Information for neurodiverse visitors or those with sensory sensitivities

With so many works of art and design at the NGV, there are new stories, perspectives and ideas for everyone to discover. The NGV warmly welcomes you to explore our range of accessible resources and events for people who are autistic or have sensory sensitivities. Aligned with the NGV Collection and exhibitions, resources include social stories, sensory maps and art-making resources. Relaxed Sessions run throughout the year and are an opportunity for visitors to experience a quieter Gallery with fewer people and reduced sensory stimuli. We are grateful for suggestions for how we can continue to improve our experience for people with autism or disability.

Find out more
For further enquiries about how the Gallery can support your access requirements, please contact our team.
+61 (03) 8620 2222
ngvenquiries@ngv.vic.gov.au
9am–5pm, daily

Watch

NGV Relaxed Sessions

Experience NGV exhibitions in a quieter setting and a lower sensory environment.

Resources

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.

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 Australia
NGV International

Sensory maps of exhibitions

For selected major exhibitions, sensory maps showing the locations of audio-visual content, seating or sensory elements are available for free download here and from the relevant exhibition page.

Pharaoh
Ancient Egypt for Kids
Africa Fashion

Gallery maps

Maps of NGV International and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia are available to download, showing accessible toilets, lifts and escalators.

View NGV International map
View NGV Australia map

Tips for a low sensory visit

#1 If you are visiting an exhibition that requires a ticket, minimise the time you or your family spends in a queue by booking tickets online before you visit.

#2 There are a variety of quieter spaces at the NGV for a rest during your visit: Grollo Equiset Garden, Great Hall, Parents room on Ground level, Galleries on upper levels of NGV International and the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia.

#3 Avoid queuing to purchase food by bringing food from home to enjoy in the Great Hall or Grollo Equiset 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.

#4 If you are visiting with a child, note that NGV Kids exhibitions can be busy. If your child requires a quieter experience, we recommend visiting from 12pm-1pm or 4pm-5pm Monday-Thursday.