NGV Melbourne Tickets | Exhibitions, Events & Experiences

Discover National Gallery of Victoria: Australia’s oldest, Melbourne’s boldest art museum

The National Gallery of Victoria is spread across two iconic Melbourne sites:

NGV International (St Kilda Road): Home to global art treasures, from Renaissance masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary works, plus rotating blockbuster exhibitions.
NGV Australia (The Ian Potter Centre, Federation Square): The first major gallery dedicated entirely to Australian art, showcasing Indigenous, colonial, and modern stories.

While entry to the permanent collections is free, major special exhibitions and events require paid, timed tickets. Whether you’re here for a quick highlights visit, a deep dive into exhibitions, or a family day out, NGV offers experiences that fit every kind of traveler.

What to expect at National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne

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Iconic architecture

Step through NGV International’s shimmering Waterwall and relax under Leonard French’s stained-glass ceiling in the Great Hall.

Explore the permanent collection

Wander through NGV’s free galleries, home to more than 70,000 works by European masters like Picasso and Tiepolo, Asian ceramics and prints, and contemporary Australian voices all under one roof.

Current and upcoming exhibitions

See the world's best

From fashion icons to French Impressionists, NGV’s blockbuster exhibitions bring international art to Melbourne. Current highlights include Klippel: Mechanical/Organic (free) and, from October 2025, The Stars We Do Not See, the largest-ever showcase of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.

Dine among art

Pause your gallery wanderings with indulgent high tea in the Tea Room or a seasonal menu at the Garden Restaurant, both designed to extend the creative experience.

Bring the whole family

With NGV Kids installations, hands-on workshops, and child-friendly trails, little explorers are kept just as engaged as adults.

Plan your visit

Things to know before booking your National Gallery of Victoria tickets

General entry is free. You don’t need a ticket to explore the permanent collections at NGV International or NGV Australia.
Special exhibitions are ticketed: Major shows like French Impressionism (June–Oct 2025) and Westwood | Kawakubo (Dec 2025–Apr 2026) require a paid ticket and often sell out, so advance booking is essential.
Dining experiences inside NGV: Book High Tea in the Tea Room or a 3-Course Lunch at the Garden Restaurant, both paired with gallery access.
Free guided tours: One-hour highlight tours of the permanent collection run daily and don’t require booking. Led by volunteer guides, they focus on key works and themes, making them a great way to get oriented. For special exhibitions, NGV also offers ticketed tours and occasional curator talks.
Concession tickets: Discounts apply for students, seniors, veterans, and carers. Companion Card holders get free admission for a registered companion.
NGV Membership: Members receive exhibition discounts, one free ticket per year, priority entry, and exclusive offers.

Which NGV ticket is best for you?

French Impressionist paintings displayed at the NGV for Melbourne Winter Masterpieces® 2025.

Exhibition tickets from AU$45

Best for: Art lovers eager to see rare, time-limited exhibitions alongside NGV’s international and Australian highlights

Duration: Timed entry, valid all day
Includes: Entry to one major exhibition (e.g., French Impressionism, Westwood | Kawakubo) and access to NGV’s permanent collection
Upgrades: None. Exhibition tickets are standalone, but you can add a free guided tour of the permanent collection to round out your visit.

Top picks

Melbourne Winter Masterpieces®: French Impressionism (Closes Oct 5)

Westwood | Kawakubo Exhibition (Opens 7 Dec 2025)

Explore NGV’s galleries and collections

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Special exhibitions

Experience NGV’s rotating blockbusters, from French Impressionism to Westwood | Kawakubo. These world-class shows run for a limited time, so don’t miss your chance.

Check current & upcoming exhibitions

Asian art & early European

You'll see exquisite Chinese ceramics, Japanese woodblock prints, and textiles from across Asia, alongside early European works from the Medieval and Renaissance periods.

European & international masters

Masterpieces from the 15th–19th centuries sit alongside decorative arts, sculpture, and global treasures. This is where NGV’s best-known Old Masters live.

Contemporary and modern art

From postwar abstraction to cutting-edge installations, the top floor showcases bold ideas and new acquisitions that reflect today’s global art scene.

Sculpture garden and outdoor spaces

Step outside into a tranquil garden dotted with sculptures and often home to annual architectural installations, a quiet contrast to the buzzing galleries inside.

