National Gallery of Victoria

Art museum Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

What to expect

The National Gallery of Victoria, popularly known as the NGV, is an art museum in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Founded in 1861, it is Australia's oldest and most visited art museum. The NGV houses its collection across two sites: NGV International and the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. The NGV International building houses the gallery's international art collection, while the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia houses the gallery's Australian art collection. A third site, The Fox: NGV Contemporary, is planned to open in the Melbourne Arts Precinct in 2028. The gallery offers free art activities and workshops for children and families at community venues across Melbourne and Victoria, making it a family-friendly destination

Plan your family visit to the National Gallery of Victoria with these blog insights 👇

21 Of The Coolest Family Attractions In Melbourne For 2023

This family's experience:

Activities: We spent a day at the NGV, looking at the sculptures, paintings, and installations

Highlights: The kids loved the interactive areas and the exhibits on ancient artifacts. We also enjoyed the cafe and the restaurant ✨

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This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the Melbourne Museum and explored the exhibitions, including the Children’s Galleries designed for kids from toddlers to school age

Highlights: The family enjoyed the interactive exhibitions and learning about Australian social history, Aboriginal culture, science, and the environment ✨

25 Melbourne Rainy Day Activities - Fun Melbourne Indoor Activities With Kids

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the National Gallery of Victoria and explored the many international exhibitions, including the free activities designed for children

Highlights: The kids enjoyed the interactive exhibitions and the family had a great time taking in a little culture ✨

Ultimate List of Things to do in Melbourne with Kids

This family's experience:

Activities: We took the kids to the museum and enjoyed exploring the eight permanent galleries, including the Pauline Gandel Children's Gallery, which is great for kids under 5. We also enjoyed seeing Phar Lap, the complete skeleton of a blue whale, and the living rainforest

Highlights: The kids were fascinated by the Phar Lap exhibit and the blue whale skeleton. They also enjoyed the living rainforest and the hands-on exhibits in the Children's Gallery ✨

Ultimate List of Things to do in Melbourne with Kids

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the gallery with the kids and enjoyed exploring the interactive and hands-on activities that have been built around the artworks. We also enjoyed seeing the amazing art collection

Highlights: The kids loved the interactive activities and enjoyed seeing the art collection. We enjoyed the gallery's focus on engaging children with art ✨

NGV Triennial : National Gallery of Victoria with Kids

This family's experience:

Activities: We explored the NGV Triennial exhibit together, and Sunshine loved the interactive projects

Highlights: Sunshine just lapped it all up as a spatial experience, and I was excited and cheerful at times ✨

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This family's experience:

Activities: We immersed the kids in captivating art and culture and explored the world of art together without worrying about admission fees

Highlights: The kids were delighted by the diverse exhibits and the Children’s Gallery ✨

Melbourne Kids Activities: How To Explore Australia's Cultural Capital With The Family

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the Melbourne Museum and saw exhibits on dinosaurs, British colonial ships, and Indigenous artifacts

Highlights: The kids were fascinated by the dinosaur skeletons and we all enjoyed the IMAX laser film screening ✨

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This family's experience:

Activities: We explored the exhibits and interactive installations

Highlights: The kids loved the children's gallery and IMAX theatre ✨

Magnificent Things To Do With Kids On A Melbourne Family Holiday

This family's experience:

Activities: We explored the art and science exhibits

Highlights: The kids loved the interactive displays ✨

Exploring Melbourne With Kids

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the Melbourne Museum and saw the Children's Gallery and the Dinosaur Walk

Highlights: The kids loved the Children's Gallery and the Dinosaur Walk ✨