National Gallery of Victoria offers a great lesson in Australian cultural identity. Founded in 1861, the country's oldest public art museum has a vast collection of Australian Aboriginal, colonial, Impressionist, modern, and contemporary art. There's also an international collection, which displays ancient and modern work by artists from around the globe, including Picasso, Rembrandt, and Degas. Make sure you leave time to see some of the 15,000 snapshots in the museum's photo collection. Also check out what the rotating exhibitions are while you're in town. To visit National Gallery of Victoria and other attractions in Melbourne, use our Melbourne trip itinerary planner.
Tours to National Gallery of Victoria
National Gallery of Victoria reviews
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This museum was alright. We preferred the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney. The collection at NGV was heavily dominated by British and Western European art. I suppose that is expected given the name but..... more
This museum was alright. We preferred the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney. The collection at NGV was heavily dominated by British and Western European art. I suppose that is expected given the name but..... more »
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There are actually two NGVs: International, which is expansive, has a lot of art pieces, but is so-so, NGV Contemporary, which is still being built, and NGV Australia, which is a must-see. NGV...
There are actually two NGVs: International, which is expansive, has a lot of art pieces, but is so-so, NGV Contemporary, which is still being built, and NGV Australia, which is a must-see. NGV... more »
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One of the coolest FREE art galleries I have ever been to. Huge fan of the giant red room of paintings. It was glorious. Really loved this place. The information desk gentleman was also so patient and competent. He suggested starting at the top floor with contemporary art and moving downstairs as things get more ancient. I was a huge fan of the queer artists feature they had at the top floor. There was an amazing dance video with shiny curtains and the whole choreography was played backwards symbolizing how regressive our society is. Although I do identify as queer, anyone can appreciate how empowering it is to bring to light the struggles and voices of queer artists. Anyways, my favorite floor was the European painting floor. THE SHEEP SURROUNDED BY CROWS. Brilliant. I love art.
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Huge museum with lots to see. Free cloaking service at the entrance. Went for the Picasso exhibition. Simply amazing. There were some free exhibitions too on the upper floors. End up spending a good 3-4 hours here. The staff at the counter are really friendly and helpful.
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