Ian Potter Center at NGV Australia

At Federation Square, this sister gallery is dedicated entirely to Australian art, from Indigenous works and colonial painting to contemporary icons.

Learn more about NGV

Plan your visit to the National Gallery of Victoria

French Impressionist paintings displayed in an orange gallery at NGV, Melbourne Winter Masterpieces 2025.

Open daily 10am to 5pm at both NGV International and NGV Australia. Last entry: 30 minutes before closing.
Closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day.
On ANZAC Day (25 April), open from 1pm to 5pm.

Best time to visit

Weekdays: Arrive before 11am or after 3:30pm for quieter galleries.
Weekends & holidays: Expect larger crowds, especially families.
Peak exhibitions: Melbourne Winter Masterpieces (June–Aug) draws the biggest crowds; visit early in the day or midweek.

Check best times to visit

NGV International: 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne (Arts Precinct) | Find on maps

By tram: Multiple routes (1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67, 72) stop on St Kilda Road (for NGV International).
Walking/train: From Flinders Street Station, it’s a ~10–15 minute walk toward the Arts Precinct and Federation Square.
Parking: Paid parking is available at nearby precinct garages (Arts Center Melbourne, Federation Square).

NGV Australia (Ian Potter Center): Federation Square, Melbourne | Find on maps

Getting to NGV

Tourists outside National Gallery of Victoria, enjoying garden view before 3-course lunch.

NGV International (St Kilda Road): Main entrance marked by the dramatic Waterwall; step-free and accessible.
NGV Australia (Fed Square): Accessible from Swanston and Flinders Streets, with ramps and elevators.
All visitors undergo security screening.
Online or printed tickets may be scanned at entry; collector counters also available.

Visitors dining at Garden Restaurant, NGV International, Melbourne, with garden view.

Restrooms & baby change: Available on all levels; accessible toilets throughout.
Cloakroom & lockers: Free cloak service for large bags, backpacks, and umbrellas.
Wi-Fi: Free across both galleries.
Dining & retail:
- Garden Restaurant: Seasonal menus 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM (Friday nights extended during exhibitions)
- Tea Room: High Tea, light fare, wine & coffee options
- Gallery Kitchen/café for snacks & casual meals.

Plan your visit

Visitor with headphones viewing French Impressionist painting at NGV Melbourne exhibition.

Step-free access: Both NGV sites have ramps, lifts, and wide corridors.
Restrooms: Accessible and gender-neutral toilets on all levels.
Wheelchair & scooter hire: Free loan available at entrances; pre-book recommended.
Hearing loops: Installed in auditorium, education theatres, and select gallery spaces.
Sensory-friendly options: NGV runs relaxed sessions with reduced noise and lighting, designed for visitors with autism or sensory sensitivities. Designated quiet spaces are also available on request.
Service animals: Welcome throughout both galleries.

Service dog in red vest beside wheelchair user.

Photography: Allowed in most areas, but no flash, tripods, selfie sticks, or drones. Some temporary exhibitions may prohibit photography altogether; check signage.
Food & drink: Not permitted in galleries; only allowed in NGV cafés and restaurants.
Baggage: Large bags, backpacks, umbrellas, and suitcases must be checked into the free cloakroom. Carry only essentials inside.
Etiquette: Speak softly, keep phones on silent, and do not touch artworks or lean on display cases.
Smoking & vaping: Prohibited inside all NGV buildings and courtyards.
Animals: Only service animals are permitted.

From Hokusai to Picasso: NGV’s Must-see artworks

Cleopatra at a banquet table with attendants, National Gallery of Victoria.

The Banquet of Cleopatra by Giambattista Tiepolo (1743) | Level 2, European Art Galleries

A dramatic Old Master painting, famed for its opulence and storytelling, and one of NGV’s most celebrated highlights.

Weeping Woman painting by Picasso at National Gallery of Victoria.

The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai, displayed at National Gallery of Victoria.

Abstract painting "Big Yam Dreaming" by Kwementyay Kngwarreye at National Gallery of Victoria.

Stained-glass ceiling by Leonard French at National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pre-book tickets or can I walk in?

General entry to the permanent collection is free and doesn’t require a booking. Special exhibitions like French Impressionism or Westwood | Kawakubo need a ticket, which can be pre-booked online to avoid queues.

