NGV Friday Nights celebrates Yayoi Kusama this summer with Martin Benn

This summer NGV Friday Nights offers audiences an after-hours journey through the National Gallery of Victoria’s (NGV) blockbuster exhibition Yayoi Kusama. Running for 18 weeks at NGV International, the late-night series will transform the gallery into a kaleidoscopic landscape, filled with music, art, and culinary experiences in celebration of the iconic contemporary Japanese artist. 
 
Guests can explore the Yayoi Kusama exhibition, the most comprehensive showcase of the artist’s work ever staged in Australia. Spanning her eight-decade career, NGV Friday Nights offers access to Kusama’s vibrant imaginings of colour and form, including her signature infinity mirror rooms. In Federation Court, the towering sculpture Dancing Pumpkin, 2020, and the captivating Narcissus Garden, 1966/2024installation will offer an immersive visual centrepiece that invites visitors to step into Kusama’s world after dark. 

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. 

An array of bars and dining options will also be on offer including the Moët & Chandon Champagne Bar serving Brut Impérial and Rosé Impérial in the Great Hall, alongside the Four Pillars Gin Bar which will offer a refreshing selection of cocktails, including their signature G&Ts. The Yering Station Wine Bar will feature curated wine flights from the Yarra Valley. On the Terrace, guests can enjoy summer treats at the Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream Cart, serving a selection of their Classic Collection Little Cups including Belgian Chocolate, Vanilla, Salted Caramel and Strawberries & Cream flavours. 

In the Great Hall and Gallery Kitchen guests can indulge in a unique Japanese-inspired menu, featuring fresh and authentic flavours and street style dishes. 

Tony Ellwood AM, Director, NGV said: ‘We can’t wait to welcome visitors to NGV this summer for one of our most spectacular Friday Nights series yet. Every week will be a high-energy celebration of the illustrious career of the iconic Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama.’ 

NGV Friday Nights takes place every Friday from now until 18 April 2025 at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Further information and tickets are available via the NGV website. 

NGV Friday Nights, Photo Credit Michael Pham