National Gallery of Victoria: A Treasure of Art in Melbourne

Name: National Gallery of Victoria
Address: 180, Melbourne, Victoria, 3006, AU
Rating: 4.7

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National Gallery of Victoria: A Treasure of Art in Melbourne

Overview

Established in 1861, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is the oldest public art museum in the Netherlands and boasts an impressive collection of over 68,000 works of art. Situated within Melbourne's vibrant art district, the museum features two distinct buildings that are conveniently located a short distance apart. The first building houses the international collection, showcasing an eclectic array of modern and historic European art, furniture, fashion, textiles, and an extensive selection of Asian art. The second location at the Ian Potter Centre focuses on the Australian collection. Visitors can marvel at masterpieces from art legends including Cezanne, Degas, El Greco, Picasso, Rodin, Monet, Rembrandt, and Manet. The diverse exhibits range from ancient artifacts, such as a wine pot from China, to contemporary works like a 2004 watercolor painting. NGV is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts seeking to explore the rich history and cultural significance of art from around the world.

Reviews

Rahul Sharma

India

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is a fantastic weekend destination! The best part—it’s free! The gallery features an amazing collection of art, exhibitions, and installations available without purchasing a ticket. From classic to contemporary art, there’s something for everyone. It’s a great place to relax, get inspired, and immerse yourself in creativity. Highly recommended!

Mei Chen

China

The National Gallery of Victoria remains one of my favorite spots in Melbourne! I’ve visited this gallery over 10 times and still find surprises and hidden gems each visit. Most exhibitions are free, which is a huge plus! However, it can get quite crowded on weekends. I recommend buying tickets online for special exhibitions.

Samuel Black

Australia

I visited the Kusama exhibition and it was fantastic! The art was presented beautifully, and crowd management was effective; though, time in some rooms felt short, which helped keep lines moving. Prices for food and gifts were quite high, so I recommend dining beforehand. The staff were friendly and helpful.

Chidi Okoro

Nigeria

The National Gallery of Victoria has a delightful array of modern contemporary art, with each room providing a pure delight. I have a love for renaissance art, and this place challenged me both positively and negatively. I enjoyed viewing modern art from different parts of the world, as the context varies greatly from European art. My visit was a great way to learn about Australia, especially regarding the Indigenous people and European settlers. Art is an excellent medium for learning, and I came away with a better understanding of Australia. The gallery is clean, curated well, and has a friendly staff who are always willing to help. If you love architecture or just want a great coffee spot, this is the place!

Marie Smith

United States

A wonderful place to visit, whether you are local or a tourist. Admission is free, though some exhibitions may have an extra charge. The variety of art, including sculptures, porcelain, silver, textiles, and installations is superb. Cafes have reasonable prices, and while the gift shop has some reasonably priced items, others can be overpriced, particularly scarves and jewelry. The gallery is accessible with escalators and lifts for those with mobility needs. Free guided tours are very good.