Melbourne Art Tours, Australian Art History & Private Gallery Experiences
Discover Melbourne's art galleries, Australian art history and contemporary Aboriginal art through expertly guided small-group and private art tours.
Our Melbourne art tours explore the rich history of Australian art, from the Australian Impressionists of the Heidelberg School to today's leading contemporary Aboriginal artists. Whether you are visiting Melbourne for a few days or you are a local wanting to discover the city's thriving gallery scene, our guided art experiences offer a unique way to understand Australia's cultural heritage.Discover Melbourne's Best Art Galleries
Melbourne is Australia's cultural capital and home to some of the country's finest art galleries, from internationally recognised institutions and independent contemporary spaces to leading First Nations galleries showcasing the extraordinary diversity of Aboriginal art.
At The Lost Impressionist, we create expertly guided Melbourne art tours and private gallery experiences that go far beyond simply viewing artworks. Through engaging storytelling, Australian art history and exclusive gallery visits, you'll discover the artists behind the masterpieces, explore the stories that shaped Australia's creative identity, and, where possible, meet gallery owners, curators and artists who bring these collections to life.
Whether you are fascinated by the Australian Impressionists, passionate about contemporary Aboriginal art, considering purchasing Australian artwork, or simply looking for an inspiring cultural experience, our escorted art tours offer a unique way to discover Melbourne through its rich artistic heritage.
What we offer
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Join a relaxed, expertly guided tour of Melbourne’s hidden galleries and historic creative spaces. Small groups ensure plenty of opportunity for discussion and questions.
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Enjoy a personalised half-day or full-day art experience tailored to your interests. Ideal for couples, families, corporate guests and international visitors.
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Explore Melbourne's leading Indigenous art galleries and discover the world's oldest continuing artistic tradition through ethically represented contemporary Aboriginal artists and their stories.
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Thinking of purchasing Australian art? We can arrange private gallery appointments, introductions and personalised guidance to help you discover artwork you'll treasure for years to come.
TESTIMONIALS
“What an absolutely fantastic art history walking tour of Melbourne. Thank you Jo for showing us buildings where the impressionist artists painted that are still standing. Anyone coming to Melbourne, please put this on your to do list. We loved it”
— Sonya and Brian, Warrnambool, VIC
“I can highly recommend the Lost Impressionist walking tour, especially if you have an interest in art or history, or both ! My guide Joanna (an artist in her own right) has a passion for her subject and in particular the Impressionists. I learned so much I didn't know about John Russell, the Lost Impressionist, and the pivotal impact he had upon the Australian Impressionist movement, and ultimately upon our national story. Definitely 3 hours well-spent ! Thank you Joanna for a wonderful experience. ”
— Nick, Sydney, USA
“We are from New York; we love art but know nothing about the fascinating and unique creative output of Aboriginal artists.
To remedy that, we asked Joanna McOwen to start us on our process of discovery. She curated an amazing afternoon for us, encompassing both galleries and time at museums. All along the way, she provided insight and commentary to help us to understand what we were seeing. Moreover, she is a respected professional who can interface with the best galleries to facilitate purchasing.
On our next trip, we hope to engage her for a longer, more immersive experience. In the meantime, we strongly recommend that others seeking to learn more about Aboriginal (and other) art engage JoAnna.”
— Michael & Angela, New York City, USA
“Thank you very much Jo. We loved our gift experience surprise. We still reminisce about the day with you. It was a big highlight in our year thus far. Thank you”
— Angela, Manly, QLD
“Thank you so much for our private tour with you today. We enjoyed it so much. It was just as we had anticipated based on your reviews and your website. Your knowledge, enthusiasm and warmth made our experience a lasting memory
— Linda and Les, Hobart, TAS