NGV International

Making the most of a visit

NGV International rewards a little planning. The building is large and spread over several levels, so it helps to decide in advance whether you are coming for a ticketed exhibition, a particular part of the permanent collection, or simply to wander. Trying to see everything in one go usually ends in tired feet. Many regular visitors treat the free collection as somewhere to drop in for an hour at a time, choosing one or two rooms per visit.

What to look for

The international collection covers European old masters, Asian art, decorative arts, fashion and textiles, photography and contemporary work, so it is worth picking up a floor plan at the entrance. Don't rush past the building itself. Children and adults alike tend to trace their fingers along the water wall at the entrance. In the Great Hall, many people lie on the floor to take in Leonard French's coloured glass ceiling, which is very much part of the experience.

Practical tips

• Check the official NGV website for current exhibitions, opening hours and any late-night programs before you go, as these change through the year.
• Book blockbuster tickets early, especially for weekends and school holidays, when timed sessions can sell out.
• Arrive early or later in the day if you prefer quieter galleries.
• Getting there: St Kilda Road is served by numerous trams, and the gallery is an easy walk from Flinders Street Station across Princes Bridge.

Pairing it with the rest of the city

The gallery sits within the Southbank arts precinct, alongside Arts Centre Melbourne, with the Kings Domain and Royal Botanic Gardens close by. That makes it an easy anchor for a full day out. You could start with a morning at the gallery, take a walk through the gardens, then cross the river into the CBD for lunch and an afternoon exploring the laneways. Our Laneways Guide suggests routes that start near Flinders Street. For more ideas, browse the other places we cover across inner Melbourne.