Information for your visit
Visitors who are blind or have low vision
The NGV has a range of accessible resources and events for people who are blind or have low vision. Aligned with the NGV Collection and exhibitions, resources and events include audio descriptions, large print labels, relaxed sessions and audio description tours.
Audio Description Tours
Audio description tours are offered for selected exhibitions.
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Digital Audio Descriptions
Hear detailed descriptions of artworks from the NGV Collection and exhibitions.
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Relaxed Sessions
Relaxed sessions at NGV welcome visitors who would benefit from a quieter Gallery experience with fewer people, this may include those with vision impairment.
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Listen
Listen to sound works, podcasts, playlists and more on the NGV Listen page. Featuring stories and music taking us behind NGV Collection works and exhibitions in the form of podcasts, audio descriptions and playlists.
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Large Print Artwork Labels
Large print artwork labels for select exhibitions are available online. See specific exhibition pages for links to download. Once downloaded to your device, artwork labels can be adjusted to suit your viewing needs.
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Braille and Raised Letter Signage
All facilities wayfinding signage at NGV includes Braille and raised letters.
Guide Dogs
Guide Dogs and other registered assistance dogs are welcome in all spaces at the NGV. Please ensure your Guide Dog or Assistance Dog is wearing their jacket whilst at the Gallery. Water bowls are available on request.
Visitors who are Deaf or hard of hearing
The NGV has a range of accessible resources and events for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
Auslan Tours
Led by Deaf artists, explore selected exhibitions with a tour in Auslan.
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Auslan Interpretation
Auslan interpretation is available on request for NGV events. Please email your request to programs@ngv.vic.gov.au, allowing a minimum of one week’s notice.
Watch
Explore a library of captioned videos on NGV Channel including curator talks, artist demonstrations and in-studio visits.
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Auslan: Collection Highlights
Online events
Captioned videos of online events are available upon request for personal use only. Please email your request to programs@ngv.vic.gov.au at least 48 hours before the event.
National Relay Service (NRS)
The National Relay Service (NRS) is an Australia-wide phone service to assist individuals who are Deaf, or who have a hearing or speech impairment, with making and receiving phone calls.
If you are Deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication difficulty please contact us by:
Step 1: Select your preferred NRS call channels detailed on the National Relay Service website.
Step 2: Provide the NRS with our phone number +61 (03) 8620 2222.
The NRS is a free service however users need to be registered to be able to use any of the NRS call channels. You can register via the NRS App, online or by texting the NRS Helpdesk for assistance on +61 (04) 1600 1350.
For further details, visit National Relay Service.
Hearing loops
Hearing loops are available in the Clemenger BBDO Auditorium and Education Theatre at NGV International and in the Theatre at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. To use, switch your hearing aid to the “T“ setting (telecoil). Audio guides which are available for purchase for selected exhibitions use your own device and headphones.
Visitors with physical disability or mobility needs
The NGV has a range of accessible resources and events for people with physical disability or mobility issues.
NGV International map NGV Australia map
Plan Your Visit
Learn more about getting to the NGV and information about facilities at the Gallery.
Plan your visit
Relaxed Sessions
Relaxed sessions at NGV welcome visitors who would benefit from a quieter Gallery experience with fewer people, this may include those with physical disabilities.
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Wheelchair Access
Wheelchair access is available in our auditorium, studios, education theatres and toilets, as well as throughout the gallery spaces.
Wheelchairs are available for free hire from the Information Desk at both NGV International and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. We recommend booking a wheelchair before your visit by calling +61 (03) 8620 2222 or making a booking online.
A motorised scooter is available for free hire from NGV International. We recommend booking it before your visit by calling +61 (03) 8620 2222 or emailing ngvenquiries@ngv.vic.gov.au.
Lifts, Ramps and Escalators
Entrances to both NGV International and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia are on street level with automatic doors.
Lift access to each floor of NGV International is available, with ramps and escalators throughout the building.
Lift access is available to each floor at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. Please note there is no down escalator at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia.
Changing Places
A Changing Places bathroom is located nearby at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Hamer Hall, approximately 300 metres from NGV International and 500 metres from The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. Changing Places are fully accessible toilets with full-sized change table, hoist system and basin, designed for the exclusive use of people with disability, their families and carers.
It is located on Level 3 of Hamer Hall, near the south lift, and users are asked to bring their Master Locksmith Access Key (MLAK) to open. For health and safety reasons, slings are not provided and visitors are asked to bring their own which should be compatible with the loop system.
The facility is available to use 24/7. If you require access to the facility when Hamer Hall is closed, please contact their security at +61 (03) 8620 2222 to escort you.
Neurodiverse visitors or those with sensory sensitivities
The NGV has a range of accessible resources and events for people who are neurodiverse or have sensory sensitivities.
