NGV International
A who's who of masters
Designed by Australian modernist Sir Roy Grounds, reconfigured by Italian architect Mario Bellini and home to the world’s largest stained-glass ceiling, this fortress-like pile houses the National Gallery of Victoria's outstanding international art collection. This includes works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Turner and Warhol.
Prized possessions include Giambattista Tiepolo’s The Banquet of Cleopatra (widely considered his finest work) and Pablo Picasso’s Weeping Woman. The latter was infamously stolen for the gallery in 1986 before being found in a locker at Spencer Street Station (now Southern Cross).
The NGV’s ambitious Winter Masterpieces exhibition is an annual highlight (often featuring visiting works never seen in Australia), as is its seasonal After Dark sessions, late-night openings featuring music, drinks, talks and a party vibe.
The gallery’s robust Australian collection is housed at the Ian Potter Centre in nearby Federation Square.
180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne
Opening hours: Daily 10am-5pm
Admission: Free, some temporary exhibitions ticketed
Transport: Train to Flinders St
ngv.vic.gov.au