Nestled on the third floor of Curtin House, Metropolis Bookshop invites curious city wanderers to explore a colourful and surprising collection of books spanning international art, design, architecture and alternative culture.

Originally hailing from Acland Street, the original owners sold in 2001 to the current management team, Sally Fethers and Tim Peach, and soon after the pair relocated the store to its current location, a still-going-strong-1920’s space in busy Swanston street. The Curtain House venue has been curated by designer Molly Monro, and it is currently the leading proprietor for graphic design, pop culture, modern and contemporary art and music publications.

Each shelf is a gateway to the weird and wonderful – tattoo, erotic art, burlesque, film, fashion, architecture, photography, contemporary and lowbrow art, interior design, graphic novels and kids’ books too – all housed together under the one roof.

You’ll discover books you always wanted but could never find – books that will make you laugh out loud and sometimes make you wonder what the hell the authors were thinking.

It’s highly likely that you’ll be there for a good hour without realising it, and still linger after you have.