Enter NGV International as the galleries open for Friday Nights. Wander through the CARTIER exhibition before crowds build and spend time exploring Ragnar Kjartansson: Mercy at your own pace.
National Gallery of Victoria
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NGV Friday Nights Tickets | After-Hours Access to Cartier & Live Music
Timings
Looking for a different way to spend your Friday evening in Melbourne? NGV Friday Nights transforms the National Gallery of Victoria into one of the city's most vibrant cultural destinations every Friday from 6pm to 10pm during the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces® season.
Your ticket includes after-hours entry to both the Cartier exhibition and Ragnar Kjartansson: Mercy, along with a changing lineup of live music, DJs, film screenings, pop-up performances, bars, and dining experiences—all under one roof.
Whether you're planning a date night, meeting friends after work, or simply want to experience Melbourne's arts scene in a lively atmosphere, NGV Friday Nights offers a unique combination of art, music, food, and entertainment.
Why visit NGV Friday Nights?
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Two major exhibitions with one ticket
Enjoy after-hours access to both CARTIER and Ragnar Kjartansson: Mercy with a single ticket. Explore two of NGV International's biggest exhibitions in one evening without needing separate admissions or multiple visits.
Live music every Friday
Each Friday features a rotating live music residency curated by Melbourne icons including the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Wax Museum Records, and Waxflower. Expect everything from jazz and classical performances to soul, vinyl sets, and contemporary artists.
New experiences every week
No two Friday Nights are exactly alike. Alongside the exhibitions, you might find opera performances, film screenings, French language sessions, pop-up activities, interactive experiences, and special artistic collaborations.
Drinks and dining inside the gallery
Turn your gallery visit into a complete night out with Champagne bars, Yarra Valley wines, cheese boards, gourmet snacks, crêpes, and sweet treats available throughout the evening. There's no need to leave the gallery for dinner or drinks.
A completely different way to experience NGV
As the sun sets, NGV International transforms into one of Melbourne's most vibrant cultural events. Live music, cocktails, illuminated galleries, and a buzzing social atmosphere make Friday Nights feel more like a festival than a traditional museum visit.
What happens during an NGV Friday Night?
6pm: Arrive and explore
7pm: Live music begins
Throughout the evening, live performances take place in Gandel Hall and other gallery spaces. Each Friday features a different artist or residency, so no two evenings are exactly alike.
8pm: Drinks and dinner
Pause for Champagne, wine, cocktails, or dinner from one of the pop-up food stations before heading back into the galleries.
9pm onwards: Performances and late-night atmosphere
As the evening progresses, the gallery becomes increasingly lively with DJs, conversations, performances, and visitors enjoying one of Melbourne's most unique cultural nights.
Weekly entertainment
Every Friday Night features a fresh lineup of performances, making each visit unique. Alongside access to two blockbuster exhibitions, you'll enjoy live music, cultural experiences, film screenings, and interactive activities spread throughout NGV International. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning guest, there's always something new to discover.
🎵 Live music residencies
One of the highlights of NGV Friday Nights is its rotating live music program. Throughout the season, the gallery partners with some of Melbourne's leading music organisations to present performances inspired by the exhibitions.
Music residencies include:
- Melbourne International Jazz Festival
- Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
- Wax Museum Records
- Waxflower
Expect a changing mix of contemporary jazz, classical ensembles, soul, vinyl DJ sets, experimental music, and emerging Australian artists. With new performers every Friday, no two visits are exactly the same.
🎭 Activities & performances
Beyond the live music, each Friday features a rotating program of cultural experiences that bring the gallery to life after dark.
Depending on the week, you may enjoy:
- Melbourne Opera performances
- Cartier-inspired film screenings
- French language sessions by Alliance Française de Melbourne
- Interactive gallery quizzes
- Artist talks and pop-up performances
The entertainment changes weekly, so it's worth checking the program before booking if there's a particular performance you'd like to experience.
Explore two blockbuster exhibitions
Your NGV Friday Nights ticket includes entry to both featured exhibitions, giving you the opportunity to experience world-class art and design after regular gallery hours.
CARTIER
One of the largest jewellery exhibitions ever presented in Australia, CARTIER showcases nearly 400 extraordinary objects spanning more than a century of craftsmanship and innovation.
Inside the exhibition you'll discover:
- Iconic Panther jewellery
- Historic gemstones and royal commissions
- Legendary Mystery Clocks
- The famous Tank watch
- Original Cartier design drawings and archival material
- Jewellery worn by royalty, celebrities, and Hollywood icons
The immersive exhibition design makes this much more than a jewellery display, offering a fascinating journey through the Maison's creative history.
Ragnar Kjartansson: Mercy
Experience one of the world's leading contemporary artists through a series of immersive video installations exploring emotion, performance, and storytelling.
The exhibition examines themes including:
- Love and relationships
- Memory and nostalgia
- Humour and absurdity
- Music and performance
- Repetition and ritual
- Human connection
Visitors can experience internationally acclaimed works including The Visitors, No Tomorrow, Scenes from Western Culture, and Me and My Mother, making this one of the most talked-about contemporary exhibitions at NGV.
