Are you looking for a cultural and artistic experience in Melbourne? Do you want to explore one of the worldβs leading art museums, with over 75,000 artworks spanning thousands of years and cultures? If yes, then you should not miss the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Australiaβs oldest and largest art museum.
The NGV has two locations: NGV International and NGV Australia, each with its own collection and exhibition. Whether you are interested in European masterpieces, Asian art, contemporary art, or indigenous art, you will find something to suit your taste and curiosity at the NGV.
In this article, we will provide you with all the information and tips you need to plan and enjoy a visit to the NGV. We will cover topics such as how to reach, when to visit, what to see and do, entry fee and opening hours, facilities and services, and nearby attractions and accommodation. By the end of this article, you will be ready to book your ticket and pack your bags for a memorable trip to the NGV.
How to Reach the NGV
The NGV is located in the heart of Melbourne, the capital city of Victoria and the second-most populous city in Australia. Melbourne is well-connected by air, road, rail, and sea to the rest of the country and the world. Depending on your mode of transportation and your starting point, you can choose from different ways to get to the NGV.
The NGV has two locations: NGV International and NGV Australia, which are about 1 km apart. NGV International is situated on St Kilda Road, near the Arts Centre Melbourne and the Royal Botanic Gardens. NGV Australia is located at the Ian Potter Centre, at Federation Square, opposite Flinders Street Station. Here are some of the options to reach the NGV from various places:
By flight:
Melbourne has two major airports: Melbourne Airport (MEL) and Avalon Airport (AVV). Melbourne Airport is the main international and domestic airport, located about 23 km from the city centre. Avalon Airport is a smaller domestic airport, located about 55 km from the city centre. From either airport, you can take a taxi, a bus, a train, or a shuttle service to reach the city centre, and then take a tram, a bus, a train, or a taxi to reach the NGV.
The travel time and cost will vary depending on the traffic, the route, and the mode of transportation. For example, from Melbourne Airport, you can take the SkyBus to Southern Cross Station, and then take the tram number 1 or 3/3a to NGV International, or the tram number 70 or 75 to NGV Australia. The total travel time will be about 45 minutes, and the total cost will be about $25 AUD per person.
By road:
Melbourne is connected by a network of highways and roads to the rest of Australia. You can drive, take a bus, or hire a car to reach the NGV from different cities and towns. The travel time and cost will depend on the distance, the road condition, and the tolls. For example, from Sydney, you can take the Hume Highway (M31) to Melbourne, and then follow the signs to the NGV. The total travel time will be about 9 hours, and the total cost will be about $150 AUD for fuel and tolls.
By train:
Melbourne has a well-developed and efficient public transport system, including trains, trams, and buses. You can take a train to Melbourne from different states and regions, and then take a tram, a bus, or a taxi to reach the NGV. The travel time and cost will vary depending on the origin, the destination, and the service. For example, from Adelaide, you can take the Overland train to Southern Cross Station, and then take the tram number 1 or 3/3a to NGV International, or the tram number 70 or 75 to NGV Australia. The total travel time will be about 11 hours, and the total cost will be about $120 AUD per person.
By sea:
Melbourne has a port and a ferry terminal, which offer services to and from Tasmania and other islands. You can take a ferry to Melbourne from different ports, and then take a tram, a bus, or a taxi to reach the NGV. The travel time and cost will depend on the departure, the arrival, and the service. For example, from Hobart, you can take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry to Station Pier, and then take the tram number 109 to Flinders Street Station, and then take the tram number 1 or 3/3a to NGV International, or the tram number 70 or 75 to NGV Australia. The total travel time will be about 12 hours, and the total cost will be about $200 AUD per person.
If you are travelling from India, you can find direct or connecting flights to Melbourne from various cities, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata. The flight time and cost will vary depending on the airline, the route, and the season. For example, from Delhi, you can take a direct flight to Melbourne with Air India, which will take about 12 hours, and cost about $800 AUD per person.
