The team behind THE LUME inside the convention centre has decided not to renew its contract with MCEC.
When the current contract ends in January 2026, THE LUME will close.
“This decision, made in alignment with our parent company, Grande Experiences, reflects our ambition to explore new directions and technologies that build on our success here in Melbourne,” said a statement from THE LUME.
The gallery opened at the convention centre in late 2021, as the first gallery of its kind in Australia, offering a 3,000m2 digital exhibition stretching four storeys high. It is currently the largest digital art gallery in the world.
Exhibitions have typically focussed on individual artists and themes, including Vincent van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci and Australian First Nations artists.
The space is also used as an event venue for corporate and conference groups, with exclusive use possible outside of normal gallery hours.
“We are incredibly proud of what’s been achieved over the past three years,” said THE LUME’s statement.
“Looking forward, THE LUME is excited to embrace new technologies that deepen connections with our audiences and will transform the way visitors engage with art and culture. This evolution will guide us toward opportunities best suited to support these creative possibilities.
“In the meantime, we are open for business as usual and we are committed to making 2025 an extraordinary year at THE LUME Melbourne, beginning with the return of Van Gogh, by popular demand, on Boxing Day.”
The gallery could not confirm what exhibition would follow the reinstall of the van Gogh show.
Chief executive of MCEC, Natalie O’Brien AM, said the centre would continue to “work closely” with THE LUME until it closed in 2026.
“THE LUME has become a much loved and visited attraction over the past four years,” said O’Brien.
“We’ve proudly hosted THE LUME’s immersive experiences, showcasing some of the world’s most creative minds from Van Gogh, Monet, Da Vinci, as well as the largest representation of First Peoples art and culture ever assembled during Connection.”
