This grand modernist building on St Kilda Road is Australia's oldest art museum and amongst the most popular in the country. That title has been won thanks to the gallery's top-notch and diverse permanent collection, their fantastic visiting collections and an ongoing series of additional events aimed at locals and tourists alike.
The permanent collection includes a Rembrandt, a Bonnard and a Tiepolo – not bad for a gallery that's only been around since the mid 1800s. All visitors to the NGV must pass the water wall upon entry, and yes, it is hard to resist touching it. The ground floor is where you'll usually find the gallery's major exhibitions and it's also where you'll find the magnificent, boiled lolly-like stained glass ceiling in the Great Hall.
Upstairs you've got the permanent collections, as well as the smaller visiting exhibitions. You cannot visit the NGV without spending a hefty chunk of time in the 19th Century Gallery (or Salon Gallery). It gets its nickname from the style the paintings are hung in, and houses one of the most emotive paintings in the gallery: 'Anguish' by August Friedrich Schenck. The painting depicts a hopeless scene, with a bereft ewe standing over the body of her lamb.
You could easily spend a whole day in the bulding, so be sure to make regular pit stops. If you're feeling fancy the Tea Room offers high tea as well as cakes and light meals, while downstairs you can fill your belly with the seasonal menu items at Garden Restaurant.