When to Visit the NGV
The NGV is open all year round, except for some public holidays and special occasions. You can visit the NGV at any time of the year, depending on your preference and availability. However, some factors may affect your visit experience, such as the weather, the crowd, and the events. Here are some tips to help you decide when to visit the NGV:
Weather:
Melbourne has a temperate oceanic climate, with four distinct seasons: summer (December to February), autumn (March to May), winter (June to August), and spring (September to November). The weather in Melbourne can be unpredictable and changeable, with hot and dry days, cold and wet days, and everything in between. The average temperature ranges from 14Β°C to 26Β°C in summer, and from 6Β°C to 14Β°C in winter. The average rainfall is about 600 mm per year, with most of it falling in winter and spring. The weather may affect your comfort and enjoyment of the NGV, especially if you want to explore the outdoor attractions, such as the waterwall, the sculpture garden, and the nearby parks. If you prefer warm and sunny weather, you may want to visit the NGV in summer or autumn, when the days are longer and brighter, and the flowers are blooming. If you donβt mind cold and rainy weather, you may want to visit the NGV in winter or spring, when the crowds are smaller and the prices are lower, and the art is more cozy and inviting.
Crowd:
The NGV is one of the most popular and visited attractions in Melbourne, attracting over 3 million visitors per year. The crowd at the NGV may vary depending on the day, the time, and the season. Generally, the NGV is more crowded on weekends, holidays, and school breaks, and less crowded on weekdays and off-peak periods. The crowd may also depend on the exhibitions and events that are taking place at the NGV, which may attract more or less visitors. The crowd may affect your access and enjoyment of the NGV, especially if you want to see the popular and famous artworks, such as the European masterpieces, the triennial, and the stained glass ceiling. If you want to avoid the crowd and enjoy the NGV at your own pace, you may want to visit the NGV on weekdays and early mornings or late afternoons, when the visitors are fewer and the queues are shorter. If you donβt mind the crowd and enjoy the buzz and energy of the NGV, you may want to visit the NGV on weekends and peak periods, when the visitors are more and the atmosphere is more lively and festive.
Events:
The NGV hosts a variety of events and exhibitions throughout the year, which showcase the latest and greatest in art, design, and architecture from around the world. The events and exhibitions at the NGV may enhance your visit experience, as they offer you the opportunity to see and learn something new and exciting, and to interact and engage with the artists and the artworks. Some of the events and exhibitions that take place at the NGV are:
Triennial: The triennial is the major exhibition of the NGV, held every three years, presenting the latest trends and innovations in art, design, and architecture from around the world. The triennial features over 100 artists and designers from more than 30 countries, who create works that challenge, inspire, and provoke. The triennial covers a range of themes and topics, such as the environment, the society, the identity, and the technology. The triennial is free to enter and open to all, and runs for about four months, from December to April.
Winter Masterpieces: The winter masterpieces is the annual exhibition of the NGV, held every winter, showcasing the works of some of the most renowned and influential artists in history. The winter masterpieces features works from different periods, regions, and genres, such as impressionism, modernism, surrealism, and pop art. The winter masterpieces attracts millions of visitors from across Australia and the world, who come to see the rare and exclusive artworks that are usually displayed in the worldβs leading museums, such as the Louvre, the Met, and the Tate. The winter masterpieces requires a ticket to enter and runs for about four months, from June to October.
The Asian Art: The Asian Art is the largest and most comprehensive collection of Asian art in Australia, featuring works from various regions, periods, and traditions, such as China, Japan, India, Southeast Asia, and Tibet. The Asian Art spans from the ancient to the contemporary, and covers various forms and genres, such as ceramics, paintings, sculptures, textiles, and prints. The Asian Art showcases the richness, diversity, and sophistication of Asian art, and offers a glimpse into the history, culture, and spirituality of Asia. Some of the highlights of the Asian Art are: The Guanyin of the Southern Sea by an unknown Chinese artist, The Tale of Genji by Tosa Mitsunobu, The Dancing Shiva by an unknown Indian artist, The Buddha and the Eight Great Bodhisattvas by an unknown Tibetan artist, and The Five Elements by Ai Weiwei.
The Contemporary Art: The Contemporary Art is the most dynamic and innovative collection of the NGV, featuring works from the 20th and 21st centuries, from Australia and the world. The Contemporary Art reflects the current and emerging trends and issues in art, society, and the world, such as the environment, the identity, the technology, and the politics. The Contemporary Art covers a range of media and styles, such as photography, video, installation, performance, and digital art. The Contemporary Art challenges, inspires, and provokes the viewers, and invites them to interact and engage with the artworks and the artists. Some of the notable and popular works in the Contemporary Art are: The Skulls by Ron Mueck, The Pixel Box by Nam June Paik, The Weather Project by Olafur Eliasson, The NGV Triennial, and The NGV Kids.
The Waterwall: The Waterwall is one of the most iconic and beloved features of the NGV, located at the entrance of NGV International. The Waterwall is a large glass wall, with water cascading down from the top to the bottom, creating a curtain of water that separates the outside from the inside. The Waterwall is a symbol of the NGVβs vision and mission, to be a place of art, creativity, and innovation, and to connect and engage with the public and the environment. The Waterwall is also a fun and interactive attraction, as visitors can walk through the water, touch the glass, and see their reflections and shadows.
NGV Australia
NGV Australia is the second building of the NGV, showcasing the Australian art collection and the indigenous art. It is located at the Ian Potter Centre, at Federation Square, a modern and vibrant cultural and civic precinct in Melbourne. Some of the highlights of NGV Australia are:
The Ian Potter Centre: The Ian Potter Centre is the home of NGV Australia, and the worldβs first major gallery dedicated exclusively to Australian art. The Ian Potter Centre is a stunning and spacious building, with a distinctive design, a spectacular atrium, and a panoramic view of the city. The Ian Potter Centre houses over 20,000 artworks, from the colonial to the contemporary, and from the urban to the regional, representing the diversity and excellence of Australian art and culture.
The Australian Art: The Australian Art is the core collection of NGV Australia, featuring works from the 18th century to the present, from various genres and movements, such as landscape, portrait, impressionism, modernism, and abstraction. The Australian Art celebrates the achievements and contributions of Australian artists, and reflects the history, identity, and society of Australia. Some of the famous and favourite works in the Australian Art are: The Pioneer by Frederick McCubbin, Shearing the Rams by Tom Roberts, The Golden Fleece by Arthur Streeton, The Banquet by John Brack, and The Olgas for Ernest Giles by Brett Whiteley.
The Indigenous Art: The Indigenous Art is the special collection of NGV Australia, featuring works from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the original and oldest inhabitants of Australia. The Indigenous Art spans from the ancient to the contemporary, and covers various forms and genres, such as bark paintings, dot paintings, sculptures, baskets, and jewellery. The Indigenous Art showcases the richness, diversity, and complexity of Indigenous art, and offers a glimpse into the history, culture, and spirituality of Indigenous peoples. Some of the highlights of the Indigenous Art are: The Ancestral Beings by an unknown Tiwi artist, The Rainbow Serpent by an unknown Arnhem Land artist, The Papunya Tula by various Western Desert artists, The Yirrkala Drawings by various Yolngu artists, and The Aboriginal Memorial by various Ramingining artists.
Entry Fee and Opening Hours of the NGV
The NGV is open to the public and welcomes visitors of all ages and backgrounds. The entry fee and the opening hours of the NGV may vary depending on the location and the exhibition. Here are some of the details and information you need to know before you visit the NGV:
Entry Fee:
The general admission to the NGV is free, except for some special exhibitions and events that require a ticket. The ticket prices and the booking options may vary depending on the exhibition and the event. You can buy your tickets online, on-site, or through a tour package. Some of the current and upcoming exhibitions and events that require a ticket are: European Masterpieces from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York ($28 AUD for adults, $10 AUD for children), NGV Triennial 2020 (free, but bookings essential), and Melbourne Art Book Fair 2021 (free, but bookings essential).
Opening Hours: The opening hours and the closing days of the NGV may vary depending on the location and the season. Generally, the NGV is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, except for some public holidays and special occasions. NGV International is closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday, and NGV Australia is closed on Mondays. You can check the NGV website for the latest updates and information on the opening hours and the closing days of the NGV.
Facilities and Services at the NGV
The NGV offers a range of facilities and services that can enhance your visit experience and convenience. Whether you want to grab a bite, buy a souvenir, store your belongings, or access the museum with ease, you will find what you need at the NGV. Here are some of the facilities and services that are available at both NGV International and NGV Australia:
Cafes and restaurants:
The NGV has several cafes and restaurants that offer a variety of food and drinks, from snacks and coffee to fine dining and wine. You can enjoy the views of the gardens, the artworks, and the city while you savour the flavours of the NGV. Some of the cafes and restaurants that you can find at the NGV are:
The Tea Room: The Tea Room is a classic and elegant cafe, located on the first floor of NGV International. It offers a selection of tea, coffee, cakes, sandwiches, and salads, as well as a traditional afternoon tea service. The Tea Room is open daily from 10 am to 4:30 pm, and the afternoon tea service is available from 11 am to 4 pm. The prices range from $6 AUD to $55 AUD per person, and the reservations are recommended.
The Garden Restaurant: The Garden Restaurant is a modern and stylish restaurant, located on the ground floor of NGV International. It offers a seasonal menu of contemporary Australian cuisine, featuring local and organic ingredients. The Garden Restaurant is open daily from 11:30 am to 3 pm, and the prices range from $18 AUD to $36 AUD per person. The reservations are recommended.
