TODAY it happens in Paris. Next year it's Melbourne's turn. On February 23, the state government will open up the city for a dusk-to-dawn festival of art, culture, film, fashion and sport.

Melbourne will effectively become a 24-hour town under Premier Ted Baillieu's plan to hold Australia's first White Night Festival.

Illustration: Matt Golding.

The National Gallery of Victoria, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, and the Melbourne Arts Centre will throw open their doors. City buildings will be bathed in colour and light, artistic performances will take place around the city, and Melbourne Museum, Federation Square, Alexandra Gardens and Birrarung Marr will become key party venues.

Inspired by the Parisian event La Nuit Blanche, Victoria's arts-loving Premier says the Melbourne offshoot will be ''a night like no other''.