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National Gallery of Victoria

NGV International and NGV Australia are open daily from 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 4:30pm. Evening openings are occasionally offered for special events such as NGV Friday Nights.

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings

Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)

TIMINGS

Monday10:00–17:00
Tuesday10:00–17:00
Wednesday10:00–17:00
Thursday (Today)10:00–17:00
Friday10:00–17:00
Saturday10:00–17:00
Sunday10:00–17:00

How long to spend at NGV Melbourne

  • Quick highlights (2–3 hours): Focus on the icons: the Waterwall, Great Hall, Picasso’s Weeping Woman, Tiepolo’s Banquet of Cleopatra, and a glimpse of Indigenous works at NGV Australia. Ideal if you’re tight on time but don’t want to miss the essentials.
  • Half-day immersion (4–5 hours): Perfect for art enthusiasts. Cover both NGV International and NGV Australia, catch a free guided tour, and linger in special exhibitions. Add a break at the Garden Restaurant or Tea Room to recharge.
  • Full-day exploration (6–7 hours): Best for serious visitors. Start early at NGV International, spend a few hours with the European and Asian collections, break for lunch, then continue at NGV Australia. Wrap up with a blockbuster exhibition or NGV Friday Nights if it’s on.

Tip: If a Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition is running, allow an extra 1–2 hours. These shows are extensive and worth the time.

Suggested itinerary for a full day at National Gallery of Victoria

Morning (10am to 1pm)
  • Start at NGV International via the Waterwall entrance to grab your photo moment before the crowds build.
  • Join a free guided highlights tour (usually runs late morning) to orient yourself and dive into masterworks like Picasso’s Weeping Woman or Tiepolo’s Banquet of Cleopatra.
  • Wander the Asian Art wing or the Decorative Arts collections as they're less crowded early in the day.
Lunch (1pm to 2pm)
  • Head to the Garden Restaurant for a seasonal three-course menu, or the Tea Room for a lighter high tea.
  • If the weather is nice, take a breather in the NGV Sculpture Garden.
Afternoon (2pm to 4:30pm)
  • Cross over to NGV Australia at Federation Square.
  • Explore Australian Impressionism and Indigenous art, including McCubbin’s The Pioneer and Roberts’ Shearing the Rams.
  • If a major exhibition is running (e.g., Melbourne Winter Masterpieces), dedicate at least 90 minutes here.
Evening (Optional, after 5pm)
  • On select Fridays, stay for NGV Friday Nights: a mix of live music, DJs, food, and exhibition access in a buzzing after-hours setting.
  • Otherwise, enjoy a nearby dinner in Southbank to reflect on the day. MoVida or Fatto Bar & Cantina are close favorites.

Frequently asked questions about NGV opening hours & timings

Can I visit the permanent collection for free anytime within opening hours?

Yes, permanent collection galleries are open for free entry between 10am and 5pm.

Do special exhibitions always follow regular gallery hours at NGV?

Most do, but some may open later, close earlier, or have separate timed entries.

Are there any nights with late opening hours?

During certain Friday Nights and special events, NGV may extend hours. Always check the event calendar.

Can I enter just for guided tours at special times?

Often, yes. Tours typically align with gallery hours, but some special exhibition tours may require earlier or evening access.

What time does the NGV restaurant and café open?

The Garden Restaurant serves lunch daily from 11:30am to 4pm, with dinner on select Friday nights. The Tea Room is usually open 10am to 4:30pm.

Can I enter both NGV sites on the same day?

Yes. NGV International (St Kilda Road) and NGV Australia (Federation Square) are a 15-minute walk apart. You can easily visit both in one day.

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