Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria, 3006
Australia’s largest conference and exhibition space, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), spans more than 750,000 square feet (70,000 square meters). Perched beside the Yarra River, near the city’s Central Business District (CBD), it hosts conferences, meetings, exhibitions, concerts, and more.
The basics
With spaces spanning the gamut from intimate meeting rooms to the 420,000-square-foot (39,000-square-meter) exhibition area, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre has hosted events from gala balls to dog shows and gaming conventions.
Many Yarra River cruises sail by the modernist structure, but travelers are most likely to visit MCEC for THE LUME Melbourne. One of the world’s most extensive digital art galleries, the 32,000-square-foot (3,000-square-meter) space hosts immersive, multisensory exhibitions, as well as yoga and pilates classes.
Things to know before you go
A Melbourne landmark, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre will be of most interest to travelers who appreciate art
MCEC has a range of cafés and bars: all are cash-free, so bring your card. THE LUME Melbourne also has its own café
You’ll need your own mat to join THE LUME Melbourne’s yoga and pilates classes
MCEC has wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, ramps, and elevators across the venue. THE LUME Melbourne is also wheelchair-friendly
How to get there
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre sits on the south bank of the Yarra River opposite the western end of Melbourne CBD. It’s around a 15-minute walk from Southern Cross Station—head south—or you can catch the 12, 96, or 109 tram to the exhibition entrance on Clarendon Street. There is paid parking in the exhibition center car park.
When to get there
MCEC opening hours vary depending on what event is being held there on the day. THE LUME Melbourne is open 10am–6:30pm Sunday through Wednesday and 10am–9:30pm Thursday to Saturday. The last entry is 1.5 hours before closing.
THE LUME Melbourne
Opened in 2021, THE LUME Melbourne aims to bring great art to a broader audience by transforming artworks into vast digital images and incorporating sound, video, scents, and even food and beverage experiences. Exhibitions have included deep dives into Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet, as well as the art and music of Australia’s First Nations.
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