National Gallery of Victoria

See blockbuster international touring exhibitions and the world’s largest collection of Australian art at this revered cultural institution.

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) was opened in 1861 and is Australia’s oldest art gallery. The NGV consists of two venues: the NGV International located in Melbourne’s Southbank cultural precinct, and the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, in nearby Federation Square.

Before entering NGV International, be sure to appreciate the beauty of the building itself. The gallery’s imposing solid grey exterior is contrasted with the water features that surround it and the waterfall that gently cascades down its glass entrance. Once inside, stand beneath a rainbow of light under one of the world’s largest stained-glass ceilings.

The NGV International houses an extensive permanent collection of more than 66,000 artworks from Europe, Asia, America and Oceania. Browse sculpture, drawings, painting, photography and antiques created by international and domestic artists. The international collection houses works by the giants of the art world, including Bernini, Cézanne, Corregio, Manet, Monet and Picasso. The NGV also hosts major touring exhibitions from Europe, America and Asia.

Just a short stroll away in Federation Square, the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia has a collection devoted entirely to Australian art. The gallery features both indigenous and non-indigenous work from the colonial period (1788-1901) through to the present day. The collection is varied, featuring painting, photography, fashion and textiles, decorative arts and an extensive collection of indigenous work.

The Ian Potter Centre gives visitors a fantastic overview of how Australian art has developed. Of note are works from the famous Heidelberg School, the movement during which local artists strived to encapsulate the key aspects of Australian life, light and nature.

NGV International is open daily except Tuesday, while the Ian Potter Centre is closed Mondays. Both venues are closed Christmas Day and Good Friday. Admission is free except for some temporary and touring exhibitions. Tours and audio guides are available at both for a fee.

The NGV galleries are located in close proximity to one another; the NGV International is on St. Kilda Road and the Ian Potter Centre is located in Federation Square. Both are a short walk from Flinders Street Station, the city’s main train terminal.

180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006, Australia | View Google Map

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near National Gallery of Victoria

Eureka Tower

Go to the highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere at this soaring residential tower, which also offers fine dining with breathtaking views.

Eureka Skydeck 88

Rise above the city when you visit the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere and look out across the sprawling Melbourne skyline.

Australian Centre for Contemporary Art

From the building itself to the art inside, everything about Melbourne’s premier contemporary art center is designed to challenge and inspire.

Birrarung Marr Park

Inspired by the Woiwurrung word for the Yarra River, this inner-city parkland celebrates Aboriginal cultural heritage, native flora and thought-provoking sculptures.

Australian Centre for the Moving Image

Lovers of classic cinema, budding film makers and avid gamers will all delight in one of the world’s leading moving image museums.

Hotels near National Gallery of Victoria

Travelodge Hotel Melbourne Southbank

Corner of Southgate Ave & Riverside Quay

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex, Melbourne Central, and Melbourne Cricket Ground. Royal Botanic Gardens and Marvel Stadium are also within 2 mi (3 km). Flinders Street Station is 7 minutes by foot and Melbourne Central Station is 17 minutes.

Crown Metropol

WHITEMAN STREET,8

Rated 4.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Yarra Riverfront and Collins Street. Melbourne Central and Queen Victoria Market are also within 2 mi (3 km). Southern Cross Station is 13 minutes by foot and Flinders Street Station is 18 minutes.

The Langham, Melbourne

One Southgate Avenue

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Melbourne hotel is located on the riverwalk, within a 15-minute walk of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex. Rod Laver Arena and Melbourne Cricket Ground are also within 1 mi (2 km). Flinders Street Station is 6 minutes by foot and Melbourne Central Station is 17 minutes.

Crown Promenade

WHITEMAN STREET, 8

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Yarra Riverfront and Collins Street. Melbourne Central and Queen Victoria Market are also within 2 mi (3 km). Flinders Street Station is 12 minutes by foot and Flagstaff Station is 19 minutes.

