About 125 Smith St
125 Smith Street is a multi-purpose arts venue located in the heart of Fitzroy, Melbourne’s famously eclectic inner-city neighbourhood. Housed on the upper floors of a 19th-century building, this space serves primarily as a community art gallery and event hub. With a standing capacity of roughly 100 people, it offers an intimate setting where emerging artists and creative performers can connect with local audiences. The venue’s heritage architecture – think high ceilings, wooden floorboards and large sash windows – gives it a distinctive character that blends vintage charm with an industrial, creative edge.
Originally part of Fitzroy’s historic streetscape, the building has long been intertwined with the suburb’s artistic and social history. Today, 125 Smith Street stands out as a grassroots cultural hotspot amid the bustling Smith Street strip (recently crowned the “coolest street in the world”). It embodies the area’s independent spirit, providing a welcoming space for art exhibitions, workshops, pop-up performances and community gatherings. From its early days as a commercial building to its current role nurturing local arts, this venue has become an integral part of the Fitzroy scene – a place where art, history and community converge.
Events and Programming
125 Smith Street hosts a dynamic mix of creative events, with a focus on visual arts exhibitions and community-driven showcases. Since its recent inception as an arts venue, the gallery has rotated through a steady schedule of exhibitions – often running one to two weeks each – highlighting emerging painters, photographers, sculptors and multimedia artists from the local area. A hallmark event was the “Fitzroy Fifty-Five” group exhibition in 2024, which brought together over 80 local artists in a vibrant celebration of Fitzroy’s creative pulse. Opening nights are a big draw here: exhibition launches typically feature the artists in attendance, informal speeches, and a laid-back party atmosphere that often spills out into the laneway.
In addition to art shows, 125 Smith St occasionally hosts small-scale performances and cultural events. Visitors might find pop-up live music sets, spoken word evenings or independent theatre showings taking place in the versatile open-plan space. The venue is open to collaborations with various festivals and community groups – for instance, participating in local art walks or even serving as a Fringe Festival site for experimental performances. This flexible programming means there’s always something different on: one week you might catch a student photography showcase or a zine fair, while another week could feature a contemporary dance workshop or an artist Q&A session. Whatever the event, the emphasis is on accessibility, creativity and grassroots talent – often with free entry or very affordable tickets to encourage community participation.
Tickets and Booking
Most events at 125 Smith Street are easily accessible without complicated ticketing. Regular art exhibitions typically have free entry – you can simply walk in during the advertised opening hours or show up on opening night. For special events like workshops or the occasional ticketed performance, check the specific event information. Often, tickets (if required) are sold online through the event organiser or at the door on the day. Because the venue is intimate, it’s wise to reserve or arrive early for any popular events to secure your spot. There isn’t a permanent box office on site, so all bookings are handled either digitally in advance or by staff at event time. Keep an eye on the venue’s social media or flyers for announcements on when tickets go on sale for limited-capacity shows – popular happenings can fill up fast.
Seating and Layout
The venue’s layout is a single, open-plan gallery floor, so there are no fixed seats or traditional stage. For art exhibitions, visitors are free to wander through the space and view works from all angles – it's an intimate, loft-style room without barriers. During events like talks or performances, the organisers typically arrange flexible seating such as folding chairs or stools. Capacity is limited, meaning even the back of the room is just a few metres from the front, so there’s really no bad spot to stand or sit. If you prefer a wall to lean on or a spot near the action, you can usually find a comfortable place once inside. Overall, expect a casual, adaptable layout rather than formal rows of seating – the setup can be reconfigured as needed to suit each event’s needs.
Getting There and Parking
125 Smith Street sits in a busy inner-city area, and visitors have plenty of transport options. The easiest way to reach the venue is by public transport: the Route 86 tram runs along Smith Street and stops about 100 metres away at the Gertrude Street intersection. From Melbourne’s CBD, you can hop on the 86 tram (heading north from the city) and be in Fitzroy in around 10–15 minutes. If you’re coming by train, the closest stations are Parliament (City Loop) or Collingwood on the Mernda/Hurstbridge lines – both about a 15–20 minute walk or a quick bus/tram ride from the venue. Cyclists will find bike lanes on many surrounding streets and several bike racks along Smith Street for secure bicycle parking.
