The Rose Street Artists' Market
A former junkyard turned artist showcase since 2003, modelled on similar markets in London, Berlin and New York.
About this market
The Rose Street Artists' Market opened in 2003 inside a genuinely unlikely space: a former junkyard in the heart of Fitzroy, transformed into a display precinct for artists and designers. The founding team modelled the concept on similar creative markets already thriving in London, Berlin and New York, betting that Melbourne had room for the same kind of curated, meet-the-maker format.
From junkyard to one of Melbourne's hidden treasures
That bet paid off. What started housing up to 70 artists and designers has grown to more than 120 different makers showing their work each Saturday and Sunday, offering visitors the rare chance to meet the actual artist behind a ceramic piece, painting, or piece of jewellery rather than buying from a reseller. The market has built a reputation as one of Melbourne's hidden treasures, with reviewers consistently impressed by the quality on show.
Market at a glance
Reviewers consistently describe it as the jewel in Fitzroy's creative hotspot, praising the curated range of ceramics, paintings, jewellery and sewn objects, alongside native-ingredient tonics and handmade crochet pieces, a genuinely broad and high-quality mix for a market of its size.
The Rose Street Artists' Market was deliberately modelled on creative markets in London, Berlin and New York, built inside a converted Fitzroy junkyard in 2003 rather than a purpose-built retail space.
Good to know before you go
Running both Saturday and Sunday gives flexibility to visit whichever day suits, unlike many Melbourne creative markets that stick to a single day. Being right in Fitzroy means excellent food options are within easy walking distance for a fuller day out.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Rose Street Artists' Market's trading hours?
- Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm, at 60 Rose Street, Fitzroy.
- What was on this site before the market?
- The market's home was originally an old junkyard, transformed in 2003 into a display space for artists and designers, modelled on similar creative markets in London, Berlin and New York.
- How many artists sell here?
- Over 120 different makers now show their work each Saturday and Sunday, up from the original scale that housed up to 70 artists and designers when the market first opened.