NGV Exhibitions 2025–2026 | Current & Upcoming Shows

Q: What’s the difference between permanent and temporary exhibitions?

Permanent exhibitions (like *Wurrdha Marra* or *International Art*) are always on and free. Temporary exhibitions are seasonal highlights, often ticketed, and rotate every few months.

Upcoming exhibitions at the National Gallery of Victoria

For families & kids

Let’s Party! Fashion for Kids by Danielle Brustman

Location: NGV International
Date: 28 Nov 2025 – 3 May 2026
Entry: Free

An imaginative world of colour and costume designed just for children. Interactive displays encourage creativity while making fashion fun and accessible.

For aspiring artists

Top Arts 2026: Emerging Artists

Location: NGV Australia
Date: 13 Mar – 19 Jul 2026
Entry: Free

Showcasing the work of Victoria’s most talented VCE Art and Studio Arts students, this annual exhibition highlights fresh perspectives and new creative voices.

For photography enthusiasts

The Stars We Do Not See – Australian Indigenous Art

Location: Touring
Date: 18 Oct 2025 – Jan 2028
Entry: Free

A sweeping showcase of Indigenous Australian art, bringing together traditional practices and contemporary storytelling across painting, sculpture, and installation.

Women Photographers 1900–1975: A Legacy of Light

Location: NGV International
Date: 28 Nov 2025 – 3 May 2026
Entry: Ticketed

Discover groundbreaking works by women who shaped modern photography, from candid portraits to avant-garde experiments.

For fashion and design lovers

Westwood | Kawakubo

Location: NGV International
Date: 7 Dec 2025 – 19 Apr 2026
Entry: Ticketed

Two visionaries. One exhibition. Explore the radical legacies of Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo, whose bold designs changed the course of fashion history.

Current NGV International exhibitions

Martin Grant: Celebrating Four Decades of Fashion

Date: 28 Mar 2025 – 26 Jan 2026
Entry: Ticketed
A retrospective of Paris-based Australian designer Martin Grant, spanning couture, ready-to-wear, and stage costumes. A major draw for fashion enthusiasts.

MECCA X NGV Women in Design Commission 2025: Nipa Doshi

Date: 25 Sep 2025 – 1 Apr 2026
Entry: Free
A new installation by acclaimed designer Nipa Doshi, continuing NGV’s celebrated annual series spotlighting women reshaping design.

NGV Australia: A guide to Aboriginal & Australian art

At the Ian Potter Center (NGV Australia), you’ll find one of the world’s most significant collections of Aboriginal and First Nations art, alongside Australian works spanning colonial to contemporary. It’s a must-see for anyone wanting to understand the stories, ceremony, and innovation at the heart of Australian culture.

Love immersive Indigenous expression? Head to Bark Salon (ongoing) and Wurrdha Marra (ongoing).
Prefer contemporary voices? See Dean Cross: Artist Room (Sep–Mar) or David Rosetzky: Video Works (Aug–Mar).
Into design and craft? Don’t miss the Rigg Design Prize 2025 (Sep–Feb) and Made to Move: Australian Jewelry 1960–2020 (Sep–Mar).
Want a broader view of Australia’s art story? Explore the Joseph Brown Collection (ongoing) and Australian Art from the NGV Collection (ongoing).

💡 Tip: Short on time? Combine Bark Salon + Wurrdha Marra for an unmissable crash course in First Nations art.

Permanent & ongoing exhibitions at NGV

NGV’s free collections are world-class — perfect for a first visit or a return wander.

Love global art? Head to International Art (NGV International) for European, Asian, and world masterpieces.
After Melbourne icons? Don’t miss the Great Hall ceiling and the famous Waterwall at NGV International.
Want the Australian story? Explore Australian & Indigenous Art (NGV Australia), spanning colonial, modern, and cutting-edge works.

💡 Tip: Even without a ticketed blockbuster, NGV’s permanent collections are rich enough to fill an entire day.

Previous NGV exhibitions

NGV’s free collections are world-class — perfect for a first visit or a return wander.

Love global art? Head to International Art (NGV International) for European, Asian, and world masterpieces.
After Melbourne icons? Don’t miss the Great Hall ceiling and the famous Waterwall at NGV International.
Want the Australian story? Explore Australian & Indigenous Art (NGV Australia), spanning colonial, modern, and cutting-edge works.

💡 Tip: Even without a ticketed blockbuster, NGV’s permanent collections are rich enough to fill an entire day.

Booking and ticketing

NGV’s free collections are world-class — perfect for a first visit or a return wander.

Love global art? Head to International Art (NGV International) for European, Asian, and world masterpieces.
After Melbourne icons? Don’t miss the Great Hall ceiling and the famous Waterwall at NGV International.
Want the Australian story? Explore Australian & Indigenous Art (NGV Australia), spanning colonial, modern, and cutting-edge works.

💡 Tip: Even without a ticketed blockbuster, NGV’s permanent collections are rich enough to fill an entire day.

Who should go?

NGV’s free collections are world-class — perfect for a first visit or a return wander.

Love global art? Head to International Art (NGV International) for European, Asian, and world masterpieces.
After Melbourne icons? Don’t miss the Great Hall ceiling and the famous Waterwall at NGV International.
Want the Australian story? Explore Australian & Indigenous Art (NGV Australia), spanning colonial, modern, and cutting-edge works.

💡 Tip: Even without a ticketed blockbuster, NGV’s permanent collections are rich enough to fill an entire day.

Frequently asked questions about NGV exhibitions

Do I need a ticket for the NGV permanent collection?

No, permanent collection entry is free. Only some temporary shows require paid, timed tickets.

Can I move between the permanent galleries and a ticketed exhibition on the same visit?

Yes. A same-day timed ticket to a special exhibition normally allows access to the permanent collection.

Are family programs tied to big exhibitions?

Often. Check the NGV events calendar for workshop and kids’ trails linked to current exhibitions.

Are there concession prices?

Yes. Students, seniors, carers and some cardholders receive discounted rates. Memberships offer further savings.

How long do NGV exhibitions usually run?

Most major ticketed exhibitions last 3–6 months, while free collection displays and commissions can be ongoing for a year or more. Always check dates before planning.

Do I need a separate ticket for special exhibitions?

Yes, most blockbuster shows (e.g. Winter Masterpieces) are ticketed separately. Permanent and ongoing collections remain free.

When is the best time to visit exhibitions?

Weekday mornings or late afternoons are quieter. Friday Nights (during big exhibitions) add live music, food, and after-dark access.

What’s the difference between permanent and temporary exhibitions?

Permanent exhibitions (like Wurrdha Marra or International Art) are always on and free. Temporary exhibitions are seasonal highlights, often ticketed, and rotate every few months.