Driving is possible but not always convenient, given Fitzroy’s narrow streets and limited parking. Street parking on Smith Street itself is scarce and often metered (with clearway tow-away times during peak hours). You might have better luck on side streets like Gertrude or Brunswick Street, which have a mix of 1-2 hour spots and resident-only zones – always check the signs carefully. There is a small underground car park at a nearby supermarket complex a couple of blocks north, but time limits and fees apply, and it can fill up. On busy nights and weekends, it’s wise to leave the car at home. Many visitors opt for rideshare services or taxis; drivers can pull over near the corner of Gertrude and Smith, or on a quieter side street like Little Smith Street, for easy drop-off and pick-up. Thanks to the central location, public transport or a quick rideshare is often the stress-free way to go.
Inside the Venue
Upon arrival, you’ll enter 125 Smith Street via a side door on Little Smith Street and climb a stairway to the gallery level. Inside, the venue feels like a bright artist’s loft – white walls, polished timber floors and minimal décor – maintaining a clean backdrop for events. Don’t expect elaborate theatre infrastructure; this is a simple, flexible space outfitted with gallery spotlights and basic sound equipment when needed. There’s no permanent stage or advanced AV system, but for talks or live music the organisers bring in portable speakers, microphones or projectors as required.
The atmosphere is informal and welcoming. On a typical gallery day, soft background music might be playing and natural light pours in from the front windows. Opening events tend to be lively: you may find a makeshift bar table offering wine, beer or soft drinks (often complimentary or by donation) and some snacks for guests to enjoy while mingling. A small unisex restroom is available for visitors (one person at a time). There’s no dedicated cloakroom, but given the intimate setting, most people simply keep their coats and bags with them or drape them over a chair. Mobile phone reception is solid inside, though no public Wi-Fi is provided – you likely won’t miss it, as the focus is on face-to-face interaction and enjoying the art. All in all, the vibe inside 125 Smith St is relaxed and communal, making you feel at home whether you’re browsing an exhibition or attending a workshop.
Nearby Amenities
Fitzroy is one of Melbourne’s best neighbourhoods for food, drink and entertainment, so you won’t have to go far to find something before or after your visit. If you want a meal or a drink nearby, you have a wealth of options. The historic Grace Darling Hotel (just a few doors down) is a popular choice for a pre-show pub dinner or post-event pint, offering classic comfort food in a heritage setting. On Gertrude Street (right at the corner by the tram stop), you’ll find trendy wine bars, cafes and eateries – perfect for grabbing a coffee, brunch or a quick bite. Whether it’s artisan pizza, vegan burgers, Thai street food or gourmet tapas, the surrounding blocks have it all. Many kitchens in the area stay open late on weekends, and there are plenty of bars and live music venues (like Yah Yah’s or The Night Cat) if you want to continue your night out.
For those visiting from out of town, the Fitzroy/Collingwood area offers several boutique accommodation options as well. Modern hotels such as Veriu Collingwood, Ovolo and boutique guesthouses around Brunswick Street are within walking distance (5–10 minutes away). It’s a good idea to arrive a bit early for events at 125 Smith St – not just to get your spot in the venue, but to enjoy the neighbourhood’s offerings. You can have dinner nearby, wander the colourful graffiti-lined laneways, or relax at a cosy café until showtime. And when your event is over, you’ll still be in the heart of a lively precinct with plenty to see and do.
What Makes This Venue Special
125 Smith Street isn’t a big corporate concert hall or a pristine art museum – and that’s exactly its charm. What makes this venue special is its grassroots authenticity and the way it reflects the spirit of Fitzroy. The building itself oozes character: you can sense the layers of history in its old brickwork and tall windows, yet it’s been reimagined as a contemporary creative space. It’s rare to find a venue where you might browse cutting-edge art one moment and then step outside into a vibrant street full of murals, cafés and tram bells – here, the fusion of art and everyday life is seamless.
