Top 5 virtual arts experiences in Melbourne

The Melbourne arts community is finding new and innovative ways to make sure you can stay connected.

Take a virtual stroll through some of Melbourne's best art galleries and impressive museums. Stream a theatre show, or tune in online for a moving performance by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

Here are the top five virtual arts experiences in Melbourne, delivering your culture fix straight to your mobile phone, computer or device.

1. Take a virtual tour of the NGV

Both NGV Australia and NGV International are open to explore online, anytime. Stay up to date with NGV Channel. View the latest exhibitions and curate your own virtual tours. Access the digital collection, listen to artist and curator talks, read ebooks and up your own art game with a virtual sketching tutorial – the gallery's Drop-By Drawing series features tips and tricks from some of Victoria's best contemporary artists. Keep across what's new on the NGV website and social media channels.

2. Watch Arts Centre performances online

Get your culture fix with Arts Centre Melbourne. Check the Arts Centre website for music and performances, podcasts with creatives, exhibitions and playlists, and or tune in to the YouTube channel at your leisure. Learn more about the theatre crowd by going behind the scenes on a backstage virtual tour of MTC.

3. Stream the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

When concert halls and live-music venues first shut, the musicians of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra led the live-stream charge, continuing to perform behind closed doors. You can listen to and watch archived shows on MSO's YouTube channel. Visit MSO's website for more on how you can support the orchestra and keep the music going.

4. Host an online movie night with ACMI

Get your weekly cinema fix from ACMI Cinema 3. This virtual cinema experience allows you to rent exceptional contemporary and classic releases from ACMI's program. It's easy to keep up to date with the new stars in the film world and buff up on cult favourites. All you need is an internet connection and some microwave popcorn.

5. Explore Melbourne's biggest museums

Museums at Home allows you to take a virtual walk through the collections of the Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks and the Immigration Museum. Stroll (scroll) past prehistoric skeletons in the Dinosaur Walk exhibition, or learn about Australia's First Peoples in the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Check out what's on at Scienceworks, and explore Australian identity at the Immigration Museum, all from your computer desk or couch.