The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), located in Melbourne, is Australia’s oldest public art museum and a must-see destination for art lovers visiting the city. Founded in 1861, the NGV houses an extensive collection of Australian and international art spanning thousands of years of human history.
One of the highlights of the NGV’s collection is its impressive array of Australian art. Visitors can see works by iconic Australian artists such as Tom Roberts, Frederick McCubbin, and Grace Cossington Smith, as well as contemporary artists like Tracey Moffatt and Bill Henson. The gallery also features a dedicated Australian Indigenous Art section, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous Australians through a variety of mediums including painting, sculpture, and textiles.
In addition to its collection of Australian art, the NGV also boasts a diverse range of international art. Visitors can explore works by famous European painters such as Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, as well as ancient Egyptian art, Asian art, and more. The gallery’s collection of international art is vast and diverse, giving visitors an opportunity to see a wide variety of styles and periods from across the globe.
Beyond the galleries themselves, the NGV also offers visitors a variety of other ways to engage with the art on display. The gallery regularly hosts special exhibitions, which feature works from its permanent collection or loans from other institutions. They also offer tours and talks, providing visitors with an in-depth look at the art and the artists who created it. In addition, the NGV offers a variety of educational programs for visitors of all ages, including workshops and artist talks.
Another interesting aspect of NGV is the iconic architecture of the building itself. The main entrance is located on St Kilda Road, where visitors can admire the stunning marble facades and the grand staircases. The NGV International is located in the Ian Potter Centre, which was opened in 2002 and designed by Lab Architecture Studio.
Overall, the National Gallery of Victoria is a must-visit destination for art lovers visiting Melbourne. With an extensive collection of Australian and international art, as well as a variety of special exhibitions and educational programs, the NGV offers something for everyone. The gallery is open every day except for Christmas day, entry is free to all the collection galleries and exhibitions.