Visit NGV — Plan Your Trip | Hours, Tickets & Tips

Q: How early should I arrive for a major exhibition?

For blockbuster shows like *Winter Masterpieces*, plan to arrive 30–45 minutes before your timed slot. Queues form for cloakrooms and security, even with pre-booked tickets.

National Gallery of Victoria | Visitor information at a glance

Location

NGV International: 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
NGV Australia (Ian Potter Center): Federation Square, Flinders Street
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Opening hours

Open daily: 10am – 5pm
Last admission: 4:30pm
Closed: 25 Dec (Christmas Day)
ANZAC Day: Opens at 1pm

Getting there

Tram: St Kilda Rd stop (Routes 1, 3/3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67, 72)
Train: Flinders Street Station – walk to Federation Square or ~10 mins to St Kilda Rd
Car: Limited parking nearby; public transport recommended

On the day

Permanent collection: Free at both venues
Special exhibitions: Ticketed, timed entry
Duration of Visit
- Quick highlights: 2–3 hours
- Full gallery + exhibitions: 4–5 hours
- Both sites + dining: 6+ hours

Best time to visit

Weekdays: Early mornings (10–11:30am) or late afternoons (after 3:30pm)
Avoid weekends & school holidays for the calmest experience

Annual footfall

Over 3.2 million visitors in peak years, making it Australia’s most visited art gallery.
Among the top 30 most-visited art museums worldwide, placing it ahead of Tate Britain and the Guggenheim.

National Gallery of Victoria opening hours

General opening hours: Daily, 10am to 5pm (both NGV International and The Ian Potter Center: NGV Australia).
Closed on: Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Extended hours: Select evenings for major exhibitions, such as the Winter Masterpieces series (check official schedule).
Duration of visit: Plan 2–3 hours for highlights; 4–5 hours (or a full day) if visiting both sites and current exhibitions.

Pro tip: If visiting a timed-ticket exhibition, don’t choose the very first slot unless you arrive early. Queues at entry points can still form. Later times sometimes offer smoother entry, if slots remain available.

See timings, closures & late-night events →

Best time to visit the National Gallery of Victoria

Best time in the year

The quieter months tend to be February to April and October to November, avoiding peak exhibition seasons (like Winter Masterpieces). Visit during those months to enjoy more calm galleries and shorter queues.

Weekday vs Weekend

Weekdays are far more relaxing than weekends. Many visitors note that mornings on weekdays are the best — less crowded, easier access, and more space to gaze. On weekends, especially when blockbusters are showing, lines at exhibit entrances tend to form early.

Best time of the day

Aim for right at opening (1oam) or late afternoon (after 3:30pm). These windows often escape peak crowds. Some Reddit visitors to the Kusama exhibition said that later sessions were calmer and queues inside certain rooms were shorter.

Where is NGV Melbourne located

Address:

NGV International: 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
NGV Australia (Ian Potter Centre): Federation Square, Cnr Flinders & Russell Streets, Melbourne.

Located just south of Melbourne’s city center, NGV International lies in the Arts Precinct, a scenic walk from Federation Square or Flinders Street Station.

Getting to the National Gallery of Victoria

By public transport

Tram: Routes 1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67, 72 all stop at the Arts Precinct tram stop right outside NGV International on St Kilda Road.
Train + walk/tram: Alight at Flinders Street Station and either walk across Princes Bridge past the Arts Centre (≈ 5-10 min) or take one tram toward the gallery entrance.
For NGV Australia: Being in Federation Square, it’s right off Flinders Street and very accessible by train, tram or foot from the city core.

By car/parking

Paid accessible parking is available at Arts Centre Melbourne and the Australian Ballet Centre car park, with entrance from Sturt Street via Southbank Boulevard / Alexandra Avenue / City Road.
Drop-off / pick-up spots are located near Arts Centre Melbourne (~110 m walk to NGV International).
Street-accessible bicycle parking hoops are located on St Kilda Road, directly outside the gallery.

Accessible transport notes

Accessible tram stops are directly outside NGV International on St Kilda Road.
Free street parking places for people with appropriate permits exist along St Kilda Road, though they’re limited and high demand.
For NGV Australia in Federation Square, enter via Russell Street extension, or via the Fed Square atrium; recommended for those with limited mobility due to sloped/uneven paths.