The Crossbar Cafe: The Crossbar Cafe is a casual and cozy cafe, located on the ground floor of NGV International. It offers a range of hot and cold drinks, pastries, sandwiches, and salads, as well as a daily special. The Crossbar Cafe is open daily from 10 am to 4:30 pm, and the prices range from $4 AUD to $15 AUD per person. The reservations are not required.
The Persimmon: The Persimmon is a chic and sophisticated restaurant, located on the third floor of NGV Australia. It offers a fusion of Asian and Australian cuisine, featuring fresh and exotic ingredients. The Persimmon is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 11:30 am to 3 pm, and the prices range from $22 AUD to $38 AUD per person. The reservations are recommended.
Shops and bookstores:
The NGV has several shops and bookstores that offer a variety of products and gifts, from books and magazines to art prints and jewellery. You can find something for yourself or for your loved ones, inspired by the artworks and the exhibitions of the NGV. Some of the shops and bookstores that you can find at the NGV are:
The NGV Design Store: The NGV Design Store is a curated and creative shop, located on the ground floor of NGV International. It offers a range of products and gifts, such as books, magazines, art prints, posters, cards, stationery, homewares, accessories, and jewellery, designed by local and international artists and designers. The NGV Design Store is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and the prices range from $5 AUD to $500 AUD per item.
The NGV Gallery Store: The NGV Gallery Store is a dedicated and exclusive shop, located on the first floor of NGV International. It offers a range of products and gifts, such as books, catalogues, art prints, posters, cards, stationery, homewares, accessories, and jewellery, related to the current and past exhibitions and events of the NGV. The NGV Gallery Store is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and the prices range from $10 AUD to $1000 AUD per item.
The NGV Kids Corner: The NGV Kids Corner is a fun and friendly shop, located on the ground floor of NGV International. It offers a range of products and gifts, such as books, toys, games, puzzles, stickers, and crafts, for children and families, inspired by the artworks and the exhibitions of the NGV. The NGV Kids Corner is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and the prices range from $2 AUD to $50 AUD per item.
Cloakrooms and lockers: The NGV has free and secure storage facilities for your coats, bags, umbrellas, and other items, located on the ground floor of both NGV International and NGV Australia. You can use the cloakrooms and lockers to store your belongings while you explore the museum, and retrieve them when you leave. The cloakrooms and lockers are open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and the capacity is limited. You may need to show your ticket or your ID to use the cloakrooms and lockers.
Accessibility options: The NGV is committed to making the museum accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their abilities or needs. The NGV offers a range of accessibility options, such as wheelchair access, lift access, hearing loops, large print labels, and guided tours for visitors with disabilities. You can find more information and assistance on the accessibility options at the information desks, located on the ground floor of both NGV International and NGV Australia. You can also contact the NGV staff or the NGV website for any queries or requests regarding the accessibility options.
Nearby Attractions and Accommodation
The NGV is not only a destination in itself, but also a gateway to other attractions and accommodation options in Melbourne. Whether you want to explore more of the cityβs culture, history, and nature, or relax and unwind after a day of art, you will find something to suit your preference and budget near the NGV. Here are some of the nearby attractions and accommodation options that are close to both NGV International and NGV Australia:
Nearby attractions: Melbourne is a vibrant and diverse city, with a lot to offer to visitors of all ages and interests. You can find a range of attractions and activities near the NGV, such as:
The Royal Botanic Gardens: The Royal Botanic Gardens are one of the most beautiful and serene places in Melbourne, located just across the road from NGV International. The Royal Botanic Gardens are home to over 8,500 plant species, from Australia and around the world, spread over 36 hectares of landscaped gardens and lawns. You can enjoy a walk, a picnic, a guided tour, or a boat ride at the Royal Botanic Gardens, and admire the views of the lake, the city, and the Shrine of Remembrance. The Royal Botanic Gardens are open daily from 7:30 am to sunset, and the entry is free.
The Shrine of Remembrance: The Shrine of Remembrance is one of the most iconic and important landmarks in Melbourne, located on a hill near the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Shrine of Remembrance is a war memorial, dedicated to the men and women who served and died in the wars and conflicts involving Australia. You can visit the Shrine of Remembrance, and see the exhibits, the sculptures, the eternal flame, and the Ray of Light ceremony. The Shrine of Remembrance is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and the entry is free.
