How to Make the Most of Your Visit to The Ian Potter Centre, NGV Australia
A unique cultural hub, The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia offers a diverse range of galleries and exhibitions solely dedicated to Australian art.
Open daily, it’s free to delve into the heart of Australian art as you wander through more than 20 galleries within The Ian Potter Centre. To make the most of your visit, the Australian Collections Highlights Tour offers a comprehensive overview of the diverse artistic landscapes of Australia.
We begin our visit with a free guided tour, then continue to explore further on our own, and finally visit the shop and cafe.
Explore NGV Australia: The Ian Potter Centre
Discover works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities that tell powerful stories and reflect the cultural heritage of Australia. From striking paintings to intricate sculptures, each piece in the collection at NGV Australia offers a unique perspective on our country’s artistic evolution.
Related reading: Experience Artistic Brilliance at NGV International
Chris’ review
If you’re like me, when you’ve wandered through art galleries you have enjoyed the works of art but rarely been engaged enough to ponder deeper what the artist is depicting.
Well, resulting from a recent visit to the NGV Ian Potter Centre at Federation Square, my perspective has changed.
This epiphany resulted from my first-ever guided gallery tour, where I actually listened to the Guide.
The Ian Potter Centre is where the National Gallery Victoria houses its collection of Australian artworks. Our Guide, a very knowledgeable lady and dedicated volunteer, shared her obvious love of Australian art.
Upon entering the first of many rooms in the gallery we were immediately drawn to a huge 3 x 5 metre painting titled Ngayarta Kujarra.
Noting that this Indigenous name refers to a lake, previously known as Lake Dora in Western Australia, and having mapped from afar that large landform feature several times in my working life, my thoughts were that if this was an aerial “view” of the Lake it was a long way from a geographical likeness.
Chris’ review cont’
In the past my accuracy-seeking mind would’ve lost interest and moved on. However, knowing art is far more than technical correctness, I listened on this day, and my mind was opened as our Guide quietly outlined the story of the painting.
As she narrated I could visualize the twelve First Nations female artists, from 3 generations, sitting around and working on the canvas together, engaged with Country and in community with each other.
She explained that the large white area at the centre of the canvas was the lake and the different patterns surrounding it represented changes in vegetation, rock outcrops and sand dunes. The blue splashes around the extremities were how the artists depicted the several sacred waterholes in the area.
Without the Guide’s explanation, I would definitely not have gained this insight.
The Gallery collection also houses the original works of many Non-indigenous Australian artists. Famous paintings, that I am only familiar with because I have seen prints of them in shops or on calendars, are on display and our wonderful Guide led us on an enthralling, but brief, romp through the art world.
NGV Highlights Tour
On a free guided tour, visitors journey through a selection of renowned works and popular pieces within the Australian Collection, showcasing the talent of First Nations artists. Delve into the meanings and contexts behind these artworks, gaining fresh insights into Australian heritage and cultural narratives.
Ideal for newcomers eager to explore the art scene or regular visitors seeking new discoveries, this tour provides a captivating introduction to the depth and diversity of Australian artistic expression.
NGV Highlights Tours run daily at 11 am and begin at a meeting point in the entrance foyer on the ground floor. Tours run for around an hour and are wheelchair friendly.
No bookings are required, just show up. Public tours are available in a range of languages, and if you have a group of 10 people or more, it is recommended to book a private tour.
Terrie’s review
While visiting NGV Ian Potter Gallery, I realised how much I love having a Guided Tour. To have an expert explain the different art pieces, whether indigenous or other, was so informative and interesting.
I was very excited to see an original painting of which I have a print hanging on my wall at home, here in the Gallery! It is, “The Quay at Dinard,” by Ethel Carrick. It was a delight to learn about this painter and my print, which I bought just because I loved the picture, which now means a whole lot more. A wonderful tour.
Uncover the Legacy of the Joseph Brown Collection
A highlight of The Ian Potter Centre is the Joseph Brown Collection, a testament to the generosity and passion of Dr Joseph Brown. This remarkable collection, donated to the NGV in 2004, showcases the work of Australian artists from various periods and genres.
From classic portraits to avant-garde masterpieces, the Joseph Brown Collection is a tribute to the vibrant artistic spirit of Australia. Find more information here.
