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Explore the life and art of Margaret Preston with curators and a Wadawurrung artist at NGV Australia.
Saturday 5 September 2026
12:00pm - 1:45pm
Federation Square, Flinders St &, Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Exhibition fees apply
Discover the remarkable life and career of Margaret Preston, a central figure in Australian modern art. This engaging talk and tour offers insights into her floral still lifes and modern woodblock prints, highlighting her unique visual language inspired by First Peoples' cultural materials. Experience a thoughtful reflection on how Preston's art has influenced Australia's cultural and aesthetic landscape.
The tour is led by exhibition curators Beckett Rozentals and Michael Gentle, alongside Wadawurrung artist Dr Deanne Gilson, who brings a contemporary Indigenous perspective. This combination provides a rich dialogue between historical and contemporary art, deepening your appreciation of Preston’s legacy.
Perfect for parents seeking an enriching cultural outing with school-aged children, this event invites you to explore Australian art history in a welcoming and accessible environment.
The talk and tour will take place on Saturday, 5 September 2026, from 12:00 to 13:45. It is hosted at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, located at Federation Square, Melbourne.
No prior registration is required to attend the tour; however, an exhibition ticket is necessary for entry. The program includes a highlight tour of the Margaret Preston exhibition, featuring over 250 works including loans from major Australian galleries and private collections.
The event is suitable for adults and children who have an interest in art and culture, offering an informative and engaging experience.
The event is held at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Federation Square, Melbourne, on Level 3 in the exhibition space. Federation Square is centrally located and accessible by public transport.
The NGV welcomes everyone and provides a range of accessible resources and facilities to ensure an inclusive experience. For more information on accessibility, visitors can contact the NGV or visit their Access webpage.
General enquiries can be made by phone at +61 3 8620 2222 between 9:00 and 17:00 daily.
Please note that exhibition fees apply to enter the Margaret Preston exhibition and participate in the talk and tour. Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day subject to availability.
The tour is a highlight event celebrating the opening of the Margaret Preston exhibition and includes contributions from Indigenous artists, providing important cultural context.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive on time to fully benefit from the guided experience and to respect the gallery environment.
Tickets for the Margaret Preston exhibition are required to attend the talk and tour. Prices vary depending on the type of ticket purchased for the exhibition.
Booking can be done online through the NGV website or at the venue. No separate booking is necessary for the talk and tour beyond the exhibition ticket.
Supporting the NGV through ticket purchases also helps sustain future exhibitions and cultural programs.
