National Gallery of Victoria

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


The biggest collection of Australian art in the world is housed in this gallery, which also plays host to international masters and top-class touring exhibitions.

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is also the oldest gallery in Australia, having opened its doors in 1861. It is made up of two distinct locations – the NGV International in Southbank, and the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia in the central Federation Square.The first thing that strikes the visitor to the NGV International is the building’s design, with its stark grey exterior offset by surrounding water features and the waterfall tastefully flowing down along the glass entrance. A kaleidoscope of light and shade awaits inside, underneath one of the largest stained-glass ceilings in the world.Over 66,000 works of art make up the collections at the NGV International, ranging from classical painting to sculpture, furniture and antique design to photography. This art originates from all over Oceania, Europe, Asia and America, with artists of the calibre of Bernini, Cézanne, Correggio, Manet, Monet and Picasso populating the international collections. Exceptional touring exhibitions are also welcomed from across the world.The collections housed in the Ian Potter Centre have Australian art as their exclusive focus. Aboriginal and non-aboriginal works are exhibited from the colonial period (1792-1901), and there is also a wide array of Australian art leading right up to the present day. Decorative arts and fashion are exhibited, and indigenous art plays a major part in the centre's collection.The development of Australian art is lovingly traced in the National Gallery. The renowned Heidelberg School movement is well worth checking out, with its attempts to explore the essence of life, light and the natural environment in Australia.NGV International is open daily except for Tuesdays, while the Ian Potter Centre is closed on Mondays, and both are closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day. The main exhibitions are free, but there may be a fee for temporary or travelling exhibits. Tours and audio guides are also available, again for a fee.The two buildings which together make up the National Gallery of Victoria are only a short stroll from one another the NGV International is on St. Kilda Road, and the Ian Potter Centre is found on Federation Square. Both galleries are a brief walk from Flinders Street Station, Melbourne’s main train terminal.

Plan a trip to see National Gallery of Victoria

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
YEHS Hotel Melbourne CBD
Melbourne Private Apartments - Collins Wharf Waterfront, Docklands
Aussie Escape Apartments - Skyline Collins Tower

Tours & day trips

See all 300 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 98 activities

History & culture

See all 95 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 71 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 24 activities

Reviews of National Gallery of Victoria

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
638
5 - Excellent 69%
4 - Good
256
4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
25
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Try to join one of the free tours. Was very good.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Worth a visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Always good as is the Ian Potter Gallery

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Don’t miss the new Salvador Dali painting.

4/5 - Good

Johanna

Terracotta warriors current display worth a visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Main reason for our trip was the Exhibition of the TerraCotta Warriors. And it was worth the trip

Popular places to visit


Top National Gallery of Victoria Hotel & Accommodation 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

At the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, visitors can enjoy a plethora of activities such as free guided tours, exploring art exhibits and galleries, and immersing themselves in the vibrant theatre scene. It's a perfect destination for art lovers seeking to appreciate both local and international works while also indulging in the nearby shopping and entertainment options that the city has to offer.

Shopping

The closest shopping options are Lightning Ridge Opal Mines, only 644m away, and Melbourne Central, 1.4km away, offering a vibrant city experience. Queen Victoria Market is also nearby at 1.6km, perfect for unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Marvel Stadium, a vibrant sports facility, offers an exhilarating atmosphere just 1.6km from the gallery, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, located 483m away, provides a lively setting for concerts and entertainment, while the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, also 1.6km away, caters to families seeking aquatic fun.

Adventure

For an outdoor adventure, explore the Tan Track, a scenic path located 1.3km from the gallery. For a cultural hike, the Fitzroy Aboriginal Heritage Walking Trail awaits 3.2km away, showcasing stunning scenery. For a unique experience, take a scenic flight with Melbourne Seaplanes, situated 6.4km from the gallery.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the National Gallery of Victoria. Catch a show at the Regent Theatre, immerse in the arts at the Melbourne Arts Centre, or unwind at Young & Jackson's pub for a lively atmosphere and great drinks. Enjoy a night filled with culture and entertainment.

*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

The National Gallery of Victoria offers a rich cultural experience with popular attractions including nearby urban parks, historic colleges, and vibrant streets. Visitors can explore the best galleries in Australia while enjoying family-friendly activities in the area. Don't miss out on local attractions near the gallery that showcase Melbourne's unique charm and artistic heritage, making your visit truly memorable.

  • Rod Laver Arena: Experience the electric atmosphere at this iconic venue, renowned for hosting major tennis events, including the Australian Open. With its family-friendly vibes, it's a perfect spot for entertainment enthusiasts, offering a variety of shows and concerts throughout the year.
  • Melbourne Cricket Ground: Immerse yourself in Australia's rich sporting culture at this historic stadium. Known as the 'G', it offers guided tours that delve into its storied past, making it a must-visit for sports lovers and history buffs alike.
  • Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre: This modern venue is a hub for business and events, showcasing everything from trade shows to conferences. Its vibrant atmosphere makes it an interesting stop for those keen on the local business scene.

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 on your trip to the National Gallery of Victoria, consider visiting during the cheaper months of May to June or August, and aim for a Monday stay, as Saturdays are pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly accommodation and consider package deals that combine flights and hotel stays. Look for eco-certified hotels for sustainable options and always check for discounts on nearby hotels. Additionally, take advantage of free activities in the area to further stretch your budget while enjoying your visit.

  • 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can sort the results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay near the National Gallery of Victoria with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia