FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL INFORMATION

What are the opening hours of THE LUME Melbourne?

THE LUME Melbourne is open seven days a week. Opening and closing times are subject to change. Please check times on the date you wish to attend.

Our Standard Entry Times are:
Mon: 10am - 6.30pm (last entry 5pm)
Tue: 10am - 6.30pm (last entry 5pm)
Wed: 10am - 6.30pm (last entry 5pm)
Thu: 10am - 9.30pm (last entry 8pm)
Fri: 10am - 9.30pm (last entry 8pm)
Sat: 10am - 9.30pm (last entry 8pm)
Sun: 10am - 6.30pm (last entry 5pm)

The main experience will run for approximately 1.5 hours after the last entry time.

Where is THE LUME Melbourne located within the MCEC?

THE LUME Melbourne is located at Melbourne Exhibition Centre, 5 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf. It is next to the Novotel Hotel and across the road from DFO South Wharf. The closest entry doors are located next to the Novotel Hotel/DFO parking complex. Once inside the building, you will find THE LUME Melbourne located directly inside to the right. Please follow all directional signage or reach out to one of the friendly visitor experience team members for further guidance.
For more information on getting to THE LUME Melbourne click here.

I have a question about accessibility at THE LUME Melbourne.

THE LUME Melbourne is suitable for strollers and is wheelchair accessible. Please click here for more information on accessibility at the MCEC.

We provide regular Low Sensory Sessions of Connection. Upcoming sessions are on Tuesday October 31 from 4pm onwards, and Monday 27 November from 4pm onwards. During these sessions audio levels of the experience will be lowered.

Prepare for a visit to THE LUME Melbourne by downloading and reading our free Social Story document here.

To purchase your accessible tickets to Connection (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). Seeking a more intimate experience? THE LUME Melbourne tends to be less busy from 3pm onwards.

For information regarding your arrival visit our Plan Your Visit Page.
For specific accessible requests please contact us via our online form.

What special effects are used at THE LUME Melbourne?

THE LUME Melbourne experience does not include smoke, haze or strobe lights. While the projected images and animations within the experience are slow-moving, if you are sensitive to moving light or have been diagnosed with photosensitive epilepsy, please be advised that some moving light may trigger motion sickness, vertigo or seizures in some people. If you are feeling unwell please let our friendly staff know.

Please note that the following scents are included in the Connection experience: Cade Oil, Birch Tar, Cedarwood, Leather, Guaiac Wood, Orange Zest, Pineapple, White Fir, Douglas Fir Needles, Pimento, Evergreen, Balsam Fir and Fresh Cut Tree. This selection of scents is intended to create an atmosphere of open air and nature in homage to Australia's native flora. Ingredient availability has limited the ability to include native flora scents within the experience.

Can I use cash at the box office, CAFE or merchandise area?

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.

Can I bring in bags? What items are prohibited?

We encourage visitors to leave bags at home and to avoid bringing any large items. Bags larger than a handbag (equivalent to A4 paper size 30cm x 20cm) and backpacks of all sizes are not permitted in the gallery, but can be cloaked at the MCEC cloakroom.

The following items are prohibited:
• Food & Beverage including Alcohol
• Glass, cans or open drink containers containing non-alcoholic and/or alcoholic drinks
• Illegal substances including controlled, dangerous or illicit drugs
• Flammable devices (flares, fireworks and smoke bombs)
• Anything that could be used as a weapon such as sharp items including knives
• Suspicious items or items which may look like a weapon
• Animals (other than registered assistance animals)
• Bicycles, scooters, skateboards and rollerblades / skates
• Unauthorised advertising material or flyers
• Textas, felt pens, marker pens, paint, aerosol canisters or similar items
• Banners, posters, flags or signs
• Professional cameras, tripods or recording devices
• Laser pointers
• Offensive signage or clothing
• Drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
• Any other item that may cause harm or public nuisance or could interfere with others in the gallery

Are food and drinks available inside the venue? Am I allowed to bring my own?

Food and beverages are available inside the venue at the café. Small bites, light meals, share plates, child-friendly options and desserts feature, alongside a comprehensive selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
No outside food or beverage can be consumed inside the venue.
Please note that THE LUME Melbourne accepts cashless payments only.

What else do I need to know about my visit?

Before your visit please read the following information:
●    THE LUME Melbourne conditions of entry
●    MCEC conditions of entry
●    MCEC venue facilities and information

How long is the Connection experience running?

Tickets for Connection are currently on sale up to February 4, 2024.
To buy tickets click here or call THE LUME Melbourne on (03) 8638 0609.

IS VAN GOGH ALIVE OR Monet & Friends STILL running?

Van Gogh Alive ended its run at THE LUME Melbourne on October 9, 2022; Monet & Friends ended its run at THE LUME Melbourne on June 4, 2023. To be first to hear about our new experiences and receive special offers click here to join our mailing list.

MY VISIT

When should I arrive?

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the time displayed on your entry ticket. Due to the popularity of the experience, we may not be able to accommodate you if you arrive outside your ticketed time.

Are there physical paintings on display in the venue?

Yes! Visitors to Connection can admire, learn about and even purchase from a collection of dozens of original, physical artworks by First Nations painters and photographers, which complement the digital Connection experience and further showcase the breathtaking visuality of First Peoples’ art.

Connection is an immersive multimedia art experience that combines high-definition projections of the First Nations artists’ paintings and photography with digital surround sound (including a soundtrack of First Nations musicians) and a collection of original, physical artworks. The high-definition digitised artworks projected at a scale of 11m high which offers visitors the ability to see the details of the artists’ works unlike ever before. More than 550 artworks transform every wall and floor surface.

What is the best way to see the experience?

We encourage you to move around freely to view THE LUME Melbourne from different perspectives and visit all areas of interest. There is some seating available, and you can sit on the floor or stand against the walls, always being mindful of other visitors in the venue.

IS A FREE ART TOUR AVAILABLE?

Free 15-minute art talks are available daily. Led by a guide and subject matter expert, the tour includes an introduction to the history and techniques of First Nations art and expert commentary on works within the Gallery of Original Art. More info here.

Can I take photos and videos?

Yes, you are more than welcome to take photos and videos inside the experience. Please be considerate of other visitors when taking photos. If you post them on social media, use the hashtag #thelumemelbourne so more people can see the experience through your eyes. Please be advised that flash photography is not permitted inside THE LUME Melbourne.

Commercial photography or video is not permitted at THE LUME Melbourne without prior written permission. If you are planning to film in or around the venue, please contact us.

I have a question about the Best Seat in the House.

If you'd like to upgrade your existing ticket, please click here to complete a ticket exchange request or call THE LUME Melbourne on (03) 8638 0609. Service Hours: 7 days, mirroring opening hours (ending 1 hour before gallery closing).

If you would like to book for 1 person, you can upgrade your general entry ticket in person at our box office or at the café (subject to availability). For any questions please contact us via our online form.

Seating is based on a first come, first served. Your table is reserved for 1 hour from your session time. We recommend you give yourself enough time to get to your reserved table. Unfortunately, we are unable to extend your booking longer than 1 hour as we need to make room for the next visitors. If you’d like to stay longer you are welcome to move to the café tables in the area behind (subject to availability).

Based on the seating plan for the Best Seat in the House reserved area we are unable to accommodate high chairs or prams. Please contact us via our online form if you have specific enquiries and we will do our best to accommodate you.

I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT FEAST FOR THE SENSES.

As part of the Feast for the Senses experience, diners will select an entrée, main meal and dessert from a set 3 course menu . The set menu can be supplemented with items for a Snack Bar menu at additional cost.

Visitors will be able to communicate any dietary requirements and make selections from the set menu and Snack Bar menu on the evening. Please note that drinks are sold separately and are not included in the ticket price.

Tables are reserved for 1.5 hours from your sitting time. All dining tickets include entry to THE LUME Melbourne to experience Connection throughout the space. You are welcome to arrive prior to your dinner seating or stay and wander the gallery floor at your leisure afterwards, noting THE LUME Melbourne’s standard closing time of 9:30pm on Saturdays. Diners will be able to select front row tables at the restaurant based on their availability.

