Melbourne’s winter nights are set to sparkle as National Gallery of Victoria unveils the return of NGV Friday Nights alongside the highly anticipated 2026 Melbourne Winter Masterpieces: CARTIER exhibition.
Running every Friday from 12 June to 2 October at NGV International, the after-hours series will combine late-night exhibition access with live music, film screenings, French-inspired food and immersive performances inspired by the world of Cartier.
This year’s program brings together several major names from Melbourne’s music scene, with rotating residencies hosted by Waxflower, Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Wax Museum Records and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra through its MSO+ initiative.
Across the season, visitors can expect performances spanning jazz, soul, electronic and classical music from artists including Yunior Terry Quartet, Olivia Excuses, Amin Payne and OJ Kush, DJ Earl Grey and the MSO Cello Quartet.
One of the standout additions to the program is Diamonds for the Diva, a special performance presented by Melbourne Opera on 12 June and 11 September. The live performance celebrates Dame Nellie Melba, one of Cartier’s early clients, with a selection of her best-known arias accompanied by a five-piece ensemble. Jewellery and personal pieces connected to Melba will also feature inside the exhibition.
Film lovers can settle in for screenings of classics including High Society and The Great Gatsby, while social language sessions hosted by Alliance Française de Melbourne invite visitors to practise conversational French in a relaxed setting.
Food and drink will also form part of the experience, with French crêpes, champagne bars, wine tastings and desserts available throughout the gallery spaces.
Tony Ellwood AM, Director, NGV said: “Inspired by the legacy and innovation of Cartier, this season of NGV Friday Nights celebrates the elegance of the Maison’s creations with a fully immersive program of music, cinema, food and art, offering an experience that will inspire and delight visitors.”
The CARTIER exhibition features nearly 400 jewellery pieces and archival objects linked to figures including Elizabeth Taylor, Rihanna and Grace Kelly.
For tickets and full program details, visit NGV Melbourne
