The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International) hosts some of Australia's most anticipated exhibitions, from international blockbuster shows and immersive contemporary installations to world-class permanent collections spanning art, fashion, design, photography, and decorative arts.
Whether you're visiting a major ticketed exhibition like CARTIER: Melbourne Winter Masterpieces® 2026 or exploring the gallery's free permanent displays, this guide covers the current exhibitions, upcoming shows, and must-see collections at National Gallery of Victoria.
🎟️ Ticketed
📍 NGV International | 12 Jun – 4 Oct 2026
Discover more than 350 exceptional Cartier creations, including jewellery, watches, precious objects, and archival material that trace the evolution of the iconic French maison.
Best for: Fashion, luxury, jewellery, and design enthusiasts.
🎟️ Ticketed
📍 NGV International | 26 Jun – 4 Oct 2026
Experience eight immersive video installations by acclaimed Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson, blending music, performance, humour, and storytelling.
Best for: Contemporary art, immersive installations, and multimedia experiences.
🆓 Free
📍 NGV International | 18 Apr – 30 Aug 2026
Explore contemporary works by artists across Asia examining identity, migration, politics, memory, and social change through photography, painting, installation, and video.
Best for: Contemporary Asian art and socially engaged exhibitions.
🆓 Free
📍 NGV International | Until 4 Oct 2026
Discover ceremonial objects, textiles, sculpture, carvings, and contemporary artworks celebrating the artistic traditions of Pacific Island communities.
Best for: Pacific cultures, anthropology, and world art.
🆓 Free
📍 NGV International | 26 Jun – 4 Oct 2026
A family-friendly interactive exhibition inspired by Ragnar Kjartansson's playful artistic practice, encouraging creativity through hands-on experiences.
Best for: Families with young children.
🆓 Free
📍 NGV International | Until Nov 2026
See works by finalists and recipients of Australia's longest-running travelling art scholarship, featuring emerging Australian artists across multiple disciplines.
Best for: Emerging contemporary art.
🆓 Free
📍 NGV International | Ongoing
Explore masterpieces from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, including paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, fashion, textiles, and design spanning thousands of years.
Best for: World art and first-time visitors.
🆓 Free
📍 NGV International | 13 Dec 2026 – Apr 2027
Experience a new site-specific commission by internationally acclaimed Chinese architect Xu Tiantian as part of NGV's annual Women in Design series.
Best for: Architecture and contemporary design.
🆓 Free
📍 NGV International | 13 Dec 2026 – 11 Apr 2027
NGV's flagship exhibition returns with large-scale installations, contemporary art, architecture, fashion, and design by leading international artists.
Best for: Contemporary art and first-time visitors.
🆓 Free
📍 NGV International | 13 Dec 2026 – 11 Apr 2027
A hands-on exhibition inspired by artist Mika Rottenberg, encouraging children to explore creativity through interactive installations.
Best for: Families and young children.
One of Melbourne's most iconic artworks, the Great Hall features Leonard French's breathtaking stained-glass ceiling, The Victorian Tapestry. Lie on the carpeted floor beneath the kaleidoscope of colors and take in one of the largest stained-glass ceilings in the world—a must-do NGV tradition.
Why visit: Iconic photo spot, architectural masterpiece, and a peaceful place to pause.
Your NGV experience begins at the famous Water Wall, where thousands of liters of water cascade over a towering glass facade. Designed by renowned architect Roy Grounds, it's one of Melbourne's most recognizable landmarks and one of the city's most photographed entrances.
Why visit: Signature NGV landmark and perfect first photo opportunity.
Travel through centuries of global art without leaving Melbourne. The International Collection spans European masters, Asian treasures, decorative arts, antiquities, fashion, photography, and contemporary installations.
Highlights include: Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces, Asian art from China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia, European paintings and sculpture, fashion, textiles, and decorative arts, and contemporary installations and modern design.
Why visit: Perfect if you want to experience world art under one roof.
One of NGV's most distinctive permanent displays, the Art of the Pacific gallery showcases ceremonial objects, carvings, textiles, masks, and sculptures from Oceania. The exhibition celebrates the cultural traditions and artistic heritage of Pacific Island communities through beautifully presented works.
Why visit: A unique collection rarely seen elsewhere in Australia, offering insight into the rich cultures of the Pacific.
Take a break overlooking the NGV Garden with a seasonal lunch at the Garden Restaurant. The menu features modern Australian cuisine made with fresh local ingredients in a relaxed setting surrounded by sculptures and greenery.
Best for: Long lunches, special occasions, and visitors looking to turn their gallery visit into a leisurely afternoon.
The elegant Tea Room is a favorite stop for coffee, pastries, cakes, and the gallery's popular high tea experience. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Water Wall, making it one of the most scenic places to unwind inside the gallery.
Best for: Afternoon tea, light refreshments, and relaxing between exhibitions.
Before you leave, browse the NGV Design Store, home to an expertly curated collection of art books, exhibition catalogues, designer homewares, stationery, jewelry, children's gifts, and exclusive exhibition merchandise that can't be found elsewhere.
Don't miss: Exhibition-exclusive souvenirs, designer gifts and home décor, art books and catalogues, and locally made Australian products
Why visit: The perfect place to pick up a memorable keepsake or gift inspired by your visit.
No, permanent collection entry is free. Only some temporary shows require paid, timed tickets.
Yes. A same-day timed ticket to a special exhibition normally allows access to the permanent collection.
Yes. A ticket to a paid exhibition also gives you access to NGV International's permanent galleries during your visit, allowing you to explore both the special exhibition and the museum's free collections.
Allow around 2–3 hours to visit a major ticketed exhibition. If you also plan to explore the permanent galleries, Great Hall, cafés, and gift shop, set aside 3–5 hours.
Yes. Many visitors combine a paid exhibition with several free exhibitions and permanent galleries during the same visit. Since all exhibitions are located within NGV International, it's easy to explore multiple displays in one trip.
Yes. NGV International welcomes visitors of all ages and regularly hosts family-friendly exhibitions and interactive experiences, including dedicated children's exhibitions during selected seasons.
Weekday mornings or late afternoons are quieter. Friday Nights (during big exhibitions) add live music, food, and after-dark access.
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.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use in the permanent galleries. However, some temporary exhibitions restrict photography due to artwork loan agreements, so always check the signage before taking photos.
Yes. NGV International is fully wheelchair accessible, with lifts, ramps, accessible restrooms, sensory resources for selected exhibitions, and assistance available for visitors with accessibility requirements. Assistance dogs are also welcome.
It's best to book as early as possible for popular exhibitions such as CARTIER and Ragnar Kjartansson: Mercy, especially if you're visiting on weekends, public holidays, or during Victorian school holidays.
Melbourne Winter Masterpieces® Cartier Exhibition Tickets at National Gallery of Victoria
Friday Nights Cartier Exhibition Tickets at National Gallery Victoria
Ragnar Kjartansson Mercy Exhibition Tickets at National Gallery of Victoria
Best of NGV Guided Tour at National Gallery of Victoria