Feast for the Senses is available for groups of two or four people. If you would like to book for six or more people, please contact us via our online form.

The Feast for the Senses experience is purchasable as a separate, non-Concession ticket because it includes a specially-crafted, three-course menu in addition to entrance to Connection. Visitors who are eligible for Concession tickets are welcome to purchase general Concession entry tickets to Connection and visit our restaurant, purchasing items from our standard à la carte menu prior to 6pm on Saturdays, or the Snack Bar menu from 6pm onwards on Saturdays.

Based on the seating plan for the Front Row of THE LUME Melbourne’s restaurant we are unable to accommodate high chairs or prams in this specific area. Please contact us via our online form if you have specific enquiries and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes. There is no minimum age to visit the experience and child-friendly dishes are available at the café. All children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible person. Baby change facilities are available inside the venue. A dedicated parents room is located near the MCEC Customer Service Desk.

tICKETING

Do I need a ticket?

We strongly recommend you book tickets or purchase a membership online in advance. Some times, particularly during school holidays, can be heavily booked. There is also a box office on site at THE LUME Melbourne, but same day ticket availability cannot be guaranteed. To ensure a comfortable and safe visit for all visitors, access to THE LUME Melbourne is by timed entry (except for members, who can visit the Feature experience at any time during opening hours).

All patrons require a ticket for fire and security access control. This includes children 0-4 years old. Free tickets for children 0-4 years old can be purchased online for most entry times.

To buy tickets for all events click here or call THE LUME Melbourne on (03) 8638 0609

What are the CONNECTION ticket AND MEMBERSHIP options & prices?


To enjoy the best value we recommend purchasing an Unlimited Entry Membership to visit Connection, which costs just $1 more than a Single Entry Ticket to Connection and allows you to return as often as you like. Standard Single Entry Ticket prices are:

$49: Adult
$44: Concession
$39: Student
$34: Child (5-12 years)
$0: Infant (0-4 years)
$136: Family (includes 2 Adults and up to 3 Children)
$39: Groups (min. 6 people)
$147: Annual Access
$69: Best Seat in the House

Ticket prices and entry times vary according to the time and date booked. Prices may vary between certain days of the week, and on Public Holidays. Children aged 4 and under are free and can be added to your booking. Additional transaction fees may apply.

To buy tickets click here.

It is important that you only buy tickets from our authorised ticketing agents: ROLLER, Ticketmaster or Red Balloon. Do not purchase tickets from third-party resellers such as Viagogo as we are unable to verify the legitimacy of such tickets, and entry may be denied.

If you have a question about Connection ticket and membership options and prices, please call our friendly box office staff on (03) 8638 0609.

I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THE UNLIMITED ENTRY MEMBERSHIP.


Secure an Unlimited Entry Membership to Connection, valid throughout its showing at THE LUME Melbourne. Having purchased your membership, you can redeem it and return to the breathtaking cultural experience as often as you like. Unlimited Entry Membership can be redeemed online or directly at the venue. It is redeemable for one person, on the primary Connection experience. When Unlimited Entry is redeemed on a Premium Experience (e.g. Best Seat in the House, Feast for the Senses, Early Access Guided Tours) the price of a Single Entry Ticket will be deducted from the price of that Premium Experience. Valid from date of purchase.

If you have already visited Connection, the next time you would like to visit the experience you can simply show a member of our friendly box office team the booking confirmation email from your previous visit and they will upgrade you to an Unlimited Entry Membership by deducting the amount paid for your previous visit.

If you have already bought a future ticket to Connection, you can upgrade at the venue on the day of your visit. Simply show a member of our friendly box office team your booking confirmation email and they will upgrade you to an Unlimited Entry Membership by deducting the amount paid for your single entry ticket. Alternatively, please give us a call on 03 8638 0609 and we can upgrade your ticket over the phone.

Please note that Annual Access membership exists separately to the Connection Unlimited Entry membership. Annual Access membership is valid for unlimited access to all feature experiences within a 12 month time-frame. Annual Access holders also receive an Official Program per experience (worth $25 each).

