diff --git a/src/Avalonia.Controls/Presenters/ItemVirtualizer.cs b/src/Avalonia.Controls/Presenters/ItemVirtualizer.cs
index 964ce82849..ae198dc58c 100644
--- a/src/Avalonia.Controls/Presenters/ItemVirtualizer.cs
+++ b/src/Avalonia.Controls/Presenters/ItemVirtualizer.cs
@@ -185,8 +185,12 @@ namespace Avalonia.Controls.Presenters
         /// <inheritdoc/>
         public virtual void Dispose()
         {
-            VirtualizingPanel.Controller = null;
-            VirtualizingPanel.Children.Clear();
+            if (VirtualizingPanel != null)
+            {
+                VirtualizingPanel.Controller = null;
+                VirtualizingPanel.Children.Clear();
+            }
+
             Owner.ItemContainerGenerator.Clear();
         }