The Arts Centre Melbourne: The Arts Centre Melbourne is the cultural and entertainment hub of Melbourne, located next to NGV International. The Arts Centre Melbourne is a complex of theatres, concert halls, galleries, and studios, hosting a variety of performances and events, such as opera, ballet, musicals, comedy, and festivals. You can visit the Arts Centre Melbourne, and see a show, a exhibition, or a tour, or enjoy a drink or a meal at one of the bars and restaurants. The Arts Centre Melbourne is open daily from 9 am to late, and the ticket prices and the booking options vary depending on the performance and the event.
The Yarra River: The Yarra River is the lifeblood and the backbone of Melbourne, flowing through the city and dividing it into two parts. The Yarra River offers a range of attractions and activities along its banks, such as parks, bridges, markets, and museums. You can enjoy a stroll, a bike ride, a cruise, or a kayak on the Yarra River, and see the sights and sounds of the city from a different perspective. The Yarra River is open and accessible at all times, and the prices and the booking options vary depending on the activity.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground: The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is the largest and most famous stadium in Australia, located about 2 km from NGV International. The MCG is the home of Australian rules football and cricket, hosting some of the most prestigious and popular matches and events, such as the AFL Grand Final, the Boxing Day Test, and the ICC World Cup. You can visit the MCG, and watch a game, a concert, or a tour, or explore the National Sports Museum, which showcases the history and the heroes of Australian sport. The MCG is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and the ticket prices and the booking options vary depending on the match and the event.
Nearby accommodation:
Melbourne has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels, catering to different needs and preferences. You can find some of the best and closest accommodation options near the NGV, such as:
The Langham Melbourne: The Langham Melbourne is a five-star hotel, located on the banks of the Yarra River, opposite NGV International. The Langham Melbourne offers elegant and spacious rooms and suites, with views of the river, the city, or the gardens. The Langham Melbourne also offers a range of facilities and services, such as a spa, a pool, a gym, a restaurant, a bar, and a lounge. The Langham Melbourne is open and available at all times, and the room rates and the booking options vary depending on the season and the availability.
The Grand Hyatt Melbourne: The Grand Hyatt Melbourne is a five-star hotel, located on Collins Street, near NGV Australia. The Grand Hyatt Melbourne offers luxurious and comfortable rooms and suites, with views of the city, the river, or the park. The Grand Hyatt Melbourne also offers a range of facilities and services, such as a spa, a pool, a gym, a restaurant, a bar, and a club. The Grand Hyatt Melbourne is open and available at all times, and the room rates and the booking options vary depending on the season and the availability.
The Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne: The Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne is a four-star hotel, located on Flinders Street, near NGV Australia. The Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne offers modern and cozy apartments and studios, with kitchens, living areas, and balconies. The Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne also offers a range of facilities and services, such as a pool, a gym, a restaurant, a bar, and a parking. The Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne is open and available at all times, and the room rates and the booking options vary depending on the season and the availability.
The City Centre Budget Hotel: The City Centre Budget Hotel is a two-star hotel, located on Little Collins Street, near NGV Australia. The City Centre Budget Hotel offers basic and affordable rooms and dorms, with shared bathrooms and kitchens. The City Centre Budget Hotel also offers a range of facilities and services, such as a rooftop garden, a lounge, a laundry, and a wifi. The City Centre Budget Hotel is open and available at all times, and the room rates and the booking options vary depending on the season and the availability.
The NGV is one of the best and most rewarding attractions in Melbourne, offering a cultural and artistic experience that you will never forget. Whether you are a fan of European masterpieces, Asian art, contemporary art, or indigenous art, you will find something to suit your taste and curiosity at the NGV.
In this article, we have provided you with all the information and tips you need to plan and enjoy a visit to the NGV. We have covered topics such as how to reach, when to visit, what to see and do, entry fee and opening hours, facilities and services, and nearby attractions and accommodation. By the end of this article, you should be ready to book your ticket and pack your bags for a memorable trip to the NGV.
If you want to make your visit to the NGV even more convenient and enjoyable, you may want to consider booking a tour package that offers the best value and service for visiting the NGV and the nearby attractions and accommodation. You can find some of the best and most reliable tour packages on Tripoto, the leading online platform for travel and tourism in India and the world. Tripoto offers a variety of tour packages to Melbourne and the NGV, catering to different needs and preferences, such as duration, budget, and itinerary. You can browse, compare, and book your tour package on Tripoto, and enjoy the benefits of hassle-free booking, secure payment, and 24/7 customer support.
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