National Gallery of Victoria

Table of Contents

Introduction

The National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia is a premier cultural destination offering visitors an extraordinary journey through global and Australian art. Situated on St Kilda Road in Melbourne, the National Gallery of Victoria comprises two major venues: NGV International and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. This museum welcomes art lovers from around the world to explore its galleries and programmes in a welcoming and inspiring setting.

About the Museum

The National Gallery of Victoria was established in 1861 and is Australia’s oldest public art museum. The museum operates across two distinct sites. NGV International, located at 180 St Kilda Road, displays the museum’s collection of international art and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with extended evening hours on select days). General admission to the permanent collection is free, though some special exhibitions may require a ticket. Patrons can enjoy dining at the Garden Restaurant, Gallery Kitchen, or Tea Room, and browse unique items at the NGV Design Store.

The second venue, The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, is located at Federation Square and is dedicated to Australian art. This venue houses more than twenty‑thousand Australian artworks, including significant Indigenous and contemporary pieces.

Together, these two venues house a permanent collection of over seventy‑five thousand works spanning thousands of years and representing cultures from across Europe, Asia, Oceania, America and Australia. Highlights of the international collection include masterpieces by artists such as Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso, Rodin and many others.

Interesting Facts

The permanent collection comprises more than seventy‑five thousand works, making it the most extensive public art collection in Australia and among the finest in the Southern Hemisphere.
NGV International and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia provide separate spaces for international and Australian art, allowing for deep engagement with both global masterpieces and the nation’s own artistic traditions.
Entry to the permanent collection is free at both venues; special exhibitions typically have a fee.
The international collection includes works by European old masters such as Giovanni Battista Tiepolo’s The Banquet of Cleopatra, Rembrandt’s Two Old Men Disputing, Nicolas Poussin’s The Crossing of the Red Sea, Picasso, Rothko and Rodin, including the first cast of The Thinker.
The museum is easily accessible by public transport: trams along Swanston Street and St Kilda Road, or by walking from Flinders Street Station; there is also car parking available beneath the Arts Centre.

Photo Gallery

Physical Location

Contact Details

Phone: +6138 620 2222

Website: ngv.vic.gov.au/

Facebook: facebook.com/NGVMelbourne/

Conclusion

The National Gallery of Victoria offers an enriching and varied experience for visitors of all interests. Whether you are drawn to ancient masterpieces, vibrant international art, or profound Australian and Indigenous works, the museum’s two venues offer a thoughtfully curated journey through cultural history and creative expression. With free entry to the permanent collection, comfortable amenities, dining options and welcoming galleries, a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria is both accessible and inspiring. For those seeking deeper immersion, special exhibitions bring global works to Melbourne, offering fresh perspectives and memorable experiences. The National Gallery of Victoria stands as a vibrant celebration of art and creativity, inviting all visitors to discover, reflect and be inspired.