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National Gallery of Victoria Map | Your complete visitor guide

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International) is spread across multiple floors, with galleries organised by collection, geography, and temporary exhibitions. A map helps you navigate the museum efficiently, locate major artworks, find visitor facilities, and plan your visit around the exhibitions that interest you most. Complimentary printed maps are available at the Information Desk, and a digital map can be viewed before your visit.

How is NGV International laid out?

NGV International is easy to explore thanks to its clear floor-by-floor layout. Most visitors begin at the famous Water Wall entrance before moving through the Ground Level galleries and then continuing to the upper floors via lifts, escalators, or stairs.

The gallery is divided into:

  • Ground Level: Visitor services, major temporary exhibitions, The Great Hall, Gallery Kitchen, Garden Restaurant, and the NGV Garden.
  • Level 1: Asian art collections, including China, Japan, Korea, India, and Southeast Asia.
  • Level 2: European paintings, decorative arts, fashion, and international collections from the Renaissance to the modern era.
  • Level 3: Contemporary displays, additional international galleries, and rotating collection exhibitions (subject to change).

Must-See Highlights at National Gallery of Victoria

Ground Level

The Ground Level is where most visitors begin their NGV International experience. It's home to the gallery's iconic entrance and many of the essential visitor facilities, making it the perfect place to orient yourself before exploring the collections. This level also features major temporary exhibition spaces, so if you've booked a blockbuster exhibition, you'll likely start here.

Highlights include:

  • Main Entrance (Water Wall): Enter through NGV's famous Waterwall, one of Melbourne's most recognizable landmarks and a popular photo spot.
  • Ticket Collection: Collect pre-booked exhibition tickets or purchase entry to ticketed exhibitions.
  • Temporary Exhibition Galleries: Home to NGV's internationally acclaimed seasonal exhibitions featuring art, fashion, design, and cultural showcases.
  • The Great Hall: Admire Leonard French's spectacular stained-glass ceiling while relaxing on the floor beneath one of Australia's most iconic public artworks.
  • Gallery Kitchen: Enjoy casual meals, coffee, and light refreshments during your visit.
  • Garden Restaurant: A full-service dining venue overlooking the tranquil NGV Garden.
  • NGV Garden: A peaceful outdoor sculpture garden featuring contemporary artworks and landscaped spaces.

Level 1

Level 1 showcases the richness and diversity of Asian art, with collections spanning more than 5,000 years of history. From ancient sculptures and ceramics to delicate paintings, textiles, and decorative objects, the galleries highlight the artistic traditions of cultures across East, South, and Southeast Asia.

Highlights include:

  • Chinese Art: Discover imperial ceramics, jade carvings, calligraphy, paintings, Buddhist sculptures, and decorative arts from ancient to modern China.
  • Japanese Art: Explore elegant screens, ukiyo-e woodblock prints, samurai armour, lacquerware, ceramics, and contemporary Japanese works.
  • Korean Art: View traditional celadon ceramics, paintings, furniture, and decorative objects that reflect Korea's rich artistic heritage.
  • Indian Art: See intricate sculptures, miniature paintings, temple art, textiles, and religious works spanning centuries of Indian history.
  • South & Southeast Asian Art: Admire artworks from countries including Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Vietnam, featuring Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, ceremonial objects, and textiles.
  • Rotating Collection Galleries: Temporary displays drawn from NGV's extensive Asian collections offer fresh perspectives and regularly changing themes.

Upper Galleries

The upper gallery levels are dedicated to NGV's internationally renowned art collections, taking visitors on a journey through European masterpieces, decorative arts, fashion, sculpture, and contemporary works. These galleries showcase artworks from the Renaissance to the present day, making them some of the museum's most popular spaces.

Highlights include:

  • European Paintings: View works by celebrated European artists spanning the Renaissance, Baroque, Impressionist, and Modern periods.
  • Decorative Arts & Design: Explore beautifully crafted furniture, ceramics, glassware, silver, jewellery, and design objects from around the world.
  • Sculpture: Discover classical and modern sculptures in a variety of materials, including marble, bronze, wood, and contemporary mixed media.
  • Fashion & Textiles: See garments by leading international designers alongside historic costumes, couture, and textile collections.
  • Contemporary Art: Experience innovative installations, paintings, photography, video art, and multimedia works by artists from across the globe.
  • International Collection Galleries: Wander through themed galleries featuring highlights from NGV's permanent collection, with displays that are periodically refreshed to showcase different works.

Must-see stops on your NGV route

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Water Wall

Begin your visit at NGV's iconic Water Wall, a striking glass façade designed by Sir Roy Grounds and one of Melbourne's most photographed landmarks.

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Visitor facilities on the map

  • Cloakroom: Store coats, umbrellas, and larger personal belongings before exploring the galleries.
  • Lockers: Secure storage for backpacks and other items that aren't permitted in exhibition spaces.
  • Accessible Lifts: Elevators connect every public level, ensuring step-free access throughout the gallery.
  • Escalators: Conveniently travel between floors while exploring different collections.
  • Restrooms: Toilets are available on multiple levels for easy access.
  • All-Gender Restrooms: Inclusive restroom facilities are available within the gallery.
  • Baby Changing Facilities: Dedicated family facilities provide convenient spaces for parents with young children.
  • Gallery Kitchen: A casual café serving coffee, snacks, and light meals.
  • Garden Restaurant: A full-service restaurant overlooking the tranquil NGV Garden, ideal for a leisurely lunch.
  • NGV Design Store: Shop for books, exhibition merchandise, gifts, and designer products before you leave.
  • Wheelchair-Accessible Routes: Clearly marked accessible pathways make it easy to navigate every level of the gallery.

Tips for using the NGV map

A little planning can help you navigate the gallery more efficiently and make the most of your time.

  • Pick up a free printed map at the Information Desk when you arrive, or access the digital map on your phone for easy navigation.
  • Visit temporary exhibitions first if you have a timed-entry ticket to ensure you don't miss your allocated entry window.
  • Use the lifts if you're visiting with a stroller, wheelchair, or anyone who prefers step-free access between floors.
  • Choose The Great Hall as your meeting point, as it's centrally located and easy for everyone to find.
  • Allow 60–90 minutes to fully explore a major blockbuster exhibition, as many include multiple gallery spaces and interactive displays.
  • Check the latest gallery map before your visit, as exhibition layouts and gallery access may occasionally change when new exhibitions open or installations are updated.

Frequently asked questions about the National Gallery of Victoria map

Yes. A digital gallery map is available on the official NGV website, and printed maps are provided free at the Information Desk.

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