NGV Gala & Summer Art Series
A sensory monochrome wonderland for art lovers.
The NGV Gala is the National Gallery of Victoria’s (NGV) answer to New York’s prestigious Met Gala. The evening begins with an exclusive preview of the major summer art exhibition, followed by a specially-curated dinner before moving into a fabulous cocktail party. This is the third year running, and the Gala will coincide with the premiere exhibition opening of Keith Haring & Jean-Michel Basquiat: Crossing Lines, which intertwines the work of two of the world’s most celebrated conceptual artists.
Fast facts
- Where: National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne exclusive
- When: 2021 dates to be released
- Don't miss: NGV Friday Nights which combines art, dining and DJs in the garden all summer.
How to get there
The NGV is located on St Kilda Road in Melbourne. The gallery is easily accessible by public transport including buses, trams and trains. The NGV is just three kilometres (1.9 miles) from Melbourne’s city centre and can be reached by taxi in about 10 minutes.
Video highlights: Natalie Portman visits Melbourne for the NGV Gala
Things to do at the NGV Gala
Lost in art, NGV Gala, Melbourne, Victoria © NGV
Explore exclusive exhibitions
While the NGV Gala is all about fashion and fun, it doesn’t forget about its artful roots. The black-tie event treats its guests to exclusive exhibition openings, like the significant fashion showcase Collecting Comme and the modern genius of Keith Haring & Jean-Michel Basquiat: Crossing Lines.
Nicole Kidman on the red carpet, NGV Gala, Melbourne, Victoria © NGV
Enjoy all-night entertainment
The black-tie NGV Gala is about more than the art on the walls; it’s also about art you can touch, hear and feel. The entire evening is packed with entertainment. Think DJ sets and intriguing performances create a buzzing, high-energy atmosphere. In addition, the red carpet is rolled out for celebrity appearances, which have included big names like Nicole Kidman, Elizabeth Olsen, Natalie Portman and Poppy Delevingne.
Cutler & Co., Melbourne, Victoria © Eugene Hyland
Dine among the art
The NGV Gala dinner guests can expect a meal that’s both delicious and out of the ordinary. Past menus have been created to showcase the city’s culinary flare while mirroring the grandeur of the night’s art exhibition. Diners are served three exquisite courses at tables set within the European historic gallery spaces, with each course celebrating local ingredients.
