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


From indigenous art to priceless artworks, Australia’s oldest art gallery is a cultural treasure house.

Arranged across two sites, the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) represents one of the most comprehensive reviews of Australian and international art in the world.

The NGV International in Melbourne’s Southbank cultural quarter houses over 66,000 artworks from Europe, Asia, America and Oceania. On display are priceless paintings by world-famous artists including Picasso, Manet, Monet and Correggio, alongside less familiar but equally striking works of Australian provenance. The gallery also hosts major touring exhibitions which bring masterpieces of European, American and Asian art to the city for a limited period.

The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia in nearby Federation Square specialises in Australian art, with a unique collection of work dating from the colonial period of the late 18th and 19th centuries through to the present day. Here you can admire paintings, photography, textiles and decorative arts from the hands of indigenous and non-indigenous artists and craftspeople, and trace the development of Australian “impressionist” art through the famous Heidelberg School, whose members strove to give their work a uniquely Australian character.

Both buildings are architecturally interesting in their own right. The angular glass-and-steel Ian Potter Centre is one of the more spectacular ultramodern buildings around Federation Square. In complete contrast, NGV International dates from 1861, making it Australia’s oldest art gallery. Its imposing grey exterior is softened by the surrounding water features, and one of the world’s largest stained-glass ceilings casts bright shards of colourful light onto the entrance hall.

NGV International is open every day except Tuesday, and the Ian Potter Centre every day except Monday. Both venues are closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day. Admission to the permanent collections is free but tours and audio guides involve a charge and some temporary and touring exhibitions carry an entry fee. The two galleries are close to each other and can be easily reached from the main train terminal at Flinders Street Station.

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
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

3.5 out of 5
215 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne
Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

4 out of 5
131-137 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC
Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne
Grand Hyatt Melbourne

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

5 out of 5
123 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Meriton Suites Melbourne

Meriton Suites Melbourne

5 out of 5
140 King St, Melbourne, VIC
Meriton Suites Melbourne
Citadines on Bourke Melbourne

Citadines on Bourke Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
131-135 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC
Citadines on Bourke Melbourne
Rydges Melbourne

Rydges Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
186 Exhibition Street,, Melbourne, VIC
Rydges Melbourne
Stamford Plaza Melbourne

Stamford Plaza Melbourne

5 out of 5
111 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Stamford Plaza Melbourne
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.

Things to do near National Gallery of Victoria

While visiting the National Gallery of Victoria, indulge in a variety of activities such as exploring captivating art exhibits, shopping for unique souvenirs, or enjoying a theatrical performance nearby. The gallery itself offers an impressive collection of artwork, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in Melbourne's vibrant cultural scene during your trip.

Shopping

Just 644m from the National Gallery of Victoria, Lightning Ridge Opal Mines offers unique souvenirs. Melbourne Central, 1.4km away, features a vibrant shopping experience with entertainment. Queen Victoria Market, 1.6km away, is perfect for local goods and fresh produce.

Recreation

Marvel Stadium, located 1.6km from the National Gallery of Victoria, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, just 483m away, provides a vibrant setting for outdoor concerts, while the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, also 1.6km away, is ideal for family-friendly aquatic activities.

Adventure

Embark on the Tan Track, located 1.3km from the gallery, to enjoy a refreshing outdoor experience. For a scenic hike, explore the Fitzroy Aboriginal Heritage Walking Trail, situated 3.2km away, offering stunning vistas. For a unique adventure, consider a scenic flight with Melbourne Seaplanes, 6.4km from the gallery.

Nightlife

The National Gallery of Victoria offers vibrant nightlife with nearby venues. Enjoy a captivating show at the Regent Theatre, only 805m away, or unwind at Young & Jackson's pub, just 644m away. For a cultural experience, visit the Melbourne Arts Centre, a mere 161m from the gallery.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near National Gallery of Victoria

Visitors to the National Gallery of Victoria can immerse themselves in a rich cultural experience while exploring the surrounding areas, which include vibrant streets, urban parks, and historic colleges. These attractions cater to those seeking family-friendly activities and a taste of the city's artistic heritage, making it an ideal destination for tourists looking to enjoy both culture and leisure in Melbourne.

  • Rod Laver Arena: Located 805m from the National Gallery of Victoria, Rod Laver Arena is a premier entertainment venue known for hosting world-class events, including tennis tournaments and concerts. Its vibrant atmosphere is perfect for families and those seeking thrilling entertainment experiences.
  • Melbourne Cricket Ground: Situated 1.3km away, the Melbourne Cricket Ground is a historic sports stadium steeped in culture. It offers a unique glimpse into Australia's sporting heritage and is a must-visit for sports enthusiasts, showcasing cricket and Australian rules football matches.
  • Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre: Just 1.4km from the gallery, this modern event venue hosts various conferences and exhibitions, making it a hub for business activities. Its contemporary design and facilities cater to professionals and visitors alike.

Best time to go to National Gallery of Victoria

The best time to visit National Gallery of Victoria can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around National Gallery of Victoria falls in January, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around National Gallery of Victoria falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
February68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
July48.9°F (9.4°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
September53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
December64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for National Gallery of Victoria

To save money during your visit to the National Gallery of Victoria, consider travelling in the cheaper months of May to June and August, with Monday being the least expensive day for accommodation. Use Expedia to filter hotel options based on budget and preferences, and sort by price for the best deals. Combining your hotel booking with flights and activities through an Expedia package can also yield savings. Additionally, explore the gallery's free exhibitions and utilise Melbourne's efficient public transport system for cost-effective travel around the city.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around National Gallery of Victoria are May to June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January, March and November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around National Gallery of Victoria is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around National Gallery of Victoria is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences based on budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay near the National Gallery of Victoria with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia