National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Verified listing

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne, Australia, holds the distinction of being the country’s oldest public art museum, founded in 1861. It operates across two iconic sites: NGV International on St Kilda Road, which showcases international art ranging from ancient to contemporary, and the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square, dedicated to Australian art including works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. With a permanent collection exceeding 70,000 works and free access to most exhibits, NGV remains one of Australia’s most visited cultural institutions, attracting millions annually.

The architectural heritage of NGV International is notable: the 1968 building, designed by Sir Roy Grounds, features a prominent waterwall entrance, a stained-glass ceiling by Leonard French in the Great Hall, and was later refurbished by Mario Bellini to modernize its interiors while maintaining the original spirit. One of its landmark exhibitions, The Field in 1968, introduced the Australian public to abstract and colour field art and remains a pivotal moment in the country’s art history.

NGV is celebrated for its vibrant exhibition programming—including major international shows like its ongoing French Impressionism exhibition from Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts and an impressive Yayoi Kusama retrospective, the largest of her immersive installations ever shown in Australia. Upcoming highlights include the Westwood/Kawakubo fashion retrospective opening late 2025. The NGV also offers curated dining at its onsite Garden Restaurant, which ties culinary experiences into exhibition themes, adding a sensory dimension to the gallery visit.