The popular NGV Friday Nights will return next month, in celebration of the Winter Masterpieces exhibition, Cartier. Stay out late and enjoy this dazzling exhibition, then stick around for a curated program that will transform each week. We’ve come to expect live music from NGV Friday Nights, and this time around, you can expect exciting residencies from Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Melbourne International Jazz Festival, as well as pop-up performances from the Melbourne Opera. You can also look forward to film screenings and, of course, plenty of delicious food and drink. This late-night event will take place on Friday nights from June 12 to October 2.
NGV Friday Nights
Wander over to NGV and explore the spectacular Cartier exhibition after hours. See nearly 400 jewellery pieces, alongside rare archival materials. Gaze at glittering items worn by Elizabeth Taylor, Rihanna, Princess Margaret, Grace Kelly, Dame Nellie Melba and more.
Look forward to music residencies from Waxflower, Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Wax Museum Records and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s new initiative MSO+. Each residency will feature an evolving program of performances, spanning genres like classical, jazz, soul and more. The line-up includes MSO Cello Quartet, Olivia Excuses, PLEXUS, DJ Earl Grey and more.
For two exclusive evenings, Melbourne Opera will present a live performance of Diamonds for the Diva, in celebration of Australian opera singer Dame Nellie Melba GBE, who was an early client of Cartier. In this special performance, Melbourne Opera’s ‘Melba’ will perform three of her most celebrated arias, alongside a five-piece string and wind ensemble.
On select nights, the venue will also pay homage to Cartier’s relationship with film. Swing by the Clemenger BBDO Auditorium for film screenings of High Society (1956), The Great Gatsby (1974), Phoenician Scheme (2025), Maria (2024) and Wall Street (1987).
On the third Friday of each month, meet new people and brush up on your French in Fast Friends with Alliance Française de Melbourne. This is a drop-in activity that’s open to everyone, and no understanding of French is required.
In the Great Hall, you’ll find a pop-up crêperie bar, serving sweet crepes. For more sweet treats, there will be a Häagen-Dazs ice cream kiosk. Otherwise, graze on charcuterie and cheese boards from the Gallery Kitchen, or tuck into other bites like burgers. Meanwhile, sip on drinks from the Moët & Chandon champagne bar or the Yering Station Wine Bar.
For more information and bookings, click here.
Key details:
📅June 12 to October 2
🎫$50 for adults, $44 concession and $24 for children aged 5 to 15.
📍180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006