Attraction Details
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is Australia’s oldest and most distinguished public art museum. The NGV Collection is spread over two locations — NGV International at 180 St Kilda Road and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square.
NGV International houses the Gallery’s collections of International art (extensive collection from Asia, Europe, Americas and Oceania) and is open 10:00am to 5:00pm (closed on Tuesdays, Good Friday and Christmas Day). The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia is home to the Australian art collection – including non-Indigenous art from the colonial period to the present day and works by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities. The Gallery is open 10:00am–5:00pm (closed on Mondays, Good Friday, Christmas Day).
The NGV Collection comprises more than 70,000 artworks spanning thousands of years, from the art of ancient civilisations through to the latest in contemporary art, reflecting a multitude of different disciplines, periods, styles and inspirations. There is always a diverse and dynamic range of exhibitions to explore and enjoy. Entry to the NGV Collection is free, however entry fees may apply to special exhibitions.
NGV Voluntary Guides conduct daily collection and exhibition tours. These are free unless special exhibition fees apply. Booking is not required and you meet the guide in the Foyer (Ground Level) at both buildings. The Daily Highlights Tours depart daily at 11:00am and 1:00pm and last around 45 minutes; the NGV Collection Tours depart daily at 12:00pm and 2:00pm and last around 60 minutes.
The NGV has a range of Access Tours including Audio Describing, Auslan Interpreted and Art and Memory tours (specifically designed for people with dementia and their carers). Designated Access days are organised for particular exhibitions and special viewings and tours can be arranged. For more information phone +61 3 8662 1555 or go to the website (link below). Voluntary Guides also offer tours in languages other than English.
For visitors requiring mobility assistance – The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia; The Russell Street extension is the best entry point for wheelchair access. Lift access to The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia is available from the Federation Square Plaza. It arrives at the automatic doors, located at the Gallery’s entrance through the Federation Square atrium. Lift access to NGV International is available from the Arts Centre underground car park. It arrives at the front entrance of the NGV.
There is a lift inside NGV International, with access to each floor and ramps are also provided throughout the building. Wheelchairs are available free of charge from the Information Desk. Best to book one prior to your visit. Wheelchair access is available in the Auditorium, Theatre, Studios and Education Theatres as well as throughout the gallery spaces. All statutory signage includes Braille and raised letters for vision–impaired visitors. Guide Dogs and other registered assistance dogs are welcome at the NGV, in the gallery spaces and to all programs.
