Melbourne’s streets and heritage landmarks are illuminating the city’s springtime calendar – as part of a city-wide program of spectacular new lighting installations bringing
The stunning series of light projections are part of the City of Melbourne’s inaugural Light Up Melbourne program – a $2 million series of projects aimed at increasing visitation, boosting the city’s night-time economy and celebrating Melbourne.
This week the city’s beloved floral emblem has been emblazoned across Melbourne Town Hall, while AFL and NFL projections will soon fuel a wave of footy fever descending on the city.
Ahead of tonight’s Cats v Blues clash, the underside of Princes Bridge will shine in blue and white – celebrating a major facelift of the historic landmark being completed this week.
In partnership with Visit Victoria, projections on Melbourne Town Hall and Flinders Street Station will celebrate the NFL’s first regular season game in Australia.
The projections will help herald the beginning of the busiest six-month period of major sporting events in the country – with major events including the NFL, AFL finals, Spring Racing Carnival, Australian Open Golf, Boxing Day Test, Australian Open and F1 Grand Prix.
As well as marking major events, Light Up Melbourne will also see the installation of new public lighting across the CBD over the coming years.
Decorative lighting is set to be delivered across city laneways, including Hosier Lane, Hardware Lane, and Collins Street – while existing lighting will be upgraded across hospitality hotspots including Flinders Lane, Little Bourke Street and Healey Lane.
The 2026 Light Up Melbourne program started with the incredible success of the Now or Never Festival projections on city landmarks, and over the coming month will feature:
- Water Stories (31 August – 5 September & 12 –26 September)
In partnership with Arts Centre Melbourne and Creative Victoria, the facade of Hamer Hall is illuminated with the water animals of the Birrarung, representing the connection between people, animals, waterways and Country. Featuring First Peoples artworks by artists from the Torch in collaboration with Creative Culture and NOVAK. This artwork was originally commissioned for Lightscape 2025, presented by the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and Sony Australia. - Melbourne’s Floral Emblem: Swamp Everlasting (1–5, 14–17 & 20 September)
Projections on the facade of Melbourne Town Hall to mark the return of spring and Melbourne’s newly crowned official floral emblem. - NFL Prime Time Lights (6 –11 September)
In partnership with Visit Victoria, projections on the facades of Melbourne Town Hall and Flinders Street Station celebrating Melbourne hosting the first ever NFL regular season game in Australia. - AFL Finals Series (12–13, 18–19 & 25–26 September)
Projections on the facade of Melbourne Town Hall celebrating the AFL men’s finals.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Nick Reece
“We’re lighting up Melbourne – making Australia’s number one nightlife city even more vibrant, welcoming and safe after dark.”
“By lighting up our iconic landmarks, we’ll give people another reason to visit the city, stay longer and support our restaurants, bars and local businesses.”
Quotes attributable to Tourism and Events portfolio head Mark Scott
“We’re celebrating the people, experiences and creativity that make Melbourne unique.”
“From our popularly voted floral emblem – the Swamp Everlasting – spotted all over Town Hall to mark the return of spring, to icons of our city’s favourite sport splashed across the building for AFL finals fever.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Major Events Anthony Carbines
“Major events like the NFL are economic powerhouses – they fill our hotels, support our jobs and put Victoria on the world stage.”
“When viewers see Melbourne on their screens, they book flights and plan their next holiday here.”
“With the game to reach fans in more than 200 countries, this is an incredible opportunity to put Victoria in the global spotlight and illustrate why we are a world-leading major events and tourism destination.”
