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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

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.

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.

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