Photo of The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia in Victoria
Museums

The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia

πŸ“ Melbourne, VIC

β˜…4.7(2,744 Google reviews)

The Ian Potter Centre at NGV Australia houses the world first gallery dedicated solely to Australian art, with over 70,000 works across three floors.

βœ“ Free admissionβœ“ Indigenous artβœ“ Australian artβœ“ Federation Squareβœ“ Design exhibitionsβœ“ Three floors
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β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Featured review by Cape Sunrise

We loved the Making Good: Redesigning the Everyday exhibition. It’s filled with a bunch of designers using both innovative and everyday materials to create products that are better for people and the planet. Some of the ideas are genuinely clever, some are beautifully simple, and all of them make you think about how design can solve real problems. If you get the chance, go and take a look β€” it’s well worth it and it’s free. I could easily go back and spend even more time there.

πŸ† Family Action Verdict

Best for families with children aged 8 and up, especially those with an interest in Australian history, culture, or design. The free permanent collection removes any cost pressure for a spontaneous visit. Federation Square central location makes it easy to combine with nearby attractions, the river walk, or lunch in the precinct.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

πŸ’‘Free entry covers the permanent collection β€” special exhibitions are separately ticketed
⏰Allow three to four hours to cover all three floors properly
🎟️The design sustainability centre on the ground floor is easily missed β€” look behind the gift shop
πŸš—Federation Square surrounds provide cafes and restaurants for a pre- or post-visit meal

πŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews β†’
4.7
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2,744 Google reviews

Free permanent collection40%
Depth of Australian and Indigenous art30%
Changing special exhibitions20%
Central Federation Square location10%
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Cape Sunrise

5 months ago

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β€œWe loved the Making Good: Redesigning the Everyday exhibition. It’s filled with a bunch of designers using both innovative and everyday materials to create products that are better for people and the planet. Some of the ideas are genuinely clever, some are beautifully simple, and all of them make you think about how design can solve real problems. If you get the chance, go and take a look β€” it’s well worth it and it’s free. I could easily go back and spend even more time there.”

H

HealthcAIre Kim

3 months ago

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β€œIan Potter Centre, Melbourne: The world’s-first art gallery dedicated to Australian art – through all genres, from classical to modern art. Housed in the impressive NGV Australia at Fed Square – first marvel at the dapper architecture then move inwards to appreciate the art pieces. Interspersed with appreciation of the stylish concrete interior design and the of the tall white spire atop The Melbourne Arts Centre. #eatstylishtravelstylish”

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Kevin Sullivan

3 months ago

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β€œThis was my one museum stop during our time In Melbourne and it didn’t disappoint. I loved the collection of Australian art (both indigenous and western) and a surprise giggling for me was the small design centre (tucked behind the gift shop on the ground floor) that had a variety of design sustainability initiatives.”

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Sam Raslan

a month ago

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β€œNot much of a art person but I loved a some of the historic paintings that look as if it were taken from a camera. The explanation of the paintings was so good. Free entry. The cost of running this would be in the multiple millions of dollars per year especially with the amount of security.”

Reviews from Google

Overview

Spanning three floors at Federation Square, the Ian Potter Centre holds the world first gallery dedicated entirely to Australian art β€” from Indigenous works spanning thousands of years to contemporary and design-led exhibitions. Free entry to the permanent collection makes it a strong spontaneous city outing. Changing special exhibitions bring new content each visit. A design centre is tucked behind the ground-floor gift shop and rewards curious visitors who explore beyond the main galleries.

πŸ• Opening Hours

Monday10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday10:00 – 17:00
Thursday10:00 – 17:00
Friday10:00 – 17:00
Saturday10:00 – 17:00
Sunday10:00 – 17:00

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