Melbourne’s favourite after-dark art experience is back for summer, with NGV Friday Nights transforming NGV International into a celebration of fashion, music and creativity inspired by two of the world’s most influential designers, Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons.
From 12 December, the National Gallery of Victoria will open late every Friday evening, inviting visitors to explore Westwood | Kawakubo after hours. The exhibition traces five decades of groundbreaking design from the British punk provocateur and the Japanese avant-garde visionary who redefined the boundaries of fashion.
Each week, the gallery’s spaces come alive with music and performance, featuring a rotating line-up of Australian DJs including Breaking and Entering, Adriana, DJ Manchild, YO! Mafia, Small Fry, Claire Knight, Tanzer, Yeo and Danny Issues. Expect nostalgic hits from the 70s through to the 90s alongside modern summer anthems, reflecting the rebellious and eclectic energy of both designers’ work.
Visitors can also enjoy a range of food and drink experiences across the Ground Level. The NGV Gallery Kitchen offers light dishes and drinks in a relaxed setting, while pop-up bars across the venue include the Moët & Chandon Champagne Bar, Yering Station Wine Bar, and Four Pillars Bar serving gin cocktails designed for summer. For a sweet finish, the Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream Cart will serve premium scoops throughout the season.
A highlight of the program will be a special collaboration with Midsumma Festival on Friday 30 January, when NGV Friday Nights hosts a one-night-only celebration of queer creativity with LGBTQIA+ DJs and roving performances inspired by the designers’ shared spirit of bold self-expression.
NGV Friday Nights runs from 12 December 2025 to 17 April 2026 at NGV International, St Kilda Road. More details and tickets are available via the NGV website. Westwood | Kawakubo is on display from 7 December 2025 to 19 April 2026.