Making Good (free entry)
Also showing at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia is Making Good: Redesigning the Everyday (on until 1 February 2026, free entry). This exhibition highlights how designers are reimagining the objects and systems we use daily—turning them into solutions that are kinder to people and the planet.
From coffee-ground concrete and biodegradable packaging to adaptable clothing and air-purifying paints, Making Good showcases over 50 local and international designers whose innovative work demonstrates the power of design to reduce waste, extend product life, and inspire positive change.
Martin Grant (ticketed)
At The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia until 26 January 2026, Martin Grant is the largest exhibition of the Australian-born, Paris-based designer’s career. Spanning more than four decades, it traces Grant’s journey from his beginnings in Melbourne in the 1980s to his acclaimed Paris collections, with over 120 garments, sketches, photographs and runway footage on display.
Known for dressing muses such as Cate Blanchett, Lee Radziwill, Naomi Campbell, Juliette Binoche and Lady Gaga, Grant’s work reflects a refined aesthetic and timeless elegance. Developed in close collaboration with the designer, the exhibition offers rare insight into his creative world.
Read Angie’s review of the Martin Grant exhibition here.
NGV Membership
If you plan to visit the NGV regularly across its different locations, a membership could be well worth considering. Concession rates are available, and membership includes one complimentary entry each year to a ticketed exhibition.
Perks for members go beyond exhibitions. You’ll enjoy discounts in the NGV design store, access to the Members Lounge—complete with tea and coffee facilities—and the option to bring along a guest each visit. It’s a handy spot to enjoy a quiet break if you’d prefer to bring your own snack rather than queue at the café. Members are also invited to special exhibition previews, gallery openings and exclusive talks, making it a rewarding way to connect more deeply with the NGV.
Connect and Create
Held monthly at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, these free, dementia-friendly sessions are designed to foster creativity and social connection.
Each two-hour session includes a small group discussion of selected artworks, followed by a hands-on artmaking activity facilitated by trained NGV Educators. No prior art experience is necessary, and participants are encouraged to attend as many sessions as they wish.
Due to high demand, bookings are essential. For more information and to reserve a spot, please visit the NGV’s Connect and Create program page.
Related reading: 8 Art Therapy Classes for Dementia in and around Melbourne
NGV Design Store
After exploring the galleries, don’t forget to visit the NGV Design Store. Browse through a curated selection of Australian art and design books, as well as unique design products that celebrate local creativity.
From fashion accessories to children’s gifts, the store offers a treasure trove of souvenirs and mementoes to commemorate your visit.
NGV Café
Take a break from your art-filled journey and recharge at the NGV Café, located in the Atrium just outside the entrance to The Ian Potter Centre. Treat yourself to a delicious breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of your surroundings. Sip on locally roasted Allpress Espresso coffee and savour the moment amidst the artistic buzz of the NGV.
Side Trip
There’s so much happening at Fed Square. While you’re there, you could stop in at ACMI or Koorie Heritage Trust, both of which host regular and permanent exhibitions.
Nearby dining options include Riverland Bar, Chocolate Buddha, and Transport Hotel.
Tidbits for visiting The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
- Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm;
- Free entry to NGV’s permanent exhibitions;
- Seniors Card discount available on ticketed exhibitions;
- Free guided walking tours run daily, no booking required;
- A cloak room is available free of charge for coats and small bags;
- Enjoy a light breakfast or lunch at the cafe overlooking the atrium;
- Monthly Connect and Create sessions offer free, dementia-friendly activities designed to foster creativity and social connection.
- Visit nearby galleries ACMI and Koorie Heritage Trust within Fed Square;
- Nearby dining options include Riverland Bar, Chocolate Buddha, and Transport Hotel.
NGV Australia Accessibility
- Ramp access, lifts and accessible toilets;
- Large print guides, hearing loops and audio guides available;
- Other free access aids include wheelchair hire and fidget devices;
- Support for Assistance Dogs and recognition of Companion and Carer Cards;
- Located within Fed Square, directly opposite Flinders St Station;
- Various parking facilities close by.
The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
Ph 03 8620 2222
ngvenquiries@ngv.vic.gov.au
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