NGV Triennial on track to hit the visitor record books

NGV Bethan Laura Wood Kaleidoscope-a-rama 2023 photo by Kate ShanasyNational Gallery of Victoria’s latest blockbuster exhibition NGV Triennial is on track to be one of the gallery’s most popular exhibitions ever – with 600,000 visitors from near and far experiencing the exhibition in just two months.

Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks announced the impressive visitation figure including almost 40,000 attendees at the Triennial EXTRA after-hours festival and more than 14,000 children who joined the NGV Kids Summer Festival.

“More than half a million attendees – and counting! This free exhibition and its action-packed program offer something for all ages and it is wonderful to see local, interstate and international visitors flocking to NGV,” said Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks.

“Bold and accessible events like the Triennial are part of what makes NGV Australia’s most popular gallery and we’re proud to back this awe-inspiring exhibition – ensuring it’s free for every Victorian to enjoy.”

Backed by the Victorian Government, the free exhibition spans all four levels of NGV International. From digital artworks, fashion displays to massive sculptures and interactive installations, the NGV Triennial features works by 120 renowned local and international artists, designers and collectives.

The week-long, free NGV Kids Summer Festival featured a jam-packed program of all-ages events, workshops and activities led by Victorian artists and creatives and inspired by the Triennial’s interactive underwater-themed children’s exhibition, RIFIFI: Jean Jullien for Kids.

“One of the core roles of a public institution like the NGV is to share art and culture with as many people as possible,” said National Gallery of Victoria Director Tony Ellwood AM.

“It is our privilege to have been able to share this exhibition with more than half a million visitors to date – and we look forward to welcoming even more over the coming months.’


NGV Triennial is on show until 7 April 2024 – the exhibition’s legacy will live on with more than 75 Triennial artworks to become part of the NGV’s permanent collection. For more information, visit: www.ngv.vic.gov.au for details.

Image: Installation view of Bethan Laura Wood’s work Kaleidoscope-a-rama, 2023, for the MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission on display in the NGV Triennial at NGV International, Melbourne – photo by Kate Shanasy