There’s also something personal about the experience at 125 Smith St. Many events are run by independent artists or local curators who are passionate about their craft and community. Visitors often get to meet the people behind the work, hear their stories firsthand, or witness impromptu moments that you won’t find in larger, more commercial venues. Both performers and audiences remark on the intimate, welcoming energy in the room. It’s a place where emerging talent gets a spotlight and where the neighbourhood feels genuinely involved. In short, 125 Smith Street captures what people love about Melbourne’s cultural scene – it’s unpretentious, innovative, and deeply connected to its local community.
Visitor Tips and Information
- Accessibility: Note that the venue is upstairs and currently only accessible via stairs. There is no lift, so wheelchair access is unfortunately not available. The organisers can provide some assistance on the staircase if arranged, but the space may be challenging for those with mobility impairments. If you have specific accessibility needs, it’s best to contact the venue coordinators in advance to discuss possible options.
- What to Wear/Bring: There’s no strict dress code – casual and comfortable attire is perfect. If you’re coming for an exhibition opening, you’ll see everything from jeans and tees to artsy outfits, so wear what makes you comfortable. In cooler months, the gallery can be a bit chilly until it fills up with people, so bringing a jacket is wise (you can always drape it over a chair or railing once inside). You might also bring a water bottle; while drinks are often available during events, having water on hand is handy since there’s no café inside.
- Arrive Early for Popular Events: For opening nights or limited-seat workshops, plan to arrive a little early. The space’s capacity is limited, and once it fills up, you may have to wait until some people leave. Arriving 10–15 minutes before the start also gives you a chance to chat with organisers or snag a good spot to view a performance. Early arrival isn’t necessary for regular gallery hours, but for big events it ensures you get in and settled comfortably.
- Entrance Location: Don’t be confused if you don’t see an obvious entry on Smith Street – the public entrance is via Little Smith Street, a laneway at the side/back of the building. Look for the street number 125 on a side door (often there’s a small sign). The laneway has bluestone cobbles and some street art, which adds to the adventure. At night, the door is usually lit and someone may be there to greet or check names if it’s a private event. During daytime openings, just ring the bell or follow any posted instructions to enter.
- Photography Etiquette: Photography inside the venue is generally welcome. Feel free to snap pictures of the artwork or the space for personal use and social media – the bright gallery setting and street views make for great photos. Just be respectful: if an artwork is marked with a “no photos” sign or an artist asks that their work not be photographed, please follow those guidelines. During performances, avoid using flash or doing anything that might distract performers. Otherwise, capture the moment and share the experience (tagging the venue or artists on social media is a nice way to support them).
- Children and Age Restrictions: The venue is family-friendly during exhibitions – kids are welcome with supervision. It’s an open layout, so keep an eye on little ones to ensure they don’t touch artworks or run around in ways that might disturb others. Evening events that serve alcohol (like some music nights or certain openings) might be 18+ or request that minors be accompanied by an adult, but generally there’s no strict age restriction. If you’re unsure, you can check the event details. Otherwise, feel free to bring the family for a bit of culture; many local parents do!
These tips should help you make the most of your visit to 125 Smith Street. Plan ahead if needed, use the correct entrance, and don’t hesitate to engage with the art and the people – the venue thrives on its community vibe. Come with curiosity and enjoy an authentic local arts experience in one of Melbourne’s most creative quarters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an entry fee for exhibitions or events at 125 Smith Street?
No, most exhibitions at 125 Smith Street are free to enter. Regular gallery shows do not charge admission – you can walk in without a ticket. Occasionally, if there’s a special performance, workshop or fundraiser event, there might be a ticket fee or a suggested donation, but generally the venue encourages community access by keeping events low-cost or free.
Where can I buy tickets for shows at 125 Smith St?
