FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL INFORMATION

What are the opening hours of THE LUME Melbourne?

Our standard opening hours are:

Mon: 10am - 5:30pm (last entry 4.00pm)
Tues:
10am - 5:30pm (last entry 4.00pm)
Wed:
10am - 5:30pm (last entry 4.00pm)
Thu:
10am - 5.30pm (last entry 4.00pm)
Fri: 10am - 9.30pm (last entry 8.00pm)
Sat:
10am - 9.30pm (last entry 8.00pm)
Sun: 10am - 5.30pm (last entry 4.00pm)

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 all-day tickets mean no more sticking to a schedule. Just book your tickets and arrive anytime during opening hours that suits you. The feature experience will run for approximately 90 minutes 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.

To purchase your accessible tickets to one of our feature experiences (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 90 minutes before the gallery’s closing time each day).

For information regarding your arrival visit our Plan Your Visit Page.
For specific accessible requests please email us at enquiries.melbourne@thelume.com.  

Audio descriptions are available via a QR code on your own device throughout the experience. If you wish to listen, please bring a pair of headphones on the day of your visit.

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.

WHAT SCENT IS USED IN THE VENUE?

The following scents are included in the VAN GOGH experience: Nutmeg, Cardamom, Cypress, Vetiver, Lemon, Cedarwood, Wood Accord, Sandalwood, Amber and Musk.ScentAir, the company we have engaged to curate the aromas for the experience, only use synthetic oils derived from natural ingredients. All of ScentAir’s oils are tested to the highest available standards and they are the only scent company in the world to be a member of IFRA.

Can I use cash at the box office, CAFE or retail store?

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 more than one bag. Additional bags or items 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 including, 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/ticketing terms & conditions
●    MCEC conditions of entry
●    MCEC venue facilities and information

WHEN IS THE VAN GOGH EXPERIENCE OPENING TO THE PUBLIC?

Tickets for VAN GOGH are on sale now, the experience will open on Boxing Day (December 26) 2024.
To buy tickets click here or call THE LUME Melbourne on (03) 8638 0609.

IS CONNECTION, MONET & FRIENDS OR leonardo da vinci STILL running?

Connection ended its showing at THE LUME Melbourne on February 4, 2024.
Monet & Friends
ended its showing at THE LUME Melbourne on June 4, 2023.
Leonardo da Vinci ended its showing at THE LUME Melbourne on December 8, 2024.
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?

Our all-day tickets mean no more sticking to a schedule. Just book your tickets and arrive anytime during opening hours that suits you. The feature experience will run for approximately 90 minutes after the last entry time. Opening and closing times are subject to change. Please check times on the date you wish to attend.

Are there physical paintings or artefacts on display in the venue?

No, the representations of Vincent Van Gogh paintings are displayed in immersive and expansive scale, largr than life and in incredible detail.

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 (including ottomans and bean bags), you can head upstairs to the mezzanine platform, watch the experience from the cafe, and you can sit on the floor or stand against the walls, always being mindful of other visitors in the venue.

IS A FREE GUIDED TOUR AVAILABLE?

There are currently no free talks or tours available for VAN GOGH.

Audio descriptions are available via a QR code on your own device throughout the experience. If you wish to listen, please bring a pair of headphones on the day of your visit.

Can I take photos and videos?

Yes, you are more than welcome to take photos and videos inside the experience without flash. Please be considerate of other visitors when taking photos. If you post them on social media, tag us using @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.

Best Seat in the House can be booked as an Add-On when you select a General Admission ticket.

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 may not be able 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 complete our online form if you have specific enquiries and we will do our best to accommodate you.

I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT FINDING VINCENT VR

Finding Vincent is a shared virtual reality experience located inside the gallery.