Food & drinks
NGV Friday Nights isn't just about exhibitions—it's also one of Melbourne's most enjoyable places to spend an evening over drinks and dinner. Throughout the gallery you'll find premium bars, wine tastings, casual dining, and sweet treats, making it easy to turn your gallery visit into a complete night out.
🥂 Moët & Chandon Champagne Bar
Start your evening with a glass of Champagne at the Moët & Chandon Champagne Bar. Choose from signature Brut or Rosé while enjoying the elegant atmosphere of NGV International after hours.
🍷 Yering Station Wine Bar
Sample premium wines from Victoria's renowned Yarra Valley, including curated tasting flights that showcase a selection of Yering Station favourites. It's the perfect stop between exhibitions for wine lovers.
🧀 Gallery Kitchen
Take a break with artisan cheese boards, charcuterie platters, and light bites designed for sharing. Pair your meal with wine or cocktails before continuing your gallery experience.
🍔 Friday Nights Food Station
If you're after something more substantial, the Friday Nights dining station serves burgers, salads, fries, and seasonal savoury dishes throughout the evening, making it easy to enjoy dinner without leaving the gallery.
🍨 Sweet treats
End your visit with freshly made crêpes or premium Häagen-Dazs ice cream before browsing the galleries one last time. Complimentary tastings may also be available during selected evenings.
Visitor tips
- Book your tickets early, as Friday Nights regularly sell out during the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces® season.
- Arrive close to 6pm to enjoy the exhibitions before peak evening crowds.
- Check the weekly entertainment schedule before booking if you'd like to see a particular musician or performance.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll spend several hours exploring multiple gallery spaces.
- Stay until closing to experience the full atmosphere as the live performances continue throughout the evening.
- Planning a date night? Begin with the exhibitions before enjoying Champagne or dinner later in the evening.
- Browse the NGV Design Store before leaving for exhibition-inspired gifts, books, and designer products.
- Photography is generally permitted in public areas but may be restricted inside some exhibition spaces.
- Food stations are busiest between 7:30pm and 8:30pm, so consider dining a little earlier or later.
- Public transport is recommended, as parking around St Kilda Road can be limited on Friday evenings.
Frequently asked questions about NGV Friday Night tickets
Your ticket includes entry to NGV Friday Nights, after-hours access to the National Gallery of Victoria, admission to the CARTIER: Melbourne Winter Masterpieces® exhibition and Ragnar Kjartansson: Mercy, plus access to the evening's live music, DJ performances, and rotating entertainment program. Food and drinks are available to purchase separately.
NGV Friday Nights runs every Friday from 6pm to 10pm during the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces® season. Arriving close to 6pm gives you the most time to explore the exhibitions and enjoy the entertainment.
Most visitors spend 2 to 4 hours at the event. This gives you enough time to visit both exhibitions, enjoy dinner or drinks, browse the gallery, and watch live performances.
Yes. Your ticket includes access to both featured exhibitions—CARTIER and Ragnar Kjartansson: Mercy—during the same evening, so you can explore them at your own pace.
Yes. All live music, DJ sets, and scheduled performances are included with your Friday Nights ticket. The lineup changes weekly, offering a different experience each Friday throughout the season.
No. Food and beverages are not included but can be purchased from the Champagne Bar, Wine Bar, Gallery Kitchen, food stations, and other dining outlets operating throughout the evening.
A limited number of tickets may be available at the door, subject to availability. However, Friday Nights regularly sells out—particularly during weekends, school holidays, and popular performance dates—so booking in advance is strongly recommended.
Re-entry is generally not guaranteed once you leave the venue. If you plan to step outside during your visit, check with staff on arrival regarding the event's re-entry policy for that evening.
There is no formal dress code. Most visitors opt for smart casual attire that's comfortable for walking through the galleries while also suitable for an evening out in the city.
NGV Friday Nights is designed as a self-guided experience. While you can explore both exhibitions at your own pace, separate guided tours may be available on selected dates and require an additional booking.
Photography for personal use is generally permitted in many gallery spaces. However, photography may be restricted inside certain temporary exhibitions due to lender agreements, and flash photography, tripods, selfie sticks, and professional filming equipment are not permitted.
Live music, DJ sets, performances, and activities are staged throughout NGV International in designated event spaces and public areas. Performance locations may vary each week depending on the program.
Yes. Seating is available throughout the gallery, including in dining areas and selected performance spaces. Availability may be limited during peak periods and popular performances.
Yes. Families are welcome, and visitors under 18 years of age may attend provided they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Keep in mind that the event is licensed and primarily designed as an evening cultural experience.
The Friday Nights program is subject to change. Occasionally, artists or performances may be substituted or rescheduled due to operational requirements, but your ticket will continue to include access to both exhibitions and the evening's entertainment program.
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