Special events and premium tickets are available to purchase using an Unlimited Entry membership. The price of the single entry ticket will be deducted from the total cost. Please give us a call with your Unlimited Entry Membership number on 03 8638 0609 and we can book your ticket over the phone or in person at the box office.

If you have a question about Connection ticket and membership options and prices, or would like to upgrade your existing ticket to a membership, please call our friendly box office staff on (03) 8638 0609.

I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT ANNUAL ACCESS.

Annual Access entitles one person to unlimited visits to THE LUME Melbourne's primary Feature experiences (e.g. Connection) over a year-long period, plus a complimentary program per experience.

To redeem Annual Access at the venue after your initial Annual Access purchase, simply present your Annual Access QR code at the entry doors at the time of your visit.

To redeem Annual Access online after your initial Annual Access purchase, visit the online checkout and simply enter your Annual Access number when prompted in the membership area at payment. Note: Do not include the # when entering your Annual Access number.

Each Annual Access membership is redeemable for one person, on primary experiences. When Annual Access is redeemed on a Premium Experience (e.g. Best Seat in the House, Feast for the Senses, Early Access Guided Tours) the price of a Single Entry Ticket will be deducted from the price of that Premium Experience. A $3.95 transaction fee applies to all online purchases.

Are school or group discount tickets available?


Connection: Discounted group tickets are available for groups of 6 or more. Click here to book online for your Group. To enquire about booking a school excursion please complete the online form here.

Can I buy a Gift Card for THE LUME Melbourne?

Yes, you can purchase a gift card for THE LUME Melbourne here. Delivered to the recipient's email address instantly or at a time of your choosing, a convenient digital gift card for THE LUME Melbourne will help your loved one access a truly memorable experience. Gift cards are redeemable to purchase tickets to any of THE LUME Melbourne's experiences - ranging from breathtaking digital art to energising wellness classes - as well as in the Retail Store. Gift cards are not redeemable at THE LUME Melbourne's café.

Please note that a $3.95 transaction fee applies to online gift card purchases.

Can I buy a Ticketmaster Gift Card for THE LUME Melbourne?

Ticketmaster gift cards are no longer available to purchase for THE LUME Melbourne. If you have an existing Ticketmaster gift card, it can still be used to buy any tickets to THE LUME Melbourne that are available to purchase through Ticketmaster (noting this is a limited range and not reflective of the full suite of experiences available to book through THE LUME Melbourne website).

Where do I buy a ticket?

Tickets for Connection and all other events at THE LUME Melbourne are available through the LUME Melbourne website, Ticketmaster Australia and Red Balloon, which are our ONLY authorised ticket sellers. Please be aware that THE LUME Melbourne has no obligation to honour tickets purchased via unauthorised resellers, such as Viagogo, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Gumtree. These may be invalid tickets and you may be refused entry.

There is a box office at the venue, however advanced bookings are recommended as some times may sell out.

What if I am sick on the day of my visit?

Want to exchange your tickets for a booking made through Ticketmaster? Please click here to complete a ticket exchange request. For all other ticketing enquiries, please log into your Ticketmaster account, click ‘My Tickets’, find your tickets for THE LUME Melbourne and select ‘Need Help with this Order’. If you have already logged a help enquiry with Ticketmaster, don’t worry - they will respond to and resolve your enquiry even if your original session date has passed. Help us by not logging multiple help enquiries, Ticketmaster’s customer service teams are working to respond to your query as soon as possible. Need help lodging a help enquiry? Click here.

Want to exchange your tickets for a booking made through our website?  If you need to make a change to your booking, please enquire via our ticket exchange enquiries form; We may offer exchanges up to one hour before your attendance date (excluding Yoga and Pilates, for which exchange request must be submitted 12 hours prior to the class, and Feast for the Senses, for which exchange requests must be submitted 48 hours prior to the sitting). Standard T&Cs apply

I have a problem with my tickets, how do I get help?

For all tickets purchased through Ticketmaster please log into your Ticketmaster account, click ‘My Tickets’, find your tickets for THE LUME Melbourne and select “Need Help with this Order”.  Ticketmaster will then help you with your enquiry. Need help lodging a help enquiry? Click here.

