NGV - National Gallery Victoria
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Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info
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Be seated in NGV’s elegant Tea Room and enjoy high tea, crafted by expert pastry chefs, ensuring every bite is a work of art.
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Indulge in a three-tiered high tea stand with house-made sweets and savouries against the backdrop of one of Australia's oldest art museums.
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Choose from an extensive selection of T2 teas, perfectly paired with fresh pastries and classic finger sandwiches.
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A special children’s high tea option is available, making this a delightful treat for guests of all ages.
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After tea, enjoy free access to NGV’s world-class permanent art collection and acclaimed rotating exhibitions.
More details
-
Be seated in NGV’s elegant Tea Room and enjoy high tea, crafted by expert pastry chefs, ensuring every bite is a work of art.
-
Indulge in a three-tiered high tea stand with house-made sweets and savouries against the backdrop of one of Australia's oldest art museums.
-
Choose from an extensive selection of T2 teas, perfectly paired with fresh pastries and classic finger sandwiches.
-
A special children’s high tea option is available, making this a delightful treat for guests of all ages.
-
After tea, enjoy free access to NGV’s world-class permanent art collection and acclaimed rotating exhibitions.
-
Step inside NGV International with full-day access to Westwood | Kawakubo, a world-first exhibition uniting two fashion icons in dialogue.
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Explore 140+ rare works, including 40 runway pieces donated by Rei Kawakubo.
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See Westwood’s silk ballgowns face Kawakubo’s vinyl deconstructions, corsets clash with sculptural voids, each gallery unfolding like a five-act opera.
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Stand inches from fashion landmarks: Kate Moss’s tartan gown, Sarah Jessica Parker’s Sex and the City wedding dress, Naomi Campbell’s platforms, and Rihanna’s 2017 Met Gala dress.
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Go beyond garments with film, photography, and archival material that unpack the cultural rebellions stitched into every piece.
More details
-
Step inside NGV International with full-day access to Westwood | Kawakubo, a world-first exhibition uniting two fashion icons in dialogue.
-
Explore 140+ rare works, including 40 runway pieces donated by Rei Kawakubo.
-
See Westwood’s silk ballgowns face Kawakubo’s vinyl deconstructions, corsets clash with sculptural voids, each gallery unfolding like a five-act opera.
-
Stand inches from fashion landmarks: Kate Moss’s tartan gown, Sarah Jessica Parker’s Sex and the City wedding dress, Naomi Campbell’s platforms, and Rihanna’s 2017 Met Gala dress.
-
Go beyond garments with film, photography, and archival material that unpack the cultural rebellions stitched into every piece.
Pro tips to help you make a pick
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About National Gallery of Victoria
The National Gallery of Victoria is one of Melbourne’s cultural cornerstones and a must-visit for anyone curious about art. From ancient artifacts to contemporary design, its collections trace creativity across continents and centuries. With headline-making exhibitions and a strong focus on Australia’s own artistic story, NGV stands out as the country’s most dynamic museum experience.
A large portion of NGV’s acquisitions come from the Felton Bequest (a bequest by Alfred Felton in 1904). Over the years, more than 15,000 works have been purchased through this fund.
The NGV International building is famously surrounded by a shallow moat and water features, part of a cohesive architectural vision to frame the gallery elegantly.
The recent Yayoi Kusama exhibition (2024–25) shattered NGV records: over 570,000 visitors, making it the most attended ticketed exhibition in NGV history and the highest attendance for a visual art show ever in Australia.
When Australia’s new National Gallery in Canberra was established, most state galleries dropped “National” from their names. NGV is the exception, officially retaining “National” in its name to this day.
The NGV is split across two sites: NGV International on St Kilda Road and The Ian Potter Center at Federation Square, which focuses on Australian art.
Why visit National Gallery of Victoria?
Plan your visit
NGV International Main Entrance (St Kilda Road)
Located at 180 St Kilda Road, opposite Arts Center Melbourne, this entrance is marked by the iconic Waterwall façade, a must-see even before you enter. It offers full wheelchair accessibility, with ramps, wide automatic doors, and accessible ticket counters.
The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia Entrance (Federation Square)
Found in the heart of Federation Square, steps from Flinders Street Station. Visitors enter via Swanston Street or Flinders Street, with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms throughout. Clear signage directs you from the square to the gallery doors.
- Closed days: Good Friday and Christmas Day.
- Extended hours: Select blockbuster exhibitions (like the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces) may have extended hours, check the NGV website before visiting.
- Ticketed exhibits: While permanent collections are free, tickets are required for major temporary exhibitions.
Complimentary service for large bags and coats.
Lockers are provided for visitor use near the entrance.
NGV Design Store offering art-inspired gifts and exclusive merchandise.
Garden Restaurant, Gallery Kitchen café, and Tea Room.
Located on every floor, with accessible facilities.
Free Wi-Fi is available for all visitors.
Paid parking beneath NGV International and at Federation Square (NGV Australia). Accessible spaces available.
Baby changing stations and nursing rooms available. Prams permitted in most areas.
Designated spaces may be available upon request; ask staff at the information desk.
On-site staff trained in first aid. Emergency assistance available through security.
Complimentary wheelchairs are available for loan at the entrance, on a first-come, first-served basis.
All public areas, entrances, and lifts are step-free and fully accessible for wheelchair users.
Elevators connect every floor of the gallery, providing easy access between exhibition levels.
Certified guide dogs and assistance animals are welcome throughout the gallery.
Motorised mobility scooters are permitted inside most gallery areas. Staff are available to assist with directions or support if needed.
Strollers and prams are welcome in most gallery spaces. Designated stroller parking may apply in some temporary exhibitions.
Courtesy buggies for young children are sometimes available; ask at the information desk for availability.
Nearby cities to explore
