National Gallery of Victoria

Overview

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is Australia's oldest and most visited art museum, founded in 1861. Housed in a striking brutalist building on St Kilda Road, it holds over 75,000 works spanning international and Australian art.

Highlights

• The Great Hall: A stunning stained-glass ceiling by Leonard French, one of the largest in the world at 51 metres long, casts kaleidoscopic light across the interior.
• International Collection: Works by Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso, and contemporary artists are displayed across thoughtfully curated galleries.
• Water Wall: The iconic curtain of water cascading down the museum's façade has been a Melbourne landmark since 1968.

History

Founded in 1861, the NGV moved to its current Roy Grounds-designed building in 1968. A major renovation by Mario Bellini in 2003 modernised the interior while preserving its brutalist character. It is the most visited gallery in Australia.

Visitor Tips

• Free Entry: The permanent collection is always free; blockbuster exhibitions require tickets booked in advance.
• NGV Triennial: The free triennial exhibition (held every three years) is a major contemporary art event.
• Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours.