NGV Exhibitions: What’s On at the National Gallery of Victoria

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) presents world-class ticketed blockbusters alongside free exhibitions across its two sites: NGV International and NGV Australia. Discover current shows, upcoming highlights, permanent displays, and past favourites that defined Melbourne’s art scene.

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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.

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 Aboriginal art

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.

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.

For photography enthusiasts

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.

Current NGV International exhibitions

Mannequin wearing a geometric patterned dress at Martin Grant exhibition, National Gallery of Victoria.

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.

Frequently asked questions about NGV exhibitions

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

More reads

National Gallery of Victoria Tickets

Plan your visit to NGV

NGV timings & opening hours

Getting to NGV