Good news for art lovers and fans of Yayoi Kusama: The NGV has announced extended opening hours for the final few weeks of the Melbourne-exclusive Kusama exhibition, giving visitors extra time to soak in this mind-blowing retrospective.
With over 376,000 people having visited already, it’s clear the show has captured the imagination of Victorians and visitors alike.
Timed perfectly to coincide with both the Victorian school holidays and Kusama’s remarkable 96th birthday, the extended hours begin on 5 April and give you even more chances to experience this once-in-a-lifetime showcase. From 5 to 16 April, gallery hours will be extended from 8 am to 6 pm. Then, as the exhibition hits its final stretch during the Easter long weekend (17–21 April), the NGV will open from 8 am right through to midnight. Yes, that’s 16 glorious hours each day to lose yourself in Yayoi’s mesmerising world of dots, colours, and otherworldly installations.
A Farewell Celebration for the Ages
And it doesn’t stop there. The final NGV Friday Nights event for the season will take place on 18 April, featuring a special DJ set from disco sensation Tanzer, alongside food, drinks, and a late-night viewing opportunity until 10 pm. If you’ve been looking for an excuse to see the exhibition, this might just be your perfect night.
Tony Ellwood AM, Director of the NGV, expressed his excitement for the final month, saying, “It is an honour to celebrate the work of Yayoi Kusama, now in her 96th year. The Yayoi Kusama exhibition has been one of our most popular to date, and we’re thrilled to welcome even more visitors in its final stretch. Kusama’s work continues to resonate with audiences from all backgrounds, demonstrating her place as one of the world’s most inspirational living artists.”
The Legacy of Yayoi Kusama
Born in 1929 in Japan, Kusama is a global artistic icon. Her work is celebrated for its incredible use of bold patterns, vibrant colours, and symbolism that transcends cultural boundaries. From her early sketches as a child to major works created in 2024, the NGV exhibition showcases just how profound her legacy is.
The exhibition takes over the entire ground floor of NGV International, making it the most comprehensive Kusama presentation to date. Highlights include Infinity Mirrored Room–My Heart is Filled to the Brim with Sparkling Light, debuting right here in Melbourne, and the immersive masterpiece Love is Calling (2013), where Kusama’s famous glowing tentacle-like forms completely surround you. If that wasn’t enough, families should check out The Obliteration Room in the children’s gallery – an interactive installation where visitors get to dot a white domestic setting into a riotous explosion of colours.
This major retrospective doesn’t just highlight Kusama’s mastery of immersive art but also celebrates the longevity of her career, which continues to inspire new generations of creators and fans alike.
Don’t Miss Out!
With the clock ticking and the final days fast approaching, there’s never been a better time to explore Kusama’s stunning artistic universe. Whether you’re mesmerised by the infinity rooms or in awe of her vibrant patterns, this exhibition is an unmissable experience for anyone who loves art that’s immersive, joyful, and downright unforgettable.
The exhibition runs until 21 April 2025 at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Entry fees apply, so make sure to grab your tickets and find all the details you need at NGV’s website.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of one of the greatest living artists before it’s all packed away. And with those extended hours, you’ve officially run out of excuses not to go!