National Gallery of Victoria
180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3006
Melbourne’s National Gallery of Victoria is Australia’s largest and oldest art gallery. Since 1861, it has housed many impressive collections and works by homegrown talent as well as Asian, American, Oceanic, and European artists, including Rembrandt and Picasso. It features a large free permanent collection and rotating, ticketed exhibits.
The Basics
The National Gallery of Victoria, aka the NGV, has always been the center of culture in Melbourne. Aside from a collection of more than 70,000 works of art, it hosts a number of events, temporary exhibits from all over the world, guided tours, and programs for kids.
Things to Know Before You Go
The National Gallery of Victoria is a must-visit for art lovers.
The NGV is free to enter, though some special exhibits may require a fee.
Guided tours are available free of charge.
Wheelchair access is available throughout the gallery, auditorium, studios, and education theaters.
How to Get There
The National Gallery of Victoria is split into two central locations, a 10-minute walk apart: the NGV International on St. Kilda Road (its main location), and the NGV Australia, or Ian Potter Centre, in Federation Square. Both are a short walk from Flinders Street Station, and various city trams regularly run to both locations as well.
When to Get There
The NGV is open from 10am to 5pm daily, except for Christmas Day, and special hours apply on public holidays. As one of the most popular museums in Australia, the NGV is quite crowded during the summer months, though less so during the rest of the year.
NGV Australia
The Ian Potter Centre, otherwise known as NGV Australia, is a hub for Australian art. Works from indigenous and nonindigenous artists range from the colonial period to the present day. With more than 20,000 pieces of art—such as pottery, paintings, sculptures, photography, and more—the NGV Australia is a wonderful place to learn about the indigenous tribes of Australia and their rich cultural history.
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