![NGV-Architecture-Commission-2021-pond[er]-courtesy-of-Taylor-Knights-and-James-Carey](https://ArtsReview.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/NGV-Architecture-Commission-2021-ponder-courtesy-of-Taylor-Knights-and-James-Carey.jpg)
Melbourne’s top public galleries, museums and performance venues are gearing up for a big summer as they re-open their doors to the public.
Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson was on hand today to announce that the National Gallery of Victoria will welcome visitors back on Wednesday.
“Victoria’s museums, galleries and live performance venues are the envy of the world and support jobs and businesses across the state. It’s great to know we’ll soon be able to get back to our favourite cultural destinations,” said Minister Pearson.
“Creative experiences are making a safe comeback in Victoria and it’s fantastic that our favourite sites, like the NGV, will once again be part of our lives.”
When doors reopen, guests will be able to see an important addition to the gallery’s collection – an artwork by Berthe Morisot, one of the leading women of French Impressionism who was at the forefront of the movement in Paris in the late nineteenth century.
The NGV Foundation raised more than $3 million for the acquisition of Morisot’s 1889 work La Broderie (Embroidery), which is the first of her paintings to enter an Australian public collection.
Other upcoming exhibitions include Fashion Manifesto – an exploration into the significant contribution to twentieth century fashion by renowned French couturière Gabrielle Chanel, which will open 4 December.
From 6 December, visitors can wet their toes in the latest NGV Architecture Commission, pond[er] – a pink pond in the Grollo Equiset garden.
“We’re excited to welcome Victorians back to the NGV on Wednesday. We have a big summer of art ahead of us, with new acquisitions to explore, amazing exhibitions and installations and fantastic public programs for all ages,” said NGV Director Tony Ellwood.
In addition to the National Gallery of Victoria’s two sites, on the other side of the city, the State Library Victoria will also reopen its doors to the public on Wednesday.
It follows a busy weekend of cultural offerings with Scienceworks, the Immigration Museum, the Melbourne Museum and ACMI – all welcoming their first visitors and live music make a roaring return to the stage at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
For music fans, the Australian Music Vault at Arts Centre Melbourne reopens from 8 November, Melbourne Recital Centre kicks off its performance program on 12 November and Hamer Hall will host the Melbourne International Jazz Festival opening night gala on 26 November.
Image: NGV Architecture Commission 2021, pond[er] – courtesy of Taylor Knights and James Carey