
The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
π Melbourne, VIC
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.
We loved the Making Good: Redesigning the Everyday exhibition. Itβs 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 itβs well worth it and itβs free. I could easily go back and spend even more time there.
π 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.
βΉοΈ What to Know Before You Go
π¬ What Families Are Saying
View all reviews β2,744 Google reviews
Cape Sunrise
5 months ago
βWe loved the Making Good: Redesigning the Everyday exhibition. Itβs 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 itβs well worth it and itβs free. I could easily go back and spend even more time there.β
HealthcAIre Kim
3 months ago
βIan Potter Centre, Melbourne: The worldβs-first art gallery dedicated to Australian art β through all genres, from classical to modern art. Housed in the impressive NGV Australia at Fed Square β 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. #eatstylishtravelstylishβ
Kevin Sullivan
3 months ago
βThis was my one museum stop during our time In Melbourne and it didnβt 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.β
Sam Raslan
a month ago
βNot 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.β
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.







