Visit the National Gallery of Victoria: A Look at Melbourne’s Famous Attraction

Melbourne Business Creatives
4 min readApr 11, 2023

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The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is one of Melbourne’s most iconic attractions and a must-see for those visiting the city. Located in the heart of the city, the NGV houses some of the most impressive collections of art, design and architecture in the world. The gallery features a range of exhibitions, activities and events that are sure to captivate and inspire visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a fan of modern art or ancient masterpieces, the NGV has something for everyone.

National Gallery of Victoria facade

A History of the National Gallery of Victoria

The NGV has a long and fascinating history. It was originally founded in 1854 as the National Gallery of Victoria, and was housed in the Old Melbourne Gaol. In 1861, the gallery was relocated to a purpose-built building in St Kilda Road, which is still the home of the NGV today. Over the years, the NGV has undergone several major expansions and improvements and now consists of two sites — the NGV International at Federation Square and the NGV Australia at the Ian Potter Centre at Federation Square.

What to See at the National Gallery of Victoria

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne is the largest and oldest public art museum in Australia. It houses a diverse collection of over 70,000 works of art from around the world, spanning thousands of years. With so much on display, it can be overwhelming to decide what to see! In this blog post, we’ll guide you through some of the highlights of the NGV’s permanent collection, as well as some of the exciting temporary exhibitions that are on display.

1. Indigenous Australian Art

Australia has a rich Indigenous heritage, and the NGV’s Indigenous Australian art collection is one of the finest in the world. The collection includes works from traditional communities and contemporary artists, and spans painting, sculpture, printmaking, and more. Some of the standout works in this collection include Emily Kame Kngwarreye’s large-scale paintings, Rover Thomas’ earthy ochre paintings, and Brook Andrew’s provocative installations.

2. European Art

The NGV’s European art collection is particularly strong when it comes to 19th-century and early 20th-century works. The collection includes Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works by famous artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. There are also many examples of decorative arts, including Art Nouveau and Art Deco works. Don’t miss the NGV’s stunning collection of jewellery, which includes pieces by Cartier and other famous designers.

3. Asian Art

The NGV has an extensive collection of Asian art that spans thousands of years and includes works from China, Japan, Korea, and beyond. One of the highlights of this collection is the Asian art gallery, which features a stunning display of Chinese jades, bronzes, ceramics, and decorative objects. Other standout works include Japanese woodblock prints, Indian miniature paintings, and Thai bronze sculptures.

4. Contemporary Art

Contemporary art is well-represented at the NGV, with works by both Australian and international artists. The contemporary art galleries house a range of works that explore contemporary issues and themes, from environmental concerns to identity politics. Some of the standout works in this collection include Patricia Piccinini’s eerily realistic sculptures, William Kentridge’s politically charged animations, and Yayoi Kusama’s immersive installations.

5. Temporary Exhibitions

As well as its permanent collection, the NGV also hosts a range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions cover a wide range of themes and genres, from fashion to photography to installation art. Some of the upcoming exhibitions to look out for include a retrospective of Australian artist John Olsen, a showcase of contemporary art from South Asia, and an immersive exploration of the world of Alice in Wonderland.

The NGV is open from 10am to 5pm daily, and entry is free for all visitors. For those looking for a more immersive experience, the gallery also offers a range of guided tours and workshops, which provide an in-depth look at the artworks and exhibitions on display.

Conclusion

The National Gallery of Victoria is one of Melbourne’s most iconic attractions and a must-see for those visiting the city. From major international and Australian exhibitions to smaller, more intimate displays, the gallery has something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of modern art or ancient masterpieces, the NGV has something for everyone.

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