Did you know that the National Gallery of Victoria is the oldest and most visited gallery in Australia? It is right here before us. Founded in 1861, the National Gallery of Victoria holds the most significant art collection in the region. This vast treasury includes more than 76000 works. These works span thousands of years. They showcase a wealth of ideas, disciplines, and styles.
When the gallery opened, Victoria had been an independent colony for only ten years. Melbourne was the largest city thanks to the Victorian gold rush. Generous gifts from rich citizens helped the National Gallery of Victoria. Alfred Felton and others made it possible to buy large collections. These collections included overseas works from old and modern masters.
The National Gallery of Victoria actually operates across two sites. We are at NGV International on St Kilda Road. The other site is The Ian Potter Centre. It is known as NGV Australia. It is located at Federation Square. The St Kilda Road Gallery was designed by Sir Roy Grounds. It opened in 1968. NGV International was later redesigned by Mario Bellini.
Interestingly, the National Gallery of Victoria Art School played a vital role in Australian art history. It began in 1867. It became the leading center for art training in Australia. This lasted until about 1910. Graduates like Sidney Nolan became some of Australia’s most significant artists. The National Gallery Art School stopped being an independent entity in 1973. It then became the foundation school of the Victorian College of the Arts.
Inside the National Gallery of Victoria, you can find some spectacular works. The Great Hall ceiling is the world’s largest stained-glass ceiling. Melbourne artist Leonard French designed it. You can also find iconic Australian works. Max Dupain’s “Sunbaker” is one of them. “Shearing the Rams” by Tom Roberts is another.
There are also significant international works. Jan van Eyck’s workshop created “Ince Hall Madonna.” Rembrandt’s “Two Old Men Disputing” is another highlight. Don’t miss Nicolas Poussin’s “The Crossing of the Red Sea.” Anthony van Dyck’s “Rachel de Ruvigny, Countess of Southampton” is also worth seeing. “The Banquet of Cleopatra” by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo is stunning. George Stubbs’ “A Lion Attacking a Horse” is another powerful piece.
The collection also includes works by J. M. W. Turner. His painting “The Red Rigi” is amazing. “The Rescue” by John Everett Millais is captivating. August Friedrich Schenck’s “Anguish” evokes powerful emotions. “October” by Jules Bastien-Lepage is a beautiful landscape. You can also find works by Claude Monet. His painting “Vetheuil” is a great example. Paul Cézanne’s “The Uphill Road” is a post-impressionist gem. Camille Pissarro’s “Boulevard Montmartre, morning, cloudy weather” captures a Parisian scene. Amedeo Modigliani’s “Portrait of the painter Manuel Humbert” is a striking portrait.
The National Gallery of Victoria is more than just a gallery. It’s a cultural hub. It offers a wide range of exhibitions, programs, and events. These range from contemporary art to major international historic exhibitions. You can also experience fashion, design, architecture, sound, and dance here. Best of all, access to the collection is free. This allows everyone to share in these riches. The National Gallery of Victoria truly is a treasure for us all to enjoy.