For all tickets purchased on our website, please contact us via our online form.

THE CONNECTION EXPERIENCE

I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THE MAKING OF CONNECTION.

Created for THE LUME Melbourne, Connection was developed by Grande Experiences alongside Adam Knight and a panel of leading Indigenous cultural advisors including Professor Margo Neale, Rhoda Roberts AO, and Professor Wayne Quilliam. It has been produced with the support of both State and Federal Governments and the National Museum of Australia. Connection features First Nations artists from regions across Australia.

THE LUME Melbourne worked very closely with the National Museum of Australia over the course of 12 month to deliver Connection. The National Museum of Australia’s exhibitions, collections, programs and research focus on three interrelated themes: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture, Australia’s history and society, and the interaction of people with the environment.

An expert panel of First Nations curators, cultural advisors and artists have been closely consulted throughout the creation of Connection. As part of the creation of Connection, artists’ works were animated. Each animation or enhancement has been carefully screened and signed off by the panel.

I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THE CONSENT AND REMUNERATION OF ARTISTS FEATURED IN CONNECTION.

Each artist has licensed one or more of their works to be featured in the experience. When seeking to incorporate the art of deceased artists, we have  licensed these paintings from the artists’ respective representatives who have since assumed responsibility for their work.

Each and every artist and musician featured in the experience earns a royalty fee for their participation which goes towards supporting them and their families. Additionally, artists and musicians directly benefit from the sale of original art and merchandise within the experience (including the Fine Art Gallery and Merchandise Store).

DOES THE LUME MELBOURNE EMPLOY ANY FIRST NATIONS AUSTRALIANS?

There are several First Nations staff members in our Visitor Experience team. We are committed to practical action to reduce unemployment for First Peoples and build strong relationships that enhance respect between First Peoples and other Australians. We recognise that we all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.

The build team who worked on the de-installation of Monet & Friends from and the installation of Connection into THE LUME Melbourne is Wamarra. Wamarra is a self-performing contractor, providing meaningful careers to Aboriginal people through long term and sustainable employment.

HOW DOES THE LUME MELBOURNE ENGAGE WITH FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES?

THE LUME Melbourne is a member of the Aboriginal Arts Association of Australia. The Aboriginal Art Association of Australia (AAAA) serves and represents artists, individuals and organisations that produce, promote, protect, or support Indigenous art and the cultures that create and nurture that art.

.THE LUME Melbourne is proud to be donating a portion of revenue generated from sales of the Connection official program to the Worawa Aboriginal College and the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

COVID-Safe Plan

What are we doing to deliver a COVID-Safe experience?

THE LUME Melbourne works alongside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and the Victorian Government Department of Health to provide the highest standards for a safe, contact-free environment.The experience is designed to be a personal journey of exploration allowing visitors to self-distance. Our friendly, trained staff are positioned throughout the venue ensuring our COVID Safe Plan is being followed.Our top priority is to ensure the safety of our visitors and staff.

This includes:
• Timed and staggered entry with separate entry and exits to the gallery
• Limited ticket capacity within each session time slot to allow for physical distancing
• Creating a non-touch environment and providing sanitiser stations throughout the venue
• Additional cleaning of the venue in high-traffic areas
• Online tickets to limit handling and minimising box office queues
• Flexible ticketing to make exchanges available to anyone who is unwell. Please click here to complete a ticket exchange request or call THE LUME Melbourne on (03) 8638 0609.
• Providing up-to-date information about your event via email 48 hours beforehand
• A Cash-Free venue
For more information about venue safety at MCEC please click here. Thank you for your understanding and support in helping to keep everyone safe. Thank you for your understanding and support in helping to keep everyone safe. If you have further questions, please contact us via our online form.

Back to top

TICKETS

On Thursday, Nov 30, THE LUME will close early. Last entry: 12.30pm.
FREE 15 min Art Talks. More info
Unlimited Connection Entry is just $1 more than a Single Entry! Buy now.
Enjoy a three-course Feast For The Senses dinner for two. Reserve table.
"This was one of the most beautiful art experiences of my life." Book Connection tickets.