Explore Central Geelong Art Scene
Geelong’s vibrant art scene, which is known for its creativity and diversity of culture, is just one reason why this city is so exciting to visit. The city’s creative spirit has been boosted by the dynamic and ever-changing street art. While museums and galleries offer a diverse and rich cultural experience, the ever-changing and dynamic street arts have brought a whole new level of creativity. Central Geelong has a wide variety of art, from large-scale murals and augmented reality experiences to be as captivating as they are diverse.
Geelong will be buzzing this month as the Geelong Gallery opens the doors to the RONE In Geelong exhibit. We’re celebrating by taking a closer look at the amazing street art and immersive installations scattered around Central Geelong. Central Geelong has something to offer everyone, whether you are an art enthusiast, a curious traveller, or someone who is looking for new things to do.
If you haven’t heard already, RONE will be coming to the Geelong Gallery soon! This is a must-see for anyone who loves street art and appreciates beauty and decay. Put on your walking shoes, and prepare for a journey of artistic discovery through Geelong’s streets, laneways and galleries.
Central Geelong Art Scene
RONE Geelong: A Major Milestone in Artistic Expression
Unknown to the general public, RONE was born in Geelong. RONE’s wall paintings, immersive installations and themes that focus on beauty & decay have earned him an outstanding reputation over the last two decades. His work focuses on beauty’s fragility, often featuring beautiful portraits of women set against abandoned buildings and decaying spaces.
The RONE In Geelong exhibit marks an important milestone in the career of the artist. This exhibition at the Geelong Gallery is the first comprehensive survey RONE’s art, showing the evolution of the artist’s practice. This exhibition, which includes stencils and street art as well as photographs of his major installations offers an insight into the mind of RONE, one of Australia’s leading contemporary artists.
The site-specific installation by RONE at the Geelong Gallery has been hailed as a highlight. The installation will change the rooms of the gallery to reflect the architecture and the history of the building. It will also integrate RONE’s iconic design into the fabric. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to view some of RONE’s most famous works in person, but also to experience his art in a different context. It combines his street art and traditional gallery settings.
Geelong Street Art Scene: Discovering Geelong.
The Geelong Gallery should be a must-see for any art lover, but the street art in Central Geelong shouldn’t be missed. In the last few years, more than 15 amazing murals have been scattered across the city’s laneways and streets. The murals and installations are a showcase of both local and international talent. Artists have used a wide range of mediums to express themselves, including traditional spray paint, 3D, and augmented-reality art.
Grab your smartphone and your walking shoes and discover the amazing street art that brings creativity and colour to the heart of Geelong.
Here is a list of some of the most important murals to see in Central Geelong:
1. Botanical Beauty by Simon ‘Chippa’ Chiovitti
Location: Wright Place
This beautiful mural depicts a stunning and intricate portrayal of nature. The artist’s attention to detail and skill is evident in the lush greens and vibrant flowers. This piece is visually stunning and peaceful, brightening up any space.
2. Platform Arts Laneway Gallery Mural
Location: Platform Arts Laneway, just off Gheringhap Street
Platform Arts Laneway Gallery, a collaborative art project, brings together local artists to create dynamic street artworks right in the middle of the city. This space is constantly changing, with new murals to be discovered.
3. Very Hungry Caterpillar/Storybook Mural by Michael Cassar
Location: Civic Centre Car Park (via Gheringhap Street entrance)
This whimsical mural is inspired by the popular children’s book “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle. This colourful and playful mural is a great addition to the art scene in the city, ideal for family pictures.
4. Tina Mose’s Jungle City Mural
Location: Civic Centre Car Park (via Lt Malop Street entrance)
Tina Mose’s vivid and immersive Jungle City mural transports viewers to a lush tropical world. The vibrant colours stand out against the urban background, adding a touch of nature to the concrete jungle.
5. James Street
This stunning mural shows a strong female figure in front of a mountainous background. This mural pays homage to women’s strength and resilience, with a natural, earthy feel that blends beautifully with the surroundings.
6. Chrissy Amphlett mural and Augmented Reality experience by Ian Lowe
Location: McLarty Place
This stunning mural depicts the legendary Australian singer **Chrissy *Amphlett** of the *Divinyls*. It is both a tribute and an art piece in itself. The mural includes an augmented-reality experience developed by Pillowfort Creative & Codeacious. Download the **Geelong Arts & Culture app** to unlock AR and interact with this mural in a new way.
7. King Billy and Chrissy Amphlett, by Cam Scale & Glen Smith
Location: Dennys Place
This powerful piece depicts King Billy a prominent figure in Indigenous History, alongside a second tribute for Chrissy Amphlett. Its vibrant colours and strong symbolism make it one of Central Geelong’s most memorable murals.
8. Moi-Yo Mural by Michael Cassar
Location: Corner James Street and Minns Lane
Moi-Yo Miller, was a renowned Australian magician who captivated the audiences in the 1930s. This mural pays tribute to her beauty and talents and offers a historical and artful glimpse into the past.
9. Shorts Place
This mural was commissioned by the City of Greater Geelong, as part of their Public Art Project. This mural is an exploration of community and family life, using digital and traditional elements in a way that creates a dynamic visual experience.
10. 3D Butterfly Wall Mural By Scott Jansen
Shorts Place
Scott Jansen’s stunning 3D wall mural is a vibrant and playful tribute to nature. The butterfly appears to jump off the wall creating an interactive experience. Passers-by can “join” this butterfly in flight.
11. Danielle Webber’s Jay Z and Beyonce Mural
Location: 12-14 Union Street
This mural is a powerful celebration of modern culture. It features two of the world’s most influential musicians. Danielle Webber’s striking style brings this iconic couple to life in incredible detail.
12. Union Street
This colourful, geometric mural adds a modern and bold touch to the street. This is a great example of how urban spaces can be transformed into something extraordinary by street art.
13. Michael Cassar’s ‘Petit St. Jean
Location: Car park at the rear of Bistrot St. Jean (2339 Moorabool Street).
This piece explores French Culture and the tale of Petit St. Jean. Its unique colour palette, historical references and soft colours make this mural a captivating and unique work of art.
14. The Unknown Mariner, by Cam Scale
Location: Laneway Stairs at 65 Brougham Street
This atmospheric and mysterious mural shows a single figure with a nautical theme. It hints at the history and adventures of exploration. This captivating piece is enhanced by the use of light and shadow.
15. Geelong Globe (3D mural)
The Carousel is located at 1 Eastern Beach Road
This 3D mural, an interactive globe, is one of Central Geelong’s most striking pieces. It invites the viewer to be a part of the art. Standing in the right place, you can become part of Geelong’s landscape. This is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the area.
Make a Day of It In Central Geelong
Central Geelong is a great place to explore the art scene, whether you are visiting the Geelong Gallery for the RONE In Geelong exhibit or taking a self-guided tour. The vibrant art scene in Central Geelong will inspire you, entertain you, and even surprise you. From the impressive murals that cover its streets to the interactive and immersive installations, it is sure to be a delight.
Grab your phone and hit the streets to discover the artistic wonders in Central Geelong. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #LoveCentralGeelong on Instagram to share your art-filled adventures with others. You might find your favourite mural.
