Summer nights, vibrant beats and never-ending polka dots.
Exclusively yours after-hours, explore the largest exhibition of Yayoi Kusama’s work ever staged in Australia in a world-premiere exhibition featuring kaleidoscopic infinity mirror rooms, dancing pumpkins and immersive installations.
Experience the iconic work of Yayoi Kusama at night, alongside DJs, drinks and food.
Your ticket gives you after-hours entry to the Yayoi Kusama exhibition and NGV Friday Nights at NGV International, with unlimited entry to the exhibition from 6–10pm. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
One of Australia’s most acclaimed chefs, Martin Benn, comes to the NGV Garden Restaurant for a residency during the Yayoi Kusama exhibition. After a decade as chef-owner of the internationally acclaimed restaurant Sepia, Benn will present a set menu that combines seasonal Australian produce with Asian-inspired flavours, showcasing his innovative approach and connection to Japanese cuisine.
Each evening will feature live DJ performances in NGV’s Great Hall, with sets complimenting Kusama’s bold aesthetic and creative energy, blending upbeat J-pop, electronic rhythms, and vibrant beats. Audiences can look forward to performances by a range of exciting DJs, including the innovative sounds of Dijok, the genre-blending beats of Small FRY, the jazz-infused stylings of Elle Shimada, and the disco-dance energy of Tanzer.
In addition to the DJ lineup, NGV Friday Nights will feature two guest curated takeovers by Asia TOPA and Midsumma. These specially curated line-ups will showcase talented performers from the Asia-Pacific region and Melbourne’s LGBTQIA+ communities, with a dynamic mix of sounds and styles that reflect the city’s diverse, vibrant spirit.
Appearing at Friday Nights for the first time, Schweppes will open a world of sensory wonder this summer with an installation titled Soft in the NGV Garden. For the first four weeks of the season, Soft by Schweppes will invite visitors to wander through soundscapes and Schweppes-inspired scents all while enjoying Schweppes drinks. Schweppes will also host a pop-up bar in the NGV Gallery Kitchen for the duration of the Friday Nights season.
NGV Friday Nights Line Up:
20 Dec: Elle Shimada + Pookie
27 Dec: Jade Zoe
3 Jan: Tanzer
10 Jan: Small Fry
17 Jan: Charlie Villas
24 Jan: JNETT
31 Jan: Dijok
7 Feb: Midsumma Takeover
14 Feb: D. Tyrone
21 Feb: Asia TOPA Takeover
28 Feb: Yeo
7 Mar: Aqueerius
14 Mar: Charlie Villas
21 Mar: Rainbow Chan
28 Mar: Shah Sharafi
4 Apr: Dijok
11 Apr: JNETT
18 Apr: Tanzer
Event Details:
Dates: 20th December to 18 April 2025
Times: Every Friday night 6pm to 10pm
Suitable for: 18 years+
Location: NGV International
Cost Online: $45 A / $40 C / $37 M / $23 Ch