The hunt is on to find artists who will be given the rare chance to create public artworks in the heart of Melbourne.

The Victorian government is hoping the six large-scale works will become part of the fabric of the city.

An artist's impression of the platform at the new State Library station.

Five will be within the new Metro Tunnel stations of North Melbourne, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac. The sixth will be a "line-wide commission" to span all five stations.

Each piece is expected to draw links to the area’s character and heritage. Parkville Station’s theme will relate to the precinct’s focus on science, research, medicine and health. There are no prizes for guessing the theme sought for Anzac Station’s "legacy piece".