How long should I plan for a visit to NGV?

Most visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring highlights, though art lovers often stay half a day. With two sites (NGV International and NGV Australia), you can choose to see both in one day or split across visits.

Are kids welcome at NGV?

Yes, NGV is family-friendly. Kids can enjoy NGV Kids exhibitions, workshops, and holiday programs, while parents explore the galleries. Prams and strollers are permitted, and baby-changing facilities are available.

Can I bring my camera inside NGV?

Photography is allowed in most permanent collection areas, but flash, tripods, and selfie sticks are not. Some special exhibitions prohibit photography altogether; look for signage or check with staff.

Is there food available on-site?

Yes, NGV has several dining options, including the Tea Room for high tea and the Garden Restaurant for seasonal menus. Cafés also serve light meals, coffee, and family-friendly options.

Does NGV host events or evening programs?

Yes, NGV Friday Nights combine live music, food, and after-hours access to exhibitions. The gallery also runs public talks, lectures, and seasonal festivals like the NGV Triennial.

Does NGV have audio guides or an app?

Yes. NGV offers a free mobile app with exhibition highlights, self-guided tours, and collection information. Printed maps are also available at the entrance.

Can I visit both NGV International and NGV Australia on the same day?

Absolutely. The two sites are just a 10-minute walk apart, connected by St Kilda Road and Federation Square. Entry to both is free for permanent collections.

Where are the best photo spots at NGV?

Popular spots include the Waterwall at NGV International’s entrance and the kaleidoscopic Great Hall ceiling. Both are visitor favorites for Instagram.

More reads

Interior view of the NGV showcasing French Impressionist paintings during Melbourne Winter Masterpieces 2025.

Exhibitions at NGV

Crowd at NGV International in Melbourne during Lunar New Year 2023 celebration.

Plan your visit to NGV

Aerial view of Melbourne skyline with highways and green spaces in the foreground.

Getting to NGV

NGV opening hours

140+ rare works from Vivienne Westwood & Rei Kawakubo, including Rihanna’s 2017 Met Gala dress.

Everything you get: Entry to NGV International's Westwood | Kawakubo, showcasing garments, film, photography, and archival material. Explore five themed galleries: Punk and Provocation, The Body, and The Power of Clothes.
Why choose this: Westwood’s tartans, corsets, and punk originals sit with Kawakubo’s radical silhouettes; spot Naomi Campbell’s platforms, Kate Moss’s tartan gown, and Sarah Jessica Parker’s Sex and the City wedding dress. A rare chance to see both legacies outside Paris, London, or Tokyo.

Inclusions

Entry ticket to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International)
Access to Westwood | Kawakubo exhibition (7 Dec 25 to 19 Apr 26) featuring works of British designer Vivienne Westwood and Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo
Access to permanent collection with over 75,000 works
Access to free exhibitions and tours (e.g., Escher X nendo A House for Escher, Lee Bul Untitled, Another other: The Photo-Politics of Gary Lee Artist Room

Exclusions

Entry to other paid exhibitions

Meals and refreshments

What to bring

Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.
Consider bringing a water bottle; refill stations are available on site.
Dress comfortably for walking and standing, as you may spend several hours exploring the galleries.

What’s not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed inside the gallery for security reasons.
Food and beverages are not permitted in the exhibition spaces.
Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment are not allowed inside the exhibition spaces.
Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes are strictly prohibited within the gallery premises.

Accessibility

The National Gallery of Victoria is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators available throughout the building.
Accessible restrooms are available on site.
Assistance is available for visitors with mobility needs; please approach staff for support.

Additional information

Doors open from 7 December 2025 to 19 April 2026. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in and avoid queues.
Your ticket includes access to the NGV’s permanent collection and free exhibitions; some special exhibitions may require an additional admission fee.
Children can enter for free, but adults and concession holders may need to pay for certain exhibitions.
The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 5pm, and closed on Mondays.
The NGV is located in Federation Square and is easily accessible by public transport.
Meals and refreshments are not included in your ticket; on-site cafes are available for purchase.
The gallery can be busy during weekends and public holidays; consider visiting on weekdays for a quieter experience.
The exhibition uses borrowed and donated works. Please respect display barriers and don’t touch the art for preservation.

These tickets are valid until 19 April, 2026.