Plan before your visit to NGV Melbourne

St Kilda Road (NGV International)

Step through the famous Waterwall, a curtain of cascading water that’s become a Melbourne icon. Visitors often stop for photos here before entering the soaring bluestone foyer.
Tip: Snap the Waterwall first thing after opening for the best light and smaller crowds.

Federation Square (NGV Australia, Ian Potter Center)

This entrance reflects the bold, angular architecture of Fed Square itself. Bright, modern, and urban, it contrasts with the fortress-like St Kilda Road building.
Walking in here feels like stepping directly into the heartbeat of contemporary Melbourne.

Cloakroom/Bag checks: Free service for large bags, umbrellas, and bulky items.
Photography: Permitted in most areas (no flash, tripods, or selfie sticks).
Dining & cafés
- Garden Restaurant (NGV International): 11:30am – 4pm, refined dining.
- Tea Room: 10am – 4:30pm, light lunches, sweets, and high tea.
- Gallery Kitchen: 10am – 4:30pm, casual meals and snacks.
- NGV Café (Fed Square): 10am – 4:30pm, quick bites near NGV Australia entrance.
the : Available near the main entrance (subject to availability).
Gift shop: Art books, prints, and souvenirs at both sites.
Free Wi-Fi, restrooms, and an information desk

General facilities: Both sites are wheelchair accessible with lifts, accessible toilets, and step-free routes. Service animals and Companion Card policies are supported.
For mobility needs: Free manual wheelchairs available on request; staff can advise on low-slope routes.
For sensory & neurodiverse visitors: NGV provides access guides, sensory info for events (e.g., Friday Nights) and sometimes sensory-friendly sessions; check the event access guides before visiting.
For hearing/vision support: Check the NGV information desk for sign-interpreted tours or audio resources; guides and staff assist on request.
Rest & quiet zones: The Great Hall, NGV Garden, and upper galleries provide peaceful spaces to pause.

The NGV spans two sites: NGV International (St Kilda Rd) and NGV Australia (Fed Square). Plan at least half a day if doing both.
Focus on highlights: from the Waterwall and Great Hall ceiling to Indigenous Australian works. Don’t try to see everything in one go.
Book blockbuster shows early. NGV’s Winter Masterpieces and fashion retrospectives regularly sell out peak slots.
Families: Look for kids’ trails, holiday workshops, and hands-on learning zones. Strollers are welcome; cloakrooms available for large items.
Comfort tip: Wear comfortable shoes. Both buildings involve plenty of walking and stairs (lifts available).
Quiet moments: The NGV Garden and the stained-glass Great Hall offer peaceful spaces to rest between exhibits.

Bags & Cloakroom: Large bags, backpacks, umbrellas, and prams must be checked into the cloakroom.
Photography: Allowed in most permanent galleries, but no flash, tripods, or selfie sticks. Some temporary exhibitions prohibit photography entirely due to loan conditions.
Food & Drink: Not permitted in galleries. Enjoy meals and drinks only in NGV cafés and restaurants.
Conduct: Keep voices low and avoid touching artworks or display cases. Running in galleries is not permitted.
Animals: Only accredited service animals are allowed inside. Pets are not permitted.
Smoking: Smoking, vaping, and e-cigarettes are strictly banned within NGV buildings and outdoor areas.

The Langham, Melbourne (5 min walk): Luxury on Southbank with Yarra River views, a world-class spa, and proximity to NGV International. Perfect for those wanting elegance and convenience.
Quay West Suites Melbourne (7 min walk): Spacious apartments with kitchenettes. Ideal for families or longer stays. Steps from Federation Square and NGV Australia.
Adelphi Hotel (10 min walk): A boutique 4★ in Flinders Lane known for its rooftop pool and creative vibe, a stylish choice for art lovers.
Space Hotel (15 min by tram): Budget-friendly hostel-meets-hotel with private and dorm options. Good for backpackers who want affordable comfort close to Melbourne’s cultural core.

