The flagship branch of the National Gallery of Victoria, NGV International is more than just a gallery, it's a cultural and social institution. It's always filled with Melburnians milling about, meeting for lunch and shopping at the design store – and that's before you even hit the exhibitions. Those certainly don't disappoint, either.
Monumental Modernism
Designed by local architect Sir Roy Grounds, the NGV building was controversial when it was completed in 1967 but has come to be respected as a modernist masterpiece. Entry is through a perfectly semicircular arch that opens onto a large water wall. Be sure to visit the Great Hall, on the other side of the foyer, with its vast stained-glass ceiling.
The Collections
You'll need at least a couple of hours to do the permanent collection justice. Asian Art takes up over half of the 1st floor, with Japanese and Chinese works assigned their own separate galleries. Spanning the 12th to 18th centuries, the European Collection (Titian, El Greco, Fontana, Rembrandt) starts on this floor and continues upstairs. The International Collection (Picasso, Rothko etc) picks up from the 19th century and is interspersed with a decorative-arts collection that includes whole suites of mid-century furniture.
Tours, Exhibitions & Events
Bookings aren't required for the free 50-minute highlight tours that kick off at 11am daily. Blockbuster exhibitions roll through with regularity and are ticketed separately. Check the website for talks, performances, specialist tours and other events.
