This summer, NGV Friday Nights transforms the gallery after dark in a celebration of self-expression inspired by two of fashion’s most influential designers – Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons.
From 12 December, NGV will open its doors late every Friday night where visitors can explore Westwood | Kawakubo after hours, an exhibition tracing five decades of groundbreaking designs that have re-shaped the look of fashion.
In addition to exhibition access, each week the NGV becomes a stage for sound and spectacle, with DJ sets from some of Australia’s most exciting names, including Breaking and Entering, Adriana, DJ Manchild, YO! Mafia, Small Fry, Claire Knight, Tanzer, Yeo and Danny Issues. With nostalgic classics from the 70s, 80s, and 90s alongside favourite summer dance tunes, NGV Friday Nights during Westwood | Kawakubo captures the eclectic energy that defines both designers’ worlds.
Adding to the atmosphere, visitors can enjoy dining and bar experiences throughout the Ground Level of NGV International, including share-style plates, snacks and a curated drinks while taking in the Friday Nights DJ line-up and in NGV Gallery Kitchen, a relaxed setting for light dishes and drinks the perfect complement to the exhibition experience.
Pop-up bars and experiences include the Moët & Chandon Champagne Bar, serving Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut and Rosé Impérial; the Yering Station Wine Bar, offering curated Yarra Valley wines; the Four Pillars Bar, mixing signature gin cocktails that capture the flavours of summer; and the Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream Cart, serving premium flavours throughout the season.
On Friday 30 January, NGV Friday Nights presents a special one-night-only collaboration with Midsumma, Australia’s premier queer arts and cultural organisation. As part of Midsumma Festival, a vibrant line-up of LGBTQIA+ DJs and roving performances features at NGV Friday Nights, celebrating the spirit of creative self-expression that unites both Westwood and Kawakubo.
Tony Ellwood AM, Director, NGV, said: ‘Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo have redefined fashion and showed the world how clothes can be an unparalleled vehicle for self-expression. This season of NGV Friday Nights celebrates the legacy of the designers and invites visitors to experience their radical creativity.’
NGV Friday Nights runs every Friday evening from 12 December 2025 to 17 April 2026 at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Further information and tickets are available via the NGV website.
Westwood | Kawakubo is on display 7 December 2025 to 19 April 2026 at NGV International.
NGV Friday Nights Line Up:
Friday 12 December 2025: Tanzer
Friday 19 December 2025: Breaking & Entering
Friday 26 December 2025: Yo! Mafia
Friday 2 January 2026: Claire Knight
Friday 9 January 2026: Small Fry
Friday 16 January 2026: Danny Issues
Friday 23 January 2026L DJ Manchild
Friday 30 January 2026: Midsumma programming
Friday 6 February 2026: Tanzer
Friday 13 February 2026: Yeo
Friday 20 February 2026: Danny Issues
Friday 27 February 2026: Adriana
Friday 6 March 2026: Claire Knight
Friday 13 March 2026: Small Fry
Friday 20 March 2026: DJ Manchild
Friday 27 March 2026: Breaking & Entering
Friday 3 April 2026: Adriana
Friday 10 April 2026: Yeo
Friday 17 April 2026: Adriana