If you’re planning a trip to Victoria, Australia, the National Gallery of Victoria is showcasing a major exhibition through November 8. Masterpieces from the Hermitage: The Legacy of Catherine the Great brings together more than 400 works from the famed Russian ruler’s private collection. Catherine the Great, who reigned for 34 years, was a devoted patron of the arts and an advocate for education and culture. The exhibition features works by Titian, Van Dyck, Rubens and Rembrandt, alongside personal treasures such as Catherine’s 60-piece Sèvres dinner service.
On display through December 31, Nordic Cool: Modernist Design draws from the museum’s permanent holdings to examine Scandinavian design from the 1920s to the 1960s. Much of the collection was acquired in 1952 through the Felton Bequest, and the exhibition highlights the aesthetic and functional principles promoted by Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto. The show includes ceramics, glass, silver, textiles, lighting and furniture that mark key moments in modernist design. Notable items on view include the Ax Armchair (1950), Henning Koppel’s sterling silver teapot (1952) and his 1956 silver fish dish.
Both exhibitions offer a chance to explore distinct but complementary visions of art and design: the historical grandeur and collecting ambitions of Catherine the Great, and the clean, humane modernism of Nordic designers. Visitors can expect carefully curated displays, contextual information about the objects and their makers, and an opportunity to see rare works not often shown outside their home collections.
When planning your visit, check the gallery’s opening hours and any visitor requirements. Exhibitions of this scope may attract larger crowds, so consider booking tickets in advance if that option is available. Whether your interest lies in Old Master paintings or mid-century modern design, these shows provide a rich cultural experience while you’re in Victoria.