasy feeling that, with every step forward, we sometimes leave something precious behind—perhaps something of equal or even greater value.
I thoroughly enjoyed this peaceful break in the middle of a busy day. The exhibition brought back heartfelt memories and had me lingering over the photographs, a delightful and calming interlude.
The Green Bus is open weekdays from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, with free entry, and runs until Friday, 19 February 2027.
A lovely exhibition and definitely worth taking the time to see.
– Kaye H
About Melbourne City Gallery
The City Gallery presents free, quarterly exhibitions that explore city life through a range of media. Artworks and artefacts drawn from the City of Melbourne’s Art and Heritage Collection form the backbone of these displays, while specialist curators—often collaborating with contemporary artists and filmmakers—offer fresh perspectives on what it means to live, work, and play in Melbourne.
Though compact, the Melbourne City Gallery thrives as both a mirror and a sponge for urban life. Visitors are encouraged to drop in four times a year, spend around 20 minutes, and immerse themselves in the stories, objects, and images that capture the essence of Melbourne life.
Love learning about Melbourne’s history? Book our City Laneways Tour: Under the Clocks
Chris’ review
Every time I visit the City Gallery, I’m struck by how much it reveals about Melbourne’s history and character. It’s a small space, but the exhibitions are thoughtfully curated and always leave me noticing the city in new ways.
Visiting Melbourne City Gallery:
- Location: Melbourne Town Hall, 110 Swanston Street, Melbourne, (03) 9658 9658
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm
- Closed: Weekends and public holidays
- Cost: Free entry
- Access is at ground level
Whether you’re a local or visiting Melbourne, the City Gallery is a perfect stop for a brief cultural interlude that sparks curiosity and connection with the city around you.
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