Westwood | Kawakubo
Teacher and Student Programs

Tickets for pre-booked groups of primary and secondary school students are $14.00 per student. Tickets for pre-booked tertiary student groups are $37.00 per student. Groups receive one complimentary teacher ticket per fifteen students. Tickets for additional teachers/supervisors are $37.

The cost of exhibition tickets is included in our interactive onsite introductory talks for secondary and tertiary students, as well as our focused VCE Art Making and Exhibiting programs. Please allow time for viewing the exhibition viewing following your program.

While exhibition visitation times may vary for each school group, we recommend allowing at least 60 minutes to experience the exhibition.

Our interactive and introductory talks for secondary and tertiary students, as well as our VCE Art Making and Exhibiting programs, are delivered in a theatre or studio space either before or after a self-guided visit to the exhibition.

The exhibition brings together groundbreaking designs by Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons, highlighting their radical and rule-breaking approaches to fashion. Through more than 140 garments and accessories as well as archival video and photography drawn from the NGV Collection and major international loans, the exhibition explores how both designers challenged conventions of beauty, gender and form to redefine the possibilities of dress. Some artworks depict nudity and sexual themes.

Where possible, we encourage teachers to visit the Gallery prior to visiting with a group to plan a route and review the works on display.

Yes. Introduction to Westwood | Kawakubo Online is an interactive introductory talk to the exhibition delivered via Webex. This online program allows students to engage with key exhibition themes and ideas from their own classroom before or after visiting the Gallery. Please note that exhibition entry tickets are not included in online programs.

Let’s Party! Fashion for Kids: Designer by Danielle Brustman is an exclusive NGV exhibition designed by Australian contemporary designer Danielle Brustman. This exhibition celebrates self-expression and creativity through party-inspired fashion, inviting children and families to explore colour, movement and joy in a vibrant celebration of dressing up. School groups are encouraged to visit and participate in this free installation. Please note that access to this exhibition does not require an exhibition ticket.

Yes. Exhibition entry time will be organised with you during the booking process. Large groups may be split to stagger entry to the exhibition.

To manage crowds in the exhibition, a limited number of students will be admitted to the exhibition at regular intervals so large groups may have staggered entry times.

Cloakroom facilities are limited. To minimise delays during your visit, please avoid bringing items that need to be cloaked. This includes student backpacks, large bags and umbrellas. Large bags containing first aid kits or essential medical equipment may be carried through the Gallery but must be clearly labelled. Please speak to staff at the Information Desk if you need a label.

Visiting an exhibition such as Westwood | Kawakubo provides students with a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of art, design and social history through fashion. Students are encouraged to look closely at how both designers use materials, form and concept to challenge conventions of beauty, gender and individuality. Rather than written tasks, consider discussion prompts that invite students to compare and contrast the designers’ approaches and reflect on how fashion can express identity, politics and cultural values.

Pencils are permitted in the exhibition if students need to take brief notes. Photography without flash is also permitted.

Yes. Student supervision is the responsibility of the school teachers and other school staff attending the excursion. This applies to all areas of the Gallery, and at all times. Please consider staff to student ratios when planning your excursion. If you have any concerns, please raise them with our bookings staff when organising your visit.