Winter in Melbourne
Melbourne hosts exclusive shows and sports clashes this winter – book your long weekend now
State of Origin In 1994, when State of Origin was first played at the MCG, it pulled a crowd of more than 87,000 fans – a record number for a Rugby League match in Australia. Now Origin returns to its old Melbourne stomping ground – 21 years after its two coaches, Laurie Daley (NSW) and Mal Meninga (Queensland) captained their teams at the first ever MCG match. NSW currently holds the title after ending Queensland’s eight-year reign last year. MCG, Brunton Ave, Richmond 3002. www.nrl.com. $20.39-$132.54. Wed Jun 17.
David Bowie is Bowie: pop pioneer. Ziggy Stardust. Thin White Duke. Goblin king. Fashion icon. Whatever David Bowie is to you, the multimedia exhibition from the Victoria & Albert Museum in London celebrates 50 years of Bowie’s rock, pop, style and performance in a feast of razor-sharp cheekbones and androgynous charisma. There are costumes, lyric sheets, album art, rare photos and more in this show that’s exclusive to Melbourne. Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Federation Square, Melbourne 3000. www.acmi.net. au. $15-$25. Jul 16-Nov 1.
2015 International Champions Cup In 2013, Stephen M Ross and Relevant Sports cranked international soccer up a few notches with the birth of the Guinness International Champions Cup (ICC), turning the standard European club pre-season tour into a world-class tournament. In 2015, the round-robin tournament at Melbourne Cricket Ground will feature 2013 ICC champions Real Madrid and 2014 participants Manchester City and AS Roma. A Melbourne-only event. MCG, Brunton Ave, Richmond 3002. www.mcc.org.au. $60-$163. Jul 18, 7pm; Jul 21, 24, 7.45pm.
Masterpieces from the Hermitage: The Legacy of Catherine the Great Works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Velázquez and Van Dyck appear in this exhibition of more than 400 masterpieces, including some of the most impressive Dutch and Flemish art ever to land in Australia, on loan from the Hermitage in St Petersburg. The exhibition highlights Catherine the Great’s vision and passion for the arts, with art sourced and commissioned by Catherine during her 34-year reign. NGV International, 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne 3182. www.ngv.vic.gov. au. $10-$26. Jul 31-Nov 8.