Koorie Heritage Trust Indigenous Art Gallery Melbourne
Tucked away in the bustling heart of Federation Square, the Koorie Heritage Trust art gallery is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the rich culture and history of the First Peoples of South Eastern Australia.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this Indigenous art gallery offers an enriching experience that both provokes thought and dazzles visually.
It’s a must-see for anyone who values Aboriginal art, culture, and storytelling.
Related reading: Melbourne’s Indigenous Heart: Koorie Heritage Trust Walk, Gallery and Shop
>> Head straight to our personal tidbits including accessibility for Koorie Heritage Trust
KHT Current Indigenous Exhibitions Melbourne
12th Koorie Art Show
This annual exhibition features a diverse range of works by Aboriginal and Torres Straiter artists aged 17 and above, showcasing their creativity, culture, and stories.
The event also includes the Koorie Art Show Young Mob 7, highlighting the artistic expressions of young talents aged 5 to 16 years. The judging panel, composed of esteemed artists, commends the powerful themes of resilience, identity, and cultural pride reflected in the artworks.
Attendees can explore the exhibition, view the award-winning pieces, and purchase artworks, making this a remarkable celebration of Indigenous artistry and community.
Koorie Art Show 12 and Young Mob showing from 7 Dec 2024 to 16 Feb 2025.
Stitchin’ Stories: Blak & Threadly
The Stitchin’ Stories: Blak & Threadly exhibition at the Koorie Heritage Trust is a vibrant showcase of First Peoples’ creativity, culture, and innovation in fashion and textiles. Running from 1 March to 18 May 2025, this exhibition is the fourth iteration of the Blak Design program and highlights the work of nine trailblazing designers who use textiles as a medium for storytelling.
With nearly thirty unique pieces, the exhibition explores themes of sustainability, identity, and cultural expression. From Tahnee Day’s striking denim ballgown made from repurposed fabrics to Matty Chilly’s fusion of natural materials like gumnuts and kangaroo skin into contemporary fashion, each creation is both deeply personal and profoundly connected to Country. Michelle Searle’s reconstructed garments and Tarsha Davis’s poignant exploration of colonial impact on clothing further illustrate the powerful intersection of fashion and First Peoples’ narratives.
More than just a fashion exhibition, Stitchin’ Stories challenges conventional design while honouring tradition. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in First Peoples’ artistry, sustainability, and storytelling through textiles. Visit the Koorie Heritage Trust at Fed Square to experience it firsthand.
Stitchin’ Stories: Blak & Threadly showing from 1 March to 18 May 2025.
Koorie Heritage Trust Permanent Collection
Visitors can explore the rotating displays on the 3rd floor of the Yarra Building at Federation Square, which feature unique items that reflect the cultural heritage and ongoing journey of these communities.
The open storage display drawers invite a deeper understanding of the First Peoples of Victoria and their significant contributions to the cultural tapestry of Australia.
Shop KHT
Explore the Koorie Heritage Trust Shop for a truly distinctive shopping experience, including exclusive merchandise as part of Josh Muir: Forever I Live.
By supporting the Koorie Shop, visitors not only take home a piece of Aboriginal artistry but also contribute to the preservation and promotion of Koorie heritage.
The Koorie Heritage Trust also runs an informative walking tour. Read more about our experience on the tour here.
Tidbits for Visiting Koorie Heritage Trust
- Exhibitions Koorie Art Show 12 and Young Mob are showing from 7 Dec 2024 – 7 Feb 2025.;
- Koorie Heritage Trust is open daily from 10 am – 5 pm;
- Entry is free;
- Stop by Shop KOORIE for exclusive exhibition merchandise;
- We highly recommend doing the Koorie Heritage Trust walking tour;
- Also, a visit to Mabu Mabu for lunch, located just next door;
Accessibility Koorie Heritage Trust
- The KHT gallery, shop, and walking tours are wheelchair accessible;
- Access to the Level 2 and 3 galleries is via an escalator (going up only) or 23 steps with handrails.
- Lift access and accessible bathrooms are available;
- Koorie Heritage Trust is located at Birrarung Building, Federation Square;
- Getting there is easy via public transport within 200 metres of Flinders Street Station.
Koorie Heritage Trust
Yarra Building, Federation Square, Cnr Swanston & Flinders Streets, Melbourne
(03) 8662 6300 koorieheritagetrust.com.au
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