If you love snuggling with your dog, or serving your cherished feline overlords, then you’ll love the new Cats & Dogs exhibition at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. This exhibition explores our connection to these fantastic creatures through over 250 works of art and design. Find pieces from all sorts of contemporary and historical artists, including Rembrandt van Rijn, Francisco de Goya, Pierre Bonnard, and more. You’ll find the exhibition in Fed Square from now until July 20.
Cats & Dogs exhibition at NGV
This exhibition is presented thematically, with dogs on one side and cats on the other. As you journey through the space, you’ll explore depictions of working dogs and cats, mythology, religion and cats in popular culture. See paintings, prints, drawings, textiles, decorative arts and even fashion from Australia, Europe, Asia and North America,
“People have shared domestic life with cats and dogs for thousands of years,” said Tony Ellwood AM, Director of NGV. “Through more than 250 works from the NGV Collection, this exhibition explores our close-knit relationships with these animals with both critical rigour and a sense of humour. Whether a self-proclaimed dog person or cat lover, there is something for visitors of all inclinations to appreciate and enjoy.”
Notable highlights include the famous ‘Chat Noir’ art nouveau poster, created by Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen in the late nineteenth century. You’ll also find designs by Alexander McQueen, as well as creations from First Nations artists.
You’re invited to share images of your pet in the Pet Portrait Gallery. NGV and ACMI will present a selection of cat and dog moments from film, as well as a film program in 2025.
This exhibition is $16 for adults and $8 for children aged 5 to 15. Learn more about the exhibition here.