Sensory Maps
For selected major exhibitions, sensory maps showing the locations of audio-visual content, seating or sensory elements are available for free download from the relevant exhibition page.
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Relaxed Sessions
Relaxed sessions at NGV welcome visitors who would benefit from a quieter Gallery experience with fewer people and reduced sensory stimuli. This may include people with autism, disability, dementia, mental health or chronic illness conditions. All ages are welcome.
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Social Stories
Developed in consultation with AMAZE, these visual documents are designed to help autistic children and their families or teachers prepare for their visit to the Gallery. Available for free download, these stories are editable and can tailored to your planned visit.
NGV International NGV International: School Groups NGV Australia
Art-making Resource for Autistic Children
NGV and The Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University have collaborated to create a free art-making resource to support autistic children.
Tips for a Low Sensory Visit
- If you are visiting an exhibition that requires a ticket, minimise the time you or your family spend in a queue by booking tickets online before you visit.
- There are a variety of quieter spaces to rest during your visit: The Garden, Great Hall and the Parents Room on the Ground Level at NGV International, as well as the Galleries on upper levels of NGV International and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia.
- Avoid queuing to purchase food by bringing food from home to enjoy in the Great Hall or NGV Garden. Please note that you will be required to cloak large bags that can’t be stored under a pram when you enter the Gallery.
- If you are visiting with a child, note that the Children’s Gallery can be busy. If your child requires a quieter experience, we recommend visiting from 12pm–1pm or 4pm–5pm Monday–Thursday.
Visitors who are living with dementia
The NGV has been formally recognised by Dementia Australia for working towards becoming more dementia friendly, including NGV staff participating in Dementia Awareness training. We invite people living with dementia, along with their family, friends and carers, to connect with art through enriching experiences that promote discovery, creativity, and social interactions.
Sharing Connections
The free Sharing Connections event series welcomes those living with dementia and their family members or caregivers to the Gallery to explore works of art with an NGV educator.
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Connect & Create
Engage in a small group discussion about one to two works of art in the Gallery, followed by a hands-on artmaking activity in the studio. Each session runs for two hours and features different works of art and art making techniques each month.
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Relaxed Sessions
Relaxed sessions at NGV welcome visitors who would benefit from a quieter Gallery experience with fewer people, this may include those with dementia.
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People who are unable to visit in person
For those who cannot physically visit the NGV, there is a suite of online events, videos and articles that you can access from home.
Gallery Visits You
Free online event series, Gallery Visits You brings art to community groups or aged care centres. Led by NGV Guides, these free sessions introduce a highlight artwork from the NGV Collection and exhibitions each month.
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Online Events and Virtual Excursions
Explore a range of live events and virtual school excursions presented online.
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Kids Activity Sheets
Free activity sheets and games are available for free download. Print to use or simply take the idea and use paper and pen.
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NGV Channel
Be inspired by the stories behind NGV Collection works and exhibitions with virtual tours, essays, videos and more.
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Students with a disability
NGV Learning is committed to providing inclusive programs that meet the needs of all participating students. Teachers are invited to discuss the needs of their students with the bookings team or an educator before booking via edu.bookings@ngv.vic.gov.au or call +61 (03) 8620 2340 (9am–5pm, Mon-Fri).
Accessible Learning with Art
A resource suite designed to provide opportunities for students with diverse learning abilities to view and meaningfully respond to works of art and design from the NGV Collection.
General Information
Assistance Dogs
Guide Dogs and accredited assistance dogs are welcome at the NGV. Please ensure your assistance dog is wearing their jacket whilst at the Gallery.
Ticketing
The NGV is free to visit, and you don’t need to book a ticket to visit the NGV Collection. Some exhibitions do require buying a ticket however. You can buy tickets:
- online
- over the phone by calling +61 (03) 8620 2222 (9am–5pm, daily)
- or in-person at the NGV.
Companion and Carer Cards
The NGV recognises the Companion Card and the Carer Card. Companion Card holders receive concession priced tickets to all exhibitions and programs, and a complimentary ticket for their companion. Complimentary tickets for the companions can be collected from the Information Desk at the Gallery and do not need to be booked in advance even if tickets are sold out for that session. Carer Card holders receive concession priced tickets to all exhibitions and programs.
Concession Card Holders
Concession price tickets are available to people who hold one of the following cards; Australian Pensioner, Australian Veterans Card, full time students and Health Care Card holders.
Australian Seniors Card discounts are available on Wednesdays only.
Access Aids
Wheelchairs, a motorised scooter, self-regulation fidget devices, magnifying sheets and coloured overlays are available for free hire. We recommend booking before your visit, by calling +61 (03) 8620 2222 or making a booking via the online form.
Disability Action Plan
In a commitment to continued improvement to inclusion and accessibility, the NGV Disability Action Plan (DAP) 2021–24 consolidates and builds on progress made in previous Disability Action Plans, whilst increasing the scope.