Bringing a fresh energy to the traditional art fair model, Australia’s most unconventional art fair, Spring1883, returns to the historic The Windsor from 13 – 16 August 2025.
Now a highly anticipated fixture in Australia’s cultural calendar, Spring1883 transforms the iconic grand hotel into a multi-level art experience, where over 30 leading and emerging commercial galleries from across Australia and beyond take over individual hotel rooms to exhibit contemporary works in a uniquely intimate and immersive setting.
Designed for art collectors and the culturally curious, Spring1883 – Australasia’s longest running gallerist-led fair – has earned a reputation as a disruptive and energetic alternative to traditional art fairs. The fair offers genuine discovery and connection between artists, gallerists, and audiences.
“Spring1883 is about bringing contemporary art to life in unexpected ways,” says Kate Barber, Fair Director. “The fair champions both established names and rising talent, challenging conventions through its presentation context in a luxury hotel and engaging with new collectors in fresh, meaningful ways.”
The fair model enables young emerging galleries and their artists to gain rare exposure alongside iconic names in the Australasian art scene. This year’s edition sees younger and emerging galleries like Strawberry (Melbourne); China Heights Gallery (Sydney); NAP Contemporary (Mildura) and Animal House Fine Art (Melbourne).
They present alongside highly respected established galleries such as Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery (Sydney); Sullivan+Strumpf (Melbourne/Sydney/Singapore); Kalli Rolfe Contemporary Art (Melbourne); Darren Knight Gallery, (Sydney) and Michael Lett (Auckland).
“Spring1883 has always been about challenging traditional formats – placing contemporary art into unexpected, luxurious contexts, and rewriting how galleries and collectors engage with each other,” says Geo Newton, Director, Neon Parc and co-Founder of Spring1883. “We believe in making room for the future, right next to the masters.”
Known for its vibrant atmosphere and distinctive setting, visitors can expect the unexpected with a rich line-up of innovative gallery presentations, curated projects, and special events, all under one ornate roof. With its combination of heritage glamour and cutting-edge creativity, Spring1883 is where the past meets the future of contemporary art.
Spring1883
The Windsor, 111 Spring Street, Melbourne
Exhibition: 13 – 16 August 2025
Entry fees apply
For more information, including gallery line-up and to purchase tickets, visit: www.spring1883.com for details.
Image: Installation view of Kalli Rolfe Contemporary Art at Spring1883 (2023) – photo by Simon Strong