NGV International
Exterior of NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne. NGV International. Photo: NGV Photographic Services
Editorial
At the time of the NGV's opening, Melbourne's streets were paved with gold thanks to the prosperity of the Victorian goldfields. As a consequence, Melbourne was Australia's richest city and the recipient of generous gifts from some of her wealthiest citizens, including the industrialist Alfred Felton who donated considerable sums to the NGV, making it possible for the gallery to begin purchasing large collections of overseas works from both old and modern masters. Since then the NGV's reputation for being a prestige gallery both in Australia and the world has grown steadily, and in addition to having an enviable permanent collection, the gallery has hosted numerous 'blockbuster' exhibitions including The Impressionists, The Dutch Masters, Picasso, Carvaggio, works from the Guggenheim to name a few.
In 1986, the NGV grabbed global headlines when Pablo Picasso's Weeping Woman was stolen by a group identifying themselves as the “Australian Cultural Terrorists” to protest poor treatment of the arts by the Victorian government of the day. A week following the theft, the painting was discovered in a railway locker, however those responsible have never been found.
Following a number of extensive renovations, including a $168 million overhaul in 1999 during which time the gallery closed its doors for four years, the NGV enjoys being one of the most beautiful and technologically advanced galleries in the world and is also known for two famous and much-loved features of the building. The Leonard French stained glass ceiling in The Great Hall measures 60.9 m in length, 15.24m in width and 13.72m in height and took five years to build. It is best viewed - and encouraged - by lying on the ground and facing it. Another favourite feature of the gallery is the waterwall - a glass wall 20m wide and 6m high supporting a continually running, recycled water curtain which acts as a noise barrier between the bustle of St Kilda Road and the peaceful environment of the NGV.
A favourite place for Melbournians to meet and enjoy some of the finest art in the world, the NGV International is a must for any visitor to the city.
Cath Pope, Citysearch, March 2009
Description
Event Listing
ManStyle
NGV International 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne 2011-03-11Start:11-Mar-2011
End:27-Nov-2011
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End:04-Mar-2012
2012-03-04User Feedback
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