National Gallery of Victoria

National Gallery of Victoria which includes interior views and art
National Gallery of Victoria showing a fountain
National Gallery of Victoria featuring art and interior views
National Gallery of Victoria showing signage and art
National Gallery of Victoria which includes a statue or sculpture and interior views


See blockbuster international touring exhibitions and the world’s largest collection of Australian art at this revered cultural institution.

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) was opened in 1861 and is Australia’s oldest art gallery. The NGV consists of two venues: the NGV International located in Melbourne’s Southbank cultural precinct, and the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, in nearby Federation Square.

Before entering NGV International, be sure to appreciate the beauty of the building itself. The gallery’s imposing solid grey exterior is contrasted with the water features that surround it and the waterfall that gently cascades down its glass entrance. Once inside, stand beneath a rainbow of light under one of the world’s largest stained-glass ceilings.

The NGV International houses an extensive permanent collection of more than 66,000 artworks from Europe, Asia, America and Oceania. Browse sculpture, drawings, painting, photography and antiques created by international and domestic artists. The international collection houses works by the giants of the art world, including Bernini, Cézanne, Corregio, Manet, Monet and Picasso. The NGV also hosts major touring exhibitions from Europe, America and Asia.

Just a short stroll away in Federation Square, the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia has a collection devoted entirely to Australian art. The gallery features both indigenous and non-indigenous work from the colonial period (1788-1901) through to the present day. The collection is varied, featuring painting, photography, fashion and textiles, decorative arts and an extensive collection of indigenous work.

The Ian Potter Centre gives visitors a fantastic overview of how Australian art has developed. Of note are works from the famous Heidelberg School, the movement during which local artists strived to encapsulate the key aspects of Australian life, light and nature.

NGV International is open daily except Tuesday, while the Ian Potter Centre is closed Mondays. Both venues are closed Christmas Day and Good Friday. Admission is free except for some temporary and touring exhibitions. Tours and audio guides are available at both for a fee.

The NGV galleries are located in close proximity to one another the NGV International is on St. Kilda Road and the Ian Potter Centre is located in Federation Square. Both are a short walk from Flinders Street Station, the city’s main train terminal.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

The Langham, Melbourne
The Langham, Melbourne
5 out of 5
One Southgate Avenue, Southbank, VIC
The Langham, Melbourne
Great Southern Hotel Melbourne
Great Southern Hotel Melbourne
3.5 out of 5
44 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC
Great Southern Hotel Melbourne
Stamford Plaza Melbourne
Stamford Plaza Melbourne
5 out of 5
111 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Stamford Plaza Melbourne
Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne
Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne
4 out of 5
300 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC
Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne
Oaks Melbourne on Market Hotel
Oaks Melbourne on Market Hotel
4 out of 5
60 Market Street, Melbourne, VIC
Oaks Melbourne on Market Hotel
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
5 out of 5
123 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Pegasus Apart'Hotel
Pegasus Apart'Hotel
4 out of 5
206 A'Beckett Street, Melbourne, VIC
Pegasus Apart'Hotel
Aura on Flinders Serviced Apartments
Aura on Flinders Serviced Apartments
4 out of 5
707/534 Flinders st, (Enter via 7 Katherine Pl), Melbourne, VIC
Aura on Flinders Serviced Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.