National Gallery of Victoria

Australia’s Oldest and Most Visited Art Museum

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National Gallery of Victoria

Home to over 75,000 Works

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne is the country's oldest and most visited art museum. Established in 1861, it houses an extensive collection of over 76,000 works, from ancient civilisations to contemporary art. The gallery operates from two magnificent buildings in the heart of Melbourne: NGV International on St Kilda Road, showcasing international art, and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square, dedicated to Australian art. 

Renowned for its diverse exhibitions and educational programs, the National Gallery of Victoria hosts a wide range of international and local artists, exhibitions, programs and events. National Gallery of Victoria plays a significant role in Australia's cultural landscape, from contemporary art to major historic exhibitions, fashion and design, sound and dance. Highlights include works by Rembrandt, Bonnard, and Hockney, as well as a considerable collection of Indigenous Australian art.

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A Vibrant Cultural Institution

The National Gallery of Victoria is one of the most vibrant cultural institutions in the Southern Hemisphere. Since its founding in 1861, the gallery has grown exponentially, both in its collection and its influence. The gallery two locations provide a dynamic range of art experiences.

National Gallery Victoria International, housed in a stunning modernist building designed by Sir Roy Grounds, features an extensive collection of international art. The building itself is a masterpiece, with its famous water wall entrance and spacious, light-filled galleries. 

The collection spans from antiquity to the present day, with significant works by European masters such as Rembrandt, Rubens, and Canaletto, as well as Asian art, decorative arts, and contemporary pieces by artists like David Hockney and Yayoi Kusama. The gallery is also known for its impressive exhibitions, bringing world-renowned collections to Melbourne, such as the works of Van Gogh, Dior’s fashion masterpieces, and the vivid creations of MoMA.

Australia’s Oldest and Most Visited Art Museum

Explore Australia through Art

The Ian Potter Centre: National Gallery of Victoria Australia, is located in the heart of Melbourne at Federation Square and focuses on Australian art. This venue provides a comprehensive survey of the nation’s artistic heritage, from colonial and Indigenous artworks to contemporary creations. 

Highlights include works by prominent Australian artists like Sidney Nolan, Fred Williams, and Emily Kame Kngwarreye. The gallery is a pivotal space for understanding the breadth and depth of Australian culture and identity, offering visitors a chance to explore the country’s history through its art.

Beyond its collections, the National Gallery of Victoria is renowned for its community engagement and educational programs. The gallery offers a diverse array of activities, including lectures, workshops, and special events designed to make art accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Programs such as NGV Kids and NGV Teens are particularly noteworthy, aiming to inspire and educate the next generation of art enthusiasts.

Frequently asked questions

What is the National Art Gallery of Victoria most known for?

National Art Gallery holds the most significant collection of art, with over 76,000 works spanning thousands of years and covering and amazing range of styles.

How much does it cost to go to National Gallery Victoria, Melbourne?

Entry to the NGV is free, however entry fees may apply to special exhibitions. 

Are there annual events at National Gallery of Victoria?

The National Gallery of Victoria plays a significant role in Melbourne's vibrant cultural scene, contributing to the city’s reputation as a hub of creativity and innovation.

Annual events like the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series and the NGV Triennial attract visitors from around the world.

Can you take tours of National Gallery of Victoria?

National Art Gallery Victoria tours include the International Collection Highlights Tour, Australian Collection Highlights Tour and something different - Expect the Unexpected Tour.

Is there a free tram to National Gallery of Victoria?

Yes! Take the City Circle Flinders Street trams 70 or 75. Travel past Federation Square and alight at the Flinders Street stop and enter NGV via Federation Square.

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