Melbourne is set to host the largest and most significant collection of priceless artworks ever to leave New York's famous Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), after it was announced up to 150 works of art would be temporarily displayed in Melbourne's National Gallery of Victoria (NVG).
After visiting the famous New York gallery earlier this week, Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews made the announcement on Thursday, and said up to 150 works from MoMA's collection would be showcased for four months in the National Gallery of Victoria's 2018 Winter Masterpieces showcase.
According to Andrews, some of history's most famous works of art will be making the trip down under, including Van Gogh's "Portrait of Joseph Roulin", Salvador Dali's "The Persistence of Memory", Roy Lichtenstein's "Drowning Girl" and Marcel Duchamp's "Bicycle Wheel".
Other artists set to feature in the exhibition include Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Jackson Pollock.
"Picasso, Van Gogh and Matisse, only in Melbourne will you see this roll call of the greatest names in contemporary art it'll be an experience not to miss," Andrews said in comments published on Thursday.
"MoMA is one of the most prestigious modern art galleries in the world and its partnership with the NGV is testament to Victoria's reputation as an international cultural destination."
Andrews said many of the works had never before been showcased in Australia, and said the exhibition will be seen by more than half a billion people over the four months.
"Many of these works have never been to Australia, they rarely leave New York. This exhibition will bring record crowds to the NGV from around the world that's great for keeping our bars, restaurants and hotels full, and great for jobs," he said.
MoMA director Glenn Lowry said it was an honor to share some of the world's most famous artworks with hundreds of thousands of Australians and tourists keen to see the masterpieces.
"We are thrilled to have this opportunity to share these important works from nearly every area of our collection with the NGV and the many visitors who will take advantage of this rare opportunity," Lowry said.
The National Gallery of Victoria will host the exhibition from June 8 until Oct. 7, 2018.
