National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International)

Australia's oldest and most-visited art gallery, on St Kilda Road behind its famous water-wall entrance — a genuinely world-class collection from Rembrandt to contemporary design, and the permanent galleries are completely free. Open daily 10am–5pm. A friend would send you here on day one; only the blockbuster exhibitions cost money.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is the NGV good for kids?

Better than most major galleries — there's usually a free kids' exhibition or interactive space, and the water wall and Great Hall ceiling are instant hits. Free entry means no pressure if attention spans fade.

What are NGV International's opening hours?

Daily 10am to 5pm, closed Christmas Day and opening at 1pm on Anzac Day. Big exhibitions sometimes get extended or late-night hours — check the site.

Is the NGV free?

The permanent collection at NGV International is free every day — that includes Old Masters, Asian art, and the design galleries. Only major temporary exhibitions (like the Winter Masterpieces series) are ticketed.

What's the difference between NGV International and NGV Australia?

NGV International on St Kilda Road holds the global collection; The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Fed Square holds Australian and First Nations art. They're a 10-minute walk apart and both free — do both if you have the time.

How long do you need at the NGV?

Two to three hours for a satisfying pass of the permanent collection; art lovers can lose a full day. It's free, so short repeat visits work too.

What are the highlights of the free collection?

Rembrandt, Tiepolo's massive Banquet of Cleopatra, Picasso, a strong Asian art collection, and the Leonard French stained-glass ceiling in the Great Hall — lie on the floor under it; everyone does. The ground-floor water wall entrance is an icon in itself.

Do I need to book NGV tickets?

Not for the free permanent collection — walk straight in. Book ahead for ticketed blockbusters, especially weekends, and note a same-day exhibition ticket also covers the general collection.

How do I get to NGV International?

Walk 10 minutes from Flinders Street Station across Princes Bridge, or take any St Kilda Road tram one stop to the Arts Precinct. It's beside the Arts Centre spire — you can't miss the bluestone fortress and water wall.

Nearby in Ask Melbourne

• National Gallery of VictoriaAttraction0 km · 0 min walk
• Miss Gunn's Basement BarBar0.46 km · 6 min walk
• Koorie Heritage TrustMuseum0.5 km · 6 min walk
• Federation SquareAttraction0.51 km · 6 min walk
• Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)Museum0.56 km · 7 min walk