Royal Botanic Gardens (10 min walk): A tranquil green escape, perfect before or after a gallery visit.
ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image): Federation Square’s hub for film, TV, and digital culture.
Melbourne Arts Centre: Concerts, opera, theatre, and more in the spire-topped building opposite NGV International.
Hosier Lane (12 min walk): Melbourne’s iconic laneway of ever-changing street art.

Accessibility at the National Gallery of Victoria

Admission for all: Free entry to permanent collections. Complimentary admission for carers. Priority access available at entrances.
Physical disabilities: Both NGV International (St Kilda Rd) and NGV Australia (Fed Square) are wheelchair accessible. Free wheelchair hire is available at the cloakrooms. Lifts provide access to all floors.
Hearing impairments: Hearing loops are installed in theatres and selected event spaces. Auslan-interpreted tours and captioned programs run regularly. Check the NGV What’s On calendar.
Visual impairments: Tactile tours, descriptive tours, and large-print guides are available. Staff can assist visitors in navigating galleries. Service animals are welcome.
Developmental & learning disabilities: Sensory-friendly sessions for selected exhibitions provide reduced sound and lighting. Quiet zones and sensory tools (earplugs, fidget aids) are available on request.

Visiting NGV as a family

NGV Kids Summer Festival: Every January, NGV hosts a week-long festival across both NGV International and NGV Australia. Families can expect art workshops, storytelling, performances, face painting, and creative play spaces designed for children of all ages.

NGV Kids on Tour: During the summer holidays, NGV partners with more than 150 venues across Victoria to deliver free drop-in art activities. Kids might design costumes, create dot paintings, or take part in hands-on workshops inspired by major NGV exhibitions.

Ongoing family activities

Free activity sheets, gallery trails, and games are available year-round.
School-holiday programs feature drop-in workshops and interactive tours.
Under-5s sessions include storytelling and play-based introductions to art.
Dedicated NGV Kids spaces and hands-on studios appear during major exhibitions.

💡 Tip: Strollers are welcome, and cloakrooms can store bulky items. Cafés such as Gallery Kitchen also cater well to families.

Frequently asked questions about visiting NGV Melbourne

What’s the overall experience at NGV like?

Visiting NGV means stepping into two complementary worlds: NGV International (European, Asian, and blockbuster shows) and NGV Australia (Indigenous and local art). Both are spacious, modern, and easy to navigate. Expect everything from world-famous masterpieces to interactive family programs, plus cafés, design stores, and lively seasonal events.

Which entrance should I use at NGV International?

Most visitors enter through the iconic Waterwall on St Kilda Road. It’s a dramatic entry point, but queues build on weekends. For a quieter arrival, use the accessible entrance off Southbank Boulevard.

Do I need tickets for every gallery?

The permanent collections at both NGV sites are always free. Special exhibitions (like Winter Masterpieces or fashion retrospectives) require timed tickets, best booked online in advance to avoid sell-outs.

How much time should I allow?

2–3 hours is enough for highlights at one site. A half-day lets you see both venues with a meal in between. Art lovers or those attending a major exhibition should plan 4–5 hours minimum.

What’s the best time of day to visit?

Mornings are calmest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons (after 3pm) also see fewer crowds. Fridays offer extended evening hours during NGV Friday Nights, ideal if you want art plus live music.

How early should I arrive for a major exhibition?

For blockbuster shows like Winter Masterpieces, plan to arrive 30–45 minutes before your timed slot. Queues form for cloakrooms and security, even with pre-booked tickets.

Can I visit both NGV sites in one day?

Yes. Many visitors pair NGV International in the morning with NGV Australia in the afternoon. The two sites are a 15–20 minute walk apart through Melbourne’s CBD.

Are there late-night visiting options?

Yes. NGV Friday Nights (seasonal) keep exhibitions open after hours, with DJs, food, and drinks. It’s a fun way to explore without daytime crowds.

How long are free tours and do I need to book?

Highlights tours run daily, lasting 45–60 minutes. They’re free and no booking is required — just meet at the information desk inside.

What’s the quietest spot in NGV International?

The Sculpture Garden and the Great Hall are often less crowded. Many visitors bring a book or coffee here to take a break mid-visit.

Can I re-enter if I leave for lunch or a walk?

Yes. Your ticketed exhibition pass is valid for the day, and permanent collections are free — so you can step out and return as needed.