The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
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From our team here at NGV, we’d like to express our very best wishes to our community at this time. Due to the evolving nature of COVID-19 and after following closely the State and Federal Government’s advice, we have extended the NGV’s temporary closure until 30 June.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
787 reviews
Excellent
513
Very good
229
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36
Poor
6
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3
Jenny L
Melbourne, Australia31 contributions
May 2021
The exhibition, She-oak and Sunlight, is a wonderful collection of some of our earlier artists’ finest work, and I would recommend a viewing. However, I am not sure that the NGV have mastered the Covid control requirements for acceptable number of persons in a controlled space. We booked for the 10.15am viewing. Bookings are spaced 15 minutes apart, I do not know how many people are allowed in at each booking, but as there was no time limit or structured route through the exhibition, by 11.30 the gallery was really crowded and felt uncomfortable. Patrons were not counted out, so there did not appear to be a check on number of patrons in the venue at any one time.
Written May 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Swisshen
Melbourne, Australia2,284 contributions
Dec 2020
I last visited this museum 3 years ago. Although the museum is free you still have to book your tickets online due to Covid restrictions.
I was disappointed as some of the main galleries were close so I could not show him some important artworks.
Pick up a floor map as there are lots of rooms which are round nooks, so that way you will be able to see everything on display.
If you have young children be careful with the Ivan Durrant display, as the painting of the cows etc are beautiful but the butchered pig heads are rather distressing.
I was disappointed as some of the main galleries were close so I could not show him some important artworks.
Pick up a floor map as there are lots of rooms which are round nooks, so that way you will be able to see everything on display.
If you have young children be careful with the Ivan Durrant display, as the painting of the cows etc are beautiful but the butchered pig heads are rather distressing.
Written December 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rotiman1
Sydney, Australia1,540 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
This is a very accessible spread over 3 floors. It’s probably best seen starting at the top and working down. It usually has special exhibitions, the current Ron Muscek exhibition and video, and the advertising agencies “pitches” on creativity are both really interesting. The other floors contain excellent modern Australian art and photography and excellent aboriginal art. It’s pleasing to see Australia’s impressionist master, John Russell represented
If you are interested in art you need to set aside a few hours to do the gallery justice
If you are interested in art you need to set aside a few hours to do the gallery justice
Written November 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Phil S
Palm Beach, Australia92 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
It is hard to review this gallery, given some of the great galleries in Australia.
Firstly, it’s mostly empty. Following on the heels of the mostly empty museum, the NGV has one closed floor; half of the ground floor ‘Opening Soon’ and lots of nothing on the other two floors.
Secondly, getting in is a trial. Checkin, scans, QR codes, second checkin, third checkin (no, I’m not kidding, we had to show our certificates and check in three times). The main door was not operating, so we had to get in through the side door.
Thirdly, the cafe charged us $44 for two coffee, two scones and a coke (small size can).
However, the few works on display were interesting and all were very new (mostly 2021).
Give it a shot; it’s free, which is the best thing that can be said about it.
Firstly, it’s mostly empty. Following on the heels of the mostly empty museum, the NGV has one closed floor; half of the ground floor ‘Opening Soon’ and lots of nothing on the other two floors.
Secondly, getting in is a trial. Checkin, scans, QR codes, second checkin, third checkin (no, I’m not kidding, we had to show our certificates and check in three times). The main door was not operating, so we had to get in through the side door.
Thirdly, the cafe charged us $44 for two coffee, two scones and a coke (small size can).
However, the few works on display were interesting and all were very new (mostly 2021).
Give it a shot; it’s free, which is the best thing that can be said about it.
Written April 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia11,690 contributions
Apr 2022
The Ian Potter Centre at the National Gallery of Victoria is a 'must see' if you are in Melbourne. The gallery has more than 20,000 works of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal art. Most international visiors are drawn to the Potter Centre's spectacular collection of Aboriginal art The Potter's splendid collection of Australian Modernist paintings will fascinate anyone interested in the evolution of Australian art, Who Are You is a unique collection of rarely seen portraits; it will be on show until 21 August 2022 at thed Potter Centre. The exbibition combines the riches of the NGV and the National Portrait Gallery..