Crown Towers Melbourne

8 WHITEMAN STREET,8

Rated 4.8 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Melbourne hotel is located on a river, within a 15-minute walk of Yarra Riverfront and Collins Street. Melbourne Central and Queen Victoria Market are also within 2 mi (3 km). Flinders Street Station is 16 minutes by foot and Southern Cross Station is 17 minutes.

City Tempo - Southbank Collection

187 City Road

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of Yarra Riverfront and Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex. Collins Street and Melbourne Central are also within 1 mi (2 km). Flinders Street Station is 14 minutes by foot and Southern Cross Station is 19 minutes.

Mantra Southbank Melbourne

31 City Road

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this aparthotel is within a 10-minute walk of Southbank Promenade and Collins Street. Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex and Rod Laver Arena are also within 1 mi (2 km). Flinders Street Station is 6 minutes by foot and Melbourne Central Station is 19 minutes.

Quay West Suites Melbourne

26 Southgate Avenue

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this luxury aparthotel is within a 5-minute walk of Melbourne Arts Centre and National Gallery of Victoria. SEA LIFE Melbourne and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre are also within 15 minutes. Flinders Street Station is only a 5-minute walk and Melbourne Central Station is 18 minutes.

City Tempo - SouthbankOne

180 City Road

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this aparthotel is within a 10-minute walk of Eureka Skydeck 88 and Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex. SEA LIFE Melbourne and Royal Botanic Gardens are also within 2 mi (3 km). Flinders Street Station is 13 minutes by foot and Flagstaff Station is 21 minutes.

City Tempo - MP Deluxe

241 City Road

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this luxury apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. South Melbourne Market and SEA LIFE Melbourne are also within 15 minutes. Flinders Street Station is 16 minutes by foot and Southern Cross Station is 18 minutes.

Urban Central Accommodation - Hostel

334 City Road

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this hostel is within a 15-minute walk of Yarra Riverfront and Collins Street. Melbourne Central and Rod Laver Arena are also within 2 mi (3 km). Southern Cross Station is 17 minutes by foot and Flinders Street Station is 19 minutes.

City Tempo - Whiteman St

63 Whiteman Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of Yarra Riverfront and Collins Street. Melbourne Central and Queen Victoria Market are also within 2 mi (3 km). Southern Cross Station is 13 minutes by foot and Flinders Street Station is 18 minutes.

Quest Southbank

12-16 Kavanagh Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this aparthotel is within a 10-minute walk of Eureka Skydeck 88, National Gallery of Victoria, and Southgate. Melbourne Arts Centre and Federation Square are also within 15 minutes. Flinders Street Station is 9 minutes by foot and Melbourne Central Station is 22 minutes.

Southbank Apartments - 28 Southgate

28 Southgate Avenue

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this apartment building is steps from Southbank Promenade and Melbourne Arts Centre. Federation Square and Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex are also within 15 minutes. Flinders Street Station is only a 4-minute walk and Melbourne Central Station is 17 minutes.

Inner Melbourne Serviced Apartments

173 -183 City Road

Rated 3.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this apartment building is within a 15-minute walk of Yarra Riverfront and Collins Street. Melbourne Central and Rod Laver Arena are also within 2 mi (3 km). Flinders Street Station is 13 minutes by foot and Southern Cross Station is 20 minutes.

Aria Hotel Apartments

285 City Road

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this luxury aparthotel is within a 10-minute walk of Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. DFO South Wharf and Marvel Stadium are also within 2 mi (3 km). Southern Cross Station is 16 minutes by foot and Flinders Street Station is 18 minutes.

Gem Apartments

63 Whiteman Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this apartment building is within a 5-minute walk of Yarra Riverfront and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. SEA LIFE Melbourne and Eureka Tower are also within 15 minutes. Southern Cross Station is 13 minutes by foot and Flinders Street Station is 18 minutes.

WRAP on Southbank

133 -139 City Road

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this luxury aparthotel is within a 5-minute walk of Southbank Promenade and Eureka Skydeck 88. Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre are also within 10 minutes. Flinders Street Station is 11 minutes by foot and Flagstaff Station is 20 minutes.