Contents
- 1 What is the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at NGV Melbourne?
- 2 What can visitors expect at the Yayoi Kusama exhibition?
- 3 What are the highlights of the Yayoi Kusama exhibition in Melbourne?
- 4 How is the Yayoi Kusama exhibition structured?
- 5 What is unique about the Yayoi Kusama Melbourne exhibition?
- 6 A Personal Reflection
- 7 Why you should go to The Yayoi Kusama Melbourne Exhibition?
- 8 FAQs
What is the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at NGV Melbourne?
The Yayoi Kusama exhibition at NGV Melbourne is a major retrospective celebrating the visionary Japanese artist’s prolific career, running from 15 December 2024 to 21 April 2025. Hosted at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), it is the most comprehensive display of Kusama’s work ever presented in Australia, featuring nearly 200 artworks spanning painting, sculpture, collage, fashion, video, and her iconic immersive installations.
The exhibition transforms the NGV’s ground floor into a multi-sensory journey through Kusama’s evolving themes—such as infinity, repetition, and self-obliteration—offering visitors an unforgettable exploration of her artistic world.
What can visitors expect at the Yayoi Kusama exhibition?
At the Yayoi Kusama exhibition, visitors can expect an immersive experience featuring more than 180 of her artworks. The entire ground floor of NGV has been transformed into a journey through Kusama’s creative evolution, from her early works in post-war Japan to her iconic Infinity Mirror Rooms.
What are the highlights of the Yayoi Kusama exhibition in Melbourne?
The highlights of the Yayoi Kusama exhibition in Melbourne include the world premiere of “Infinity Mirrored Room—My Heart is Filled to the Brim with Sparkling Light.”
Other standout features include the towering five-meter-tall bronze “Dancing Pumpkin” sculpture, her famous polka dot and pumpkin installations, performance art from the 1960s, wearable fashion pieces, and rooms that reflect her psychological and artistic journey.
How is the Yayoi Kusama exhibition structured?
The NGV has carefully curated each room to reflect a specific era or theme in Kusama’s career. It starts with her early abstract paintings and progresses through her time in New York, her social activism, and her current global acclaim.
Each room features artwork designed to immerse the visitor in Kusama’s recurring themes of repetition, reflection, and self-obliteration.
What is unique about the Yayoi Kusama Melbourne exhibition?
This is the largest Yayoi Kusama exhibition ever held in Australia, featuring painting, sculpture, collage, fashion, video and installation works.
The NGV exhibition includes more than 180 of her artworks and has transformed public and gallery spaces into immersive environments, making Melbourne a temporary mirror of Kusama’s infinite world.
Additional Experiences at NGV
Visitors can enjoy NGV Friday Nights, which offer evening access with dining, bars, and DJ performances every Friday throughout the exhibition period.
Additionally, the NGV’s Garden Restaurant provides a themed dining experience overlooking the serene sculpture garden.
Sensory and Accessibility Considerations
The Yayoi Kusama Melbourne exhibition includes immersive rooms with mirrors, patterns, and lighting effects that may be disorienting for some visitors.
The NGV offers sensory maps, wheelchair accessibility, and free wheelchair or motorised scooter hire (advance booking recommended) to ensure all visitors can comfortably enjoy the exhibition.
A Personal Reflection
One of the most moving aspects of the exhibition is the emotional journey it provides. From the playfulness of her polka dots to the quiet introspection of her handwritten poems, this exhibition goes beyond visuals.
Standing in a room of glowing pumpkins or mirrors that seem to stretch forever is as much a personal reflection as it is a visual experience.
Why you should go to The Yayoi Kusama Melbourne Exhibition?
Whether you’re a first-time viewer or a long-time admirer, this immersive exhibition offers an unparalleled look into Kusama’s visionary work.
It delivers everything her fans hope for—nearly 200 pieces by Yayoi Kusama, immersive environments, and deeply personal insights into the artist’s world.
FAQs
Q. When is the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at NGV?
A. The Yayoi Kusama exhibition in Melbourne is from 15 December 2024 to 21 April 2025.
Q. Where is the Yayoi Kusama exhibition located?
A. The Yayoi Kusama exhibition is located at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Melbourne.
Q. How many works are on display?
A. Nearly 200 pieces by Yayoi Kusama are on display, including immersive rooms, paintings, sculptures, and more.
Q. What are the main attractions?
A. The Infinity Mirror Rooms, polka dot installations, pumpkin sculptures, fashion pieces, and video art.
Q. Is this the first time Kusama is exhibiting in Melbourne?
A. No, but it is the largest and most comprehensive exhibition of her work ever shown in Australia.
Q. Can I take photos at the Yayoi Kusama exhibtion?
A. Photography is generally allowed; however, flash, tripods, and selfie sticks are prohibited.
Q. Is the exhibition suitable for children?
A. Yes, many parts are visually engaging for all ages, though some themes may be better appreciated by adults.
Q. Is the exhibition accessible?
A. Yes, the exhibition is wheelchair accessible. The NGV provides wheelchairs and a motorised scooter for free hire, which should be booked in advance.
This exhibition is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the infinite imagination of Yayoi Kusama—don’t miss it.