140+ rare works from Vivienne Westwood & Rei Kawakubo, including Rihanna’s 2017 Met Gala dress.

Everything you get: Entry to NGV International's Westwood | Kawakubo, showcasing garments, film, photography, and archival material. Explore five themed galleries: Punk and Provocation, The Body, and The Power of Clothes.
Why choose this: Westwood’s tartans, corsets, and punk originals sit with Kawakubo’s radical silhouettes; spot Naomi Campbell’s platforms, Kate Moss’s tartan gown, and Sarah Jessica Parker’s Sex and the City wedding dress. A rare chance to see both legacies outside Paris, London, or Tokyo.

Inclusions

Entry ticket to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International)
Access to Westwood | Kawakubo exhibition (7 Dec 25 to 19 Apr 26) featuring works of British designer Vivienne Westwood and Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo
Access to permanent collection with over 75,000 works
Access to free exhibitions and tours (e.g., Escher X nendo A House for Escher, Lee Bul Untitled, Another other: The Photo-Politics of Gary Lee Artist Room

Exclusions

Entry to other paid exhibitions

Meals and refreshments

What to bring

Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.
Consider bringing a water bottle; refill stations are available on site.
Dress comfortably for walking and standing, as you may spend several hours exploring the galleries.

What’s not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed inside the gallery for security reasons.
Food and beverages are not permitted in the exhibition spaces.
Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment are not allowed inside the exhibition spaces.
Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes are strictly prohibited within the gallery premises.

Accessibility

The National Gallery of Victoria is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators available throughout the building.
Accessible restrooms are available on site.
Assistance is available for visitors with mobility needs; please approach staff for support.

Additional information

Doors open from 7 December 2025 to 19 April 2026. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in and avoid queues.
Your ticket includes access to the NGV’s permanent collection and free exhibitions; some special exhibitions may require an additional admission fee.
Children can enter for free, but adults and concession holders may need to pay for certain exhibitions.
The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 5pm, and closed on Mondays.
The NGV is located in Federation Square and is easily accessible by public transport.
Meals and refreshments are not included in your ticket; on-site cafes are available for purchase.
The gallery can be busy during weekends and public holidays; consider visiting on weekdays for a quieter experience.
The exhibition uses borrowed and donated works. Please respect display barriers and don’t touch the art for preservation.

These tickets are valid until 19 April, 2026.

Tickets

National Gallery of Victoria Tickets: 2025-26 Westwood | Kawakubo Exhibition

140+ rare works from Vivienne Westwood & Rei Kawakubo, including Rihanna’s 2017 Met Gala dress.

Everything you get: Entry to NGV International's Westwood | Kawakubo, showcasing garments, film, photography, and archival material. Explore five themed galleries: Punk and Provocation, The Body, and The Power of Clothes.
Why choose this: Westwood’s tartans, corsets, and punk originals sit with Kawakubo’s radical silhouettes; spot Naomi Campbell’s platforms, Kate Moss’s tartan gown, and Sarah Jessica Parker’s Sex and the City wedding dress. A rare chance to see both legacies outside Paris, London, or Tokyo.

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Extended validity

Flexible duration

Book National Gallery of Victoria Tickets

Discover National Gallery of Victoria: Australia’s oldest, Melbourne’s boldest art museum

What to expect at National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne

Iconic architecture

Explore the permanent collection

See the world's best

Dine among art

Bring the whole family

Things to know before booking your National Gallery of Victoria tickets

Which NGV ticket is best for you?

Exhibition tickets from AU$45

Explore NGV’s galleries and collections

Special exhibitions

Asian art & early European

European & international masters

Contemporary and modern art

Sculpture garden and outdoor spaces

Ian Potter Center at NGV Australia

Plan your visit to the National Gallery of Victoria

From Hokusai to Picasso: NGV’s Must-see artworks

The Banquet of Cleopatra by Giambattista Tiepolo (1743) | Level 2, European Art Galleries

Frequently Asked Questions

More reads

Exhibitions at NGV

Plan your visit to NGV

Getting to NGV

NGV opening hours

Get Help 24/7

Headout

What to bring

What’s not allowed

Accessibility

Additional information

What to bring

What’s not allowed

Accessibility

Additional information

National Gallery of Victoria Tickets: 2025-26 Westwood | Kawakubo Exhibition