Australian Baz Luhrmann’s groundbreaking film comes to life on stage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza, Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Photo: Michelle Grace Hunder.
Call it a cliche, but as Australia’s second-largest city, the capital of Victoria, Melbourne, is a vibrant place to be. A brief visit there was a testament to the fact that it is officially Australia’s most liveable city — and the third most in the world!
From the energetic Australian Open tennis and colourful racing carnivals to international art exhibitions, the comedy festival and blockbuster shows, Australian Grand Prix, and Food & Wine Festival, there’s always something exciting happening in Victoria.
For the moment, theatrical indulgence in Melbourne is at its peak. Adapted from the 2001 extravaganza film by Academy Award-winning Australian director Baz Luhrmann is the multiple Tony Award-winning Moulin Rouge! The Musical, which ends its season at the Regent Theatre on 4 February.
Groundhog Day the Musical has made its Australian debut in Melbourne for a limited time, until 7 April. Direct from a record-breaking run at London’s Old Vic, the production has transformed the Princess Theatre. The Tony-nominated and Olivier Award-winning musical comedy tells the story of Phil Connors, a self-centred weatherman from Pittsburgh who is sent to cover the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. When he becomes trapped in a time warp that sees him forced to replay one particular day on a loop, he embarks on a hilarious journey of enlightenment and redemption.
Her Majesty’s Theatre, be transported to a world of high school romance, unforgettable music and pure, unadulterated fun with Grease. This is a new production of the musical hit that’s got groove; it’s got meaning!
Why not go on a rowdy ride through the interwoven world of lovers, fairies and fools through the jewel in the Shakespeare comedy crown of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Royal Botanic Gardens? It was also a good idea to roll up to the Arts Centre Melbourne for the spectacular Circus 1903, which was an edge-of-the-seat, magical experience!
We know all about Melbourne’s unconventionality, originality and love of the arts; they are universally famous. If you want to take in some of Melbourne’s culture, visit the National Gallery of Victoria, the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image in Federation Square, which celebrates film, television and gaming with exhibits, screenings and events.
The Chen – Art Series hotel is in Box Hill, Melbourne. Photo: Supplied.
Of course, the idea is to time your visit to catch these shows and other events by staying at one of the many cool hotels in Melbourne. Check out the Art Series, a family of hotels inspired by, and dedicated to, a specific Australian contemporary artist.
Taking design inspiration from the artist of its name, each hotel features a range of prints and original artwork that are sure to delight. Here’s a small selection.
The Chen — Art Series. Designed to emulate the work of Chinese-Australian abstract artist Zhong Chen, this comfortable hotel is in Box Hill, just outside of Melbourne’s CBD. It features spectacular views of Melbourne’s CBD and surrounding suburbs from the rooftop pool and entertainment deck while being within a hop, skip and jump of the area’s dining precinct. Trams are at the doorstep ready to whisk you away if you wish to explore.
The Cullen — Art Series. Named after and inspired by the late Australian artist and Archibald Prize winner Adam Cullen, this hotel in Prahran offers a wonderfully different experience.
Close to public transport, the accommodation combines contemporary design with unique touches inspiring art pieces. Hotel manager Rahul Dangwal says The Cullen is a boutique hotel that’s “daring and unique, bold and brash”.
The Cullen — Art Series hotel is in Prahran, Melbourne. Photo: Supplied.
The Larwill Studio — Art Series. A well-known gem in Parkville, this hotel is dedicated to Aussie artist David Larwill and inspired by his studio.
Hotel manager Sushant Sharma pointed out The Larwill was perfectly positioned on Flemington Road to explore the myriad cafes and restaurants in Lygon Street or head across to Victoria Street in North Melbourne to discover unique dining options and boutiques.
The Olsen — Art Series. Set in Melbourne’s iconic Chapel Street, The Olsen is dedicated to admired Australian landscape artist Dr John Olsen and his work. The eye-catching frog sculpture, suspended lighting and numerous prints and artworks command attention as you enter off the streets of South Yarra.
According to hotel manager Sam Loader, The Olsen introduces South Yarra to a new level of luxury boutique accommodation. In a city as culturally diverse and art-inspired as Melbourne, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to realise it’s also home to some of the world’s most distinctive and eclectic hotel experiences.