This is an add-on and can be purchased with a General Admission ticket at the time of your transaction, or within the gallery during your visit. By purchasing this ticket you acknowledge that to participate in the Finding Vincent VR experience you must adhere to the following requirements:

●    Stay within virtual boundaries (walls, columns, barriers).
●    No running, jumping, or pushing.
●    If you feel dizzy, disoriented, or experience discomfort, remove your headset and seek assistance from staff.
●    Not suitable for individuals with epilepsy (due to strobe lights and loud noises).
●    Not suitable for children under 8, and children under 12 must hold an adult's hand at all times.
●    Those under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be permitted.
●    Keep your belongings with you at all times.
●    Switch your mobile phone to aeroplane mode.
●    All participants accept these guidelines at their own risk. 

Is THE LUME MELBOURNE SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN?

There is no minimum age to visit Leonardo da Vinci - 500 Years of Genius 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.

Please note guests must be 12 years or older to attend our wellness classes.

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.

Our all-day tickets mean no more sticking to a schedule. Just book your tickets and arrive anytime during opening hours that suits you. We recommend allowing 90 minutes. Our opening hours are subject to change at any time. Please ensure you check before your visit. You can find our current opening hours here.

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

What are the VAN GOGH ticket AND MEMBERSHIP options & prices?

Entry Ticket prices for VAN GOGH are:
$129.90:
Family (includes 2 Adults and up to 3 Children)
$49.90:
Adult
$39.90: Concession
$29.90: Child/Student
$0: Infant (0-4 years)

Ticket prices and entry times vary according to the time and date booked. Prices are subject to change; they 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. Please note that early bird prices have now ended. Additional transaction fees may apply.

To buy tickets click here.

It is important that you only buy tickets from our authorised ticketing agents: ROLLER, Red Balloon, Experience Oz, Klook, Viator (TripAdvisor) and Tiqets. Do not purchase tickets from other 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 Leonardo da Vinci ticket and membership options and prices, please call our friendly box office staff on (03) 8638 0609.

I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THE DUAL ENTRY TICKET.

The Dual Entry Ticket is no longer available for purchase; it was sold until the end of the Leonardo da Vinci experience on December 8, 2024. This ticket is valid for one person one visit to each of THE LUME Melbourne's feature experiences, Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius presented by Webuild and VAN GOGH, during their respective showings at THE LUME Melbourne for $79.90 - an exclusive joint price. 

Dual Entry Tickets can be redeemed directly at the venue or online. Each ticket is redeemable for one person. Please note that ID will be checked on entry.

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

To buy tickets click here.

I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT Membership

We are no longer selling memberships to THE LUME Melbourne. However, current memberships will still be honoured.

A membership to THE LUME Melbourne entitles one person to unlimited visits across a year-long period from the date of purchase, a complimentary program per experience, plus always-on discounts in our themed cafe, and tickets for friends!

Memberships can be redeemed online or directly at the venue. It is redeemable for one person, on primary experiences. Valid from date of purchase.

Please note that the annual membership is a recurring membership charged monthly. It can be cancelled at the purchaser's discretion after the minimum term of 12 months. Please be mindful that at times THE LUME Melbourne is closed to the public for events. If you would like to check that we are open before arriving, please call our friendly box office staff on (03) 8638 0609.

Are school or group discount tickets available?

To enquire about booking a school excursion please complete the online form here.

To enquire about a large group booking, email groups.melbourne@thelume.com

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 be used to buy tickets to other events and experiences available on the Ticketmaster website.

Where do I buy a ticket?

Tickets for all events at THE LUME Melbourne are available through the LUME Melbourne website. Tickets for our feature experiences may also be available via authorised third parties: ROLLER, Red Balloon, Experience Oz, Luxury Escapes, Klook, Viator (TripAdvisor) and Tiqets. These 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.

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

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 Wellness Classes, for which exchange request must be submitted 12 hours prior to the class. Standard T&Cs apply

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

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

For all tickets purchased through authorised third parties (Red Balloon, Experience Oz, Luxury Escapes, Klook, Viator (TripAdvisor) and Trip.com) please contact the third party directly.

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