For events that require tickets (such as performances or workshops), you typically purchase them online through the event organiser or occasionally at the door. 125 Smith Street itself doesn’t have a central box office, so checking the official event listing or the venue’s social media for the ticket link is the best approach. Many of the venue’s events are general admission, with tickets managed by whoever is producing the event.
What is the capacity of the venue at 125 Smith Street?
It’s a relatively small, intimate venue. Standing capacity is about 100 people at most. If chairs are set up for a seated event, the capacity is lower – usually around 40 to 60 guests, depending on the layout. Because of this limited size, events can feel nicely full even with a few dozen attendees, and very popular events may reach capacity quickly (with a one-in, one-out policy if needed).
Are there seats available, or is it standing room only?
The default setup is open floor space with no fixed seating, which means gallery exhibitions are essentially standing/walking around. However, for events like talks, screenings or performances, the organisers will bring in portable seating (folding chairs, stools or benches). There’s usually a limited number of chairs for those who need to sit, and the rest of the audience stands or finds a spot on the floor. In short, it varies by event – expect mostly standing room, with some seating provided when appropriate.
How do I get to 125 Smith Street by public transport?
Public transport is very convenient. The Route 86 tram goes right along Smith Street – get off at the Gertrude Street stop, which is only about 100m from the venue’s entrance. From the city (CBD), you can catch the 86 tram on Bourke Street and be in Fitzroy in roughly 10 minutes. If you’re coming by train, the nearest station is Parliament (on the City Loop); from there it’s a 15-minute walk up Gertrude Street to Smith St, or you can hop on the 86 tram or a bus for a short ride. Several bus routes also run nearby, and any bus or tram stopping at Gertrude or Johnston Streets will get you close to 125 Smith Street.
Is there parking nearby and how much does it cost?
Parking in this area is limited. There are some one- or two-hour street parking spots on Gertrude Street, Brunswick Street and other side streets, but they often fill up quickly and may require a paid ticket during daytime hours. Smith Street itself has very few parking spots and clearway restrictions in peak periods. There’s a small paid underground car park in a shopping complex a couple of blocks north (free for a short period if you’re shopping there, then hourly rates), but availability isn’t guaranteed. Many visitors find it easier to use public transport or a rideshare/taxi rather than driving, especially on busy nights.
Is 125 Smith Street wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, not fully. The gallery is located upstairs in an old building with only stair access (no elevator), which makes it difficult for wheelchair users or those who cannot climb stairs. If you have mobility needs, it’s recommended to contact the organisers in advance – they may try to assist (for example, helping someone up the stairs), but the venue does not have ramps or lifts to provide standard wheelchair accessibility. Also note, the on-site restroom is not wheelchair-accessible. The nearest accessible public toilet is about 130 metres away on Smith Street.
Can I bring children, or are there age restrictions?
Children are welcome at 125 Smith Street during most events, especially daytime exhibitions. The venue is family-friendly – you’ll sometimes see parents with kids exploring the art. Just keep an eye on little ones to ensure they don’t touch artworks or disrupt other visitors, as it is a gallery environment. Some nighttime events (for example, a late music event with a bar) might be 18+ or request that minors be accompanied by an adult, but these cases will be clearly advertised by the event organisers. In general, all ages can attend the open gallery sessions.
Can I take photos during events or inside the gallery?
Yes, casual photography for personal use is generally allowed. Visitors often snap photos of the artworks or the gallery space – the venue even encourages sharing on social media to spread the word (just no commercial photography without permission). Be mindful of any signs indicating a particular artwork should not be photographed. If a live performance is happening, avoid using flash or anything that could distract performers. In most cases, you’ll be fine to take pictures as a souvenir of your visit – just respect any specific requests from artists or staff.
Does the venue serve food or drinks inside?