Written April 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Karen M
Daylesford, Australia1,277 contributions
Apr 2021
We visited specifically to see "She-oak & Sunlight" - the Australian Impressionists Exhibition & were pleased we did. There are many more paintings than we expected & most are of a high quality. We felt there were too many patrons allowed in during our time, especially the guided tour group, which made it very difficult to socially distance.
Written May 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stephen C
Wollongong, Australia746 contributions
Jan 2022
Lovely experience enjoying this terrific facility and fantastic modern building. The layout is excellent and designed to lead you through the various levels. Leisurely afternoon experience with a good variety of arts/crafts across a large time period, some very interesting and innovative displays.
Not as confronting as MONA.
Very well presented and recommended for art and history lovers.
On site small cafe on level 3 was a great little refreshment stop.
Not as confronting as MONA.
Very well presented and recommended for art and history lovers.
On site small cafe on level 3 was a great little refreshment stop.
Written January 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Traveller
Melbourne, Australia12,633 contributions
Jan 2022
This thread is for the Art Gallery located in Federation Square, which is reserved for Australian Artists. Some of the reviews on this thread were clearly for the National Gallery located in St Kilda Road. Those reviewers posted to the wrong thread.
There are several paintings in this Ian Potter Centre by famous Australian Artists such as Arthur Streeton, Frederick McCubbin, Arthur Boyd and Tom Roberts that are worthy of admiration.
My wife and I visited this Gallery recently as part of our visit to various tourist attractions in Melbourne. With the pandemic now raging in many parts of the World, we are voluntarily restricting our travels to within Melbourne and within regional Victoria during the entire pandemic, to avoid the hassles of Covid testing and Covid restrictions imposed by other States and other Countries of the World.
During our visit, there were very few visitors in this Gallery (around 12 in total), which is very good for social distancing.
There are several paintings in this Ian Potter Centre by famous Australian Artists such as Arthur Streeton, Frederick McCubbin, Arthur Boyd and Tom Roberts that are worthy of admiration.
My wife and I visited this Gallery recently as part of our visit to various tourist attractions in Melbourne. With the pandemic now raging in many parts of the World, we are voluntarily restricting our travels to within Melbourne and within regional Victoria during the entire pandemic, to avoid the hassles of Covid testing and Covid restrictions imposed by other States and other Countries of the World.
During our visit, there were very few visitors in this Gallery (around 12 in total), which is very good for social distancing.
Written January 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia11,690 contributions
Jul 2022
The extraordinary NGV Potter Gallery specialises in Australian art. This modern gallery has an extensive collection of Australian art, including the nation's most extensive collection of Australian Modernists. It also has the world's best collection of Aboriginal art, which often interests overseas visitors, It's one of Australia's top galleries. The Pottter Gallery is sometimes overlooked, even though it's easy to find, it's in Federation Square, an open space opposite Flinders St Station. Entry is free.
Written August 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stormie02
Melbourne, Australia16 contributions
May 2022
Whenever I'm in the CBD with some time on my hands I drop in here. At the back of Fed Square you will find 3 levels of fine Art that changes every 3 months. Painting, sculpture, fabric and always an Aboriginal Art display. And it's free to enter and get around
Written May 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
does it cost to visit?
SueW032016
Melbourne, Australia40 contributions
No, both the galleries in Melbourne have free access if you want to come in and wander around their standard displays.
If there are special exhibitions running, there is generally a charge for those. You can still enter the gallery to see everything else and decide on the day if you want to pay for the extra exhibition.
Ian Potter and the NGV are an easy walk apart on either side of the Yarra River. You can take a while to look through both.
The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia (Melbourne) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
- We recommend booking The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 4 The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia:
- (0.02 mi) Collins St, Melbourne CBD - 2 Bedroom Apartment with Balcony
- (0.03 mi) Large Two bedroom Flinders St apartment, great location on Hosier Lane. NO A/C
- (0.10 mi) Adelphi Hotel
- (0.09 mi) Flinders Landing Apartments
- (0.16 mi) The Westin Melbourne
- Restaurants near The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia:
- (0.01 mi) Beer DeLuxe
- (0.02 mi) MoVida Next Door
- (0.04 mi) Nando's
- (0.04 mi) Da Marconi Pizza & Pasta
- (0.04 mi) Hero