The National Gallery of Victoria’s Friday Nights are a huge highlight of Melbourne’s cultural scene. The sessions are a favourite of the Friday knock-off crowd and for good reason. Bands, drinks and access to all of the ground level exhibitions — it’s a whole lot of culture for one evening. We can’t get enough.
I hadn’t been to the NGV for several months (shame on me!). The foyer, always holding a special piece of some sort, out does itself this time with Ai Wei Wei’s glorious chandelier piece. It must be several stories high and is beautifully intricate and indomitably imposing at the same time.
Most people though, come to Friday nights to witness the main event. Until 9 July, that is Van Gogh & The Seasons. As always, the NGV curators do a sublime job of turning the art gallery into an experience.
As you enter the exhibition, you’re met with a movie theatre-esque experience which walks you through how each of the seasons impacted Van Gogh’s thinking. It’s a rich visual display that stands you in good stead to wander through each season of the exhibition with a slightly more educated lens.
At around 8.30pm the headline act takes stage in the NGV’s ‘band room’. The lineup this year looks great and hosts a good dollop of local talent. On the night, we were fortunate to see Two Steps who performed an hour-long set with Van Gogh’s seasons providing a beautiful visual backdrop.
Most patrons grab a seat in front of the band and down a glass or two of wine. What better way to spend a Friday evening?
You have until 9 July 2017 to enjoy these Friday night sessions with Van Gogh. Pre-ordering your tickets online is recommended — it was completely sold out on the night I visited. If you’re keen for a guided tour during the daytime, these are usually held twice daily and run for 45 minutes.
– Rukmal
Co-founder of The Plus Ones, Rukmal lives and breathes events.
NGV Friday Nights runs until 9 July 2017. Buy tickets now.
The venue is accessible.
