THE LUME: FAQs

What you need to know before visiting:

What are the opening hours of THE LUME?

THE LUME Melbourne is open seven days a week.

Standard Opening Hours are:

• Monday – Thursday: 10am – 9pm
• Friday: 10am – 10pm
• Saturday: 9am – 10pm​
• Sunday: 9am – 9pm

Last entry of the day has a maximum stay 1 hour. Opening and closing times may change with demand, please check times on the date you wish to attend. 

Where is THE LUME located within the MCEC?

THE LUME Melbourne is located within the Exhibition Centre near the DFO and Novotel hotel. The closest entry doors are located directly in front of the roundabout at 1 Convention Centre Place. THE LUME Melbourne entry is closest to Door 17.

Do I need a ticket?

Yes, ticket bookings are essential.

We strongly recommend you book tickets online in advance. Some sessions, particularly during school holidays, can be heavily booked. To ensure a comfortable and safe visit for all visitors, access to THE LUME is by timed entry. Book tickets here

What are the ticket prices? 

Ticket prices and session times vary according to time and date and peak periods such as school holidays. Additional transaction fees may apply

Best prices and best availability can be found in mid-week sessions and in non-school holiday periods.

Please refer to our website for the official schedule and prices for the date you wish to attend.

Ticket prices start at:

$39 for Adults

$36 concession (seniors, pensioners, and students)

$29 for youth ages 4-17*

FREE for children 3 years and under when accompanied by an Adult *

*Not available for every session. Please check the date and time you wish to attend.

Only buy tickets from THE LUME's authorised ticketing agent, Ticketmaster. Do not purchase tickets from third-party resellers such as Viagogo as you will not be provided guaranteed entry.

Are there concessions or group discounts offered? 

Currently, there is a transaction limit of 6 tickets per customer for THE LUME Melbourne. Please click here to join the Groups waitlist for THE LUME Melbourne.

Can I buy tickets at the venue?

There are self-service points of sale and a service counter at the venue, however advanced bookings are recommended as some sessions may sell out. 

When should I arrive?

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

How much time do I need to experience THE LUME?

Individual visit times will vary and there is no time limit to your stay. Most visitors can anticipate spending 60-90 minutes.

Are there Van Gogh paintings on display in the MCEC?

The experience is not an art exhibition in the traditional sense and there are no physical original works by Vincent van Gogh on display. It is an immersive multimedia art experience that combines high-definition projections of Van Gogh’s paintings with digital surround sound, projected at a scale of 11m high which offers visitors the ability to see the details of the artist’s work unlike ever before. More than 3,000 images 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 from different perspectives. You can sit on the floor or stand against the walls, always being mindful of other visitors in the venue.

Which scents are diffused during the experience?

Fragrances and scents are diffused within THE LUME, curated to complement and enhance your experience. The scents contain elements associated with Provence in southern France: Cypress from the trees that Van Gogh frequently painted mixed with Lemon/Cyrus which has a fresh, bright feeling associate with sunlight and summer.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes. There is no minimum age to visit the experience.

Accessibility at THE LUME - Can I access with a stroller or wheelchair?

Yes, the venue is suitable for strollers and is wheelchair accessible. Please click here for more information on Accessibility, or contact us here to purchase your accessible tickets, companion cards are accepted.  

THE LUME experience does not include smoke, haze, or strobe lights. While the projected animation within the experience is slow-moving, if you are sensitive to moving light please let our friendly staff know on arrival.

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.  

Please be advised that flash photography is not permitted inside THE LUME.

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

COVID-aware 

THE LUME follows government regulations in regard to physical distancing and provides a contact-free environment. The experience is designed to be a personal journey of exploration allowing visitors to self-distance. Their top priority is to ensure the safety of visitors and staff. 

Visitors will be required to register via QR code on arrival. Please refer to the MCEC website for additional conditions of entry. Masks are required when social distancing is not possible. If you have forgotten your mask a disposable mask will be available for purchase. 

Hand sanitising stations are available on-site and good hand hygiene practices are encouraged for all visitors. Frequent cleaning and deep cleaning are scheduled as standard and according to Government regulations.

For more information about venue safety, please click here. Thank you for your understanding and support in helping to keep everyone safe.

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

If you have cold or flu-like symptoms on the day you are due to attend your session then please do not attend the venue. Please contact us and we will happily exchange your tickets for a future session.

Can I exchange dates?

Please click here to view our exchange policy.

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

Yes, food and beverages will be available inside the venue at Terrace Café 1888. Bookings are not required. No outside food or beverage can be consumed inside the venue.

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 may be visually inspected at entry by THE LUME Staff and may be required to be cloaked at the MCEC cloakroom.

The following items are prohibited:

• Food & Beverage including Alcohol
• 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
• Professional cameras 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 venue

What else do I need to know about my visit?

Before your visit please read the following information:

• MCEC Terms and conditions of entry 
• Café menu & Gift shop
• Getting here
• Other MCEC facilities and information FAQs

What will the venue be doing to protect against COVID-19?

THE LUME is working alongside the MCEC and the health department to provide the highest standards for a safe, contact-free environment. Their top priority is to ensure the safety of visitors and staff. This includes:

• Timed entry with separate entry and exits to the venue space
• Limiting ticket capacity within each session time slot
• Creating a non-touch environment and providing sanitiser stations throughout the venue
• Additional cleaning of the venue in high-traffic areas

The experience is designed to be a personal journey of exploration allowing visitors to self-distance.  The friendly, trained staff will be guiding visitors throughout the venue ensuring COVID-aware steps are being followed.

For more information about venue safety please click here. Thank you for your understanding and support in helping to keep everyone safe.