There isn’t an on-site café or bar open during normal hours. However, at exhibition openings or special events, the organisers usually provide light refreshments – often you’ll find complimentary wine, beer and some snacks for guests. For anything more substantial, you can easily grab a meal or a drink at one of the many restaurants and bars just outside on Smith or Gertrude Street. It’s generally fine to bring in a coffee or water with you, but bringing your own alcoholic drinks is not permitted (when alcohol is served at an event, it’s under the venue/organiser’s license).
Are there bathrooms on site for visitors?
Yes. There is a single unisex bathroom available to visitors at 125 Smith Street. It’s a small, one-person restroom (with a toilet and sink) located on the gallery level or just one floor below – you can ask staff and they’ll point it out. Do note that it’s not wheelchair-accessible and can get a queue during busy events since there’s just one. If needed, there are also public restrooms on Smith Street nearby (such as at the shopping complex) that you could use.
What are the opening hours of the gallery at 125 Smith St?
Unlike a traditional gallery, 125 Smith Street doesn’t maintain daily open hours – it opens to the public only during event times or scheduled exhibition hours. Typically, an exhibition will have an opening night (often in the evening around 6–9pm) and then open gallery hours on certain days (for example, the following Saturday and Sunday from 11am–4pm). Each event can be different. It’s best to check the announcement or flyer for the specific exhibition to see when the space will be open. If you show up when nothing is scheduled, the venue will be closed.
Can I hire or rent the venue for a private event or exhibition?
Yes, the space is available for hire. 125 Smith Street is often used by artists for independent exhibitions and can also host private functions like workshops, small launch events or meetings. To rent it, you would contact the venue (usually via their website or email) to discuss available dates, rental fees and any equipment needs. Rentals are generally short-term – for example, a week-long gallery show or a one-day event. Because of the intimate size and gallery setup, it’s ideal for events of maybe up to 50 or so people. The venue managers can provide all the guidelines and help tailor the space for your needs.
Do I need to book in advance or can I walk in to exhibitions?
For general exhibitions, no booking is required – you can simply walk in during the posted open hours. Entry is usually free and on a walk-up basis. For certain special events (like a workshop with limited spots or a performance with seating), there may be an online RSVP or tickets to book in advance; if so, this will be noted in the event info. When in doubt, check the event announcement: if it provides a booking link, secure your spot ahead of time. Otherwise, feel free to show up spontaneously when the gallery is open.
What kind of events are typically held at 125 Smith Street?
The venue is quite versatile, but it mainly focuses on arts and culture. You’ll frequently find visual art exhibitions (group shows, solo shows, art student exhibitions) using the space. Additionally, there are often opening night gatherings with music and mingling, occasional artist talks or panel discussions, and workshops (for example, art classes or creative meet-ups). The space has also been used for intimate live music performances, poetry readings and pop-up theatre during arts festivals. In essence, any small-scale event that celebrates creativity and community can take place here – it’s a hub for diverse happenings, as long as they fit the intimate scale of the venue.
Is the area around 125 Smith Street safe at night for visitors?
Yes, generally. Fitzroy is a lively area well into the night, especially on weekends, with lots of people out and about at bars and restaurants. Smith Street is well-lit and usually busy in the evening, so most visitors feel comfortable walking around. As with any city environment, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings, but this part of Melbourne doesn’t have a reputation for safety problems. If you’re leaving very late (after the trams have stopped), there are taxis and rideshares readily available on Smith Street to get you home quickly and safely. Overall, attending an evening event here is about as safe as any typical night out in Melbourne.
Can I buy artwork or merchandise at the venue?
Often, yes – one of the charms of 125 Smith Street is that you can directly support artists. If an exhibition’s artworks are for sale, you’ll typically see a price list or red “sold” dots on pieces that have been purchased. To buy an artwork, just speak with the artist or exhibition organiser on site (usually they’re present during openings or gallery hours). They will arrange payment (many can take card or will invoice you) and discuss pick-up or delivery of the piece. There isn’t a formal gift shop, but sometimes artists also have prints, zines or small merch for sale during their show. Don’t hesitate to ask – the venue is all about connecting artists with the public.