Enjoy a multi-sensory, digital art experience at THE LUME Melbourne, Australia’s first permanent immersive digital art gallery located at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The huge space occupies 3000 square metres, with 150 projectors casting changing and moving images, plus music and scents matched to the artwork with finesse. The sheer magnitude of projections four storeys high is awe-inspiring!

THE LUME Melbourne is the first permanent installation produced by Melbourne’s very own Grande Experiences, known for their large scale exhibitions touring the globe.

The latest exhibition at THE LUME Melbourne is based on Leonardo da Vinci and it opened in March 2024. You can read our reviews on previous exhibitions for Van Gogh, Monet and Connection.

THE LUME Melbourne: Leonardo da Vinci

THE LUME Melbourne invites you to step into the world of Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius. It’s your chance to explore the life and brilliance of one of the greatest creative minds in history.

From The Mona to The Last Supper, experience Leonardo da Vinci’s greatest works as they come to life a grand scale.

The exhibit also features works by Leonardo’s contemporaries like Botticelli and Michaelangelo, offering a broader view of the Renaissance Art Movement

This groundbreaking presentation creates an environment where you’re surrounded by the sights and sounds that recreate Renaissance Italy. Feel like you’re walking through the canvas and as if you’re part of the partings!

Art Meets Technology

For the first time for an exhibition at THE LUME Melbourne, there are physical artefacts and artworks on display.

Central to the Leonardo da Vinci experience is an awe-inspiring display of 50 “machine inventions”, painstakingly crafted by, and on loan from, the Museo Leonardo da Vinci in Rome.

Skilled Italian artisans were commissioned to study and construct a range of inventions from Leonardo’s sketches, using, where possible, crafted using materials and methods from the 15th century.

Another key component of the experience is dedicated to the pioneering work of the famous French Optical Engineer Mr. Pascal Cotte, consultant to The Louvre Museum. Cotte is the inventor of a multispectral camera that is able to scan from ultraviolet through to infrared.

His research peels back the layers of Mona Lisa, revealing previously hidden details. 

Mona Lisa Revealed is an area devoted to Cotte’s ongoing discoveries that have been more than 15 years in the making – and includes the only exact 360º replica in the world of the famed painting made from his one-of-a-kind research, with her front, back and sides revealed to us from Cotte’s 240,000,000 pixel multispectral camera.

Finally, you can admire the original pages from Leonardo’s precious Codex Atlanticus notebook, revealing his interest in anatomy, engineering, flying machines and hydraulic systems. This is the first time these original sketches have been shown in Australia.

Family Fun at The LUME Melbourne

One of the best reasons to visit THE LUME Melbourne with the kids is that there are no time limits or set paths to follow.

You’re invited to savour the experience at your own pace, pausing to absorb the beauty and meaning of each piece in the multi-sensory gallery. 

Everyone can enjoy a blissful 1-2 hours in the gallery, cafe and shop – there’s something to spark curiosity in every family member.

There is also Family pricing at $129.90 for a five person family – which means 2 kids effectively come for free among a family of 5.

The LUME Melbourne Cafe

Don’t miss the Renaissance-themed dining options available during your visit, perfect for refuelling after your inspiring walk through history.

The cafe has small bites, light meals, share plates, child-friendly options and desserts, along with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

THE LUME Melbourne FAQs

What are THE LUME Melbourne opening hours?

The LUME Melbourne is open 7 days a week and standard opening hours are:
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Mon – Thu: 10am – 5.30pm (last entry 3.30pm)
Fri: 10am – 9.30pm (last entry 7.30pm)
Sat: 10am – 9.30pm (last entry 7.30pm)
Sun: 10am – 5.30pm (last entry 3.30pm)

Do I need to prebook tickets to THE LUME Melbourne?

You can also pre-purchase your souvenir program and collect upon arrival.

Are THE LUME Melbourne tickets timed entry?

Tickets are sold as timed entry. The feature experience will run for approximately 2 hours after the last entry time.

Is THE LUME Melbourne child friendly?

THE LUME Melbourne is pram friendly and there is a dedicated parent’s room with baby changing facilities.

It is an ideal venue for parent’s group where kids can crawl and explore!

There is also Family pricing at $129.90 for a five person family – which means 2 kids effectively come for free among a family of 5.

Is THE LUME Melbourne accessible?

THE LUME Melbourne is wheelchair accessible. The experience does not include smoke, haze or strobe lights and the projected images and animations are slow-moving.

Information on accessibility at The LUME Melbourne

Information on accessibility at the MCEC
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To purchase your accessible tickets to one of our feature experiences (with a free companion ticket on the provision of a companion card), contact THE LUME Melbourne on (03) 8638 0609. Service hours match gallery opening hours (ending 1 hour before the gallery’s closing time each day).

What are the options for THE LUME Melbourne parking?

Parking costs just $12 for THE LUME Melbourne ticket holders. Pre-purchase your parking or collect a validation ticket at the Information Desk to discount your parking at the South Wharf Retail Car Park or the Melbourne Exhibition Centre Car Park.

Can I bring food and drinks into The LUME Melbourne?

You can’t bring outside food or drinks into THE LUME Melbourne.

You can purchase food and beverages inside the venue at the café. The cafe has small bites, light meals, share plates, child-friendly options and desserts, along with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Can I use cash at The LUME Melbourne?

Sorry no. THE LUME Melbourne is a cash-free venue. No cash is accepted as a form of payment anywhere within the venue. We accept all major credit and debit cards and forms of contactless payment.

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