NGV Triennial exhibition reaches record 1 million visitors

THE National Gallery of Victoria’s biggest free summer show, NGV Triennial, has become the most-attended exhibition in the gallery’s 157-year history.

THE National Gallery of Victoria’s biggest free summer show just got bigger.

NGV Triennialhas welcomed its one millionth visitor, making it the most-attended exhibition in the museum’s 157-year history.

Not even last years’ Van Gogh and the Seasons (which attracted 462,262 paying visitors) can compare.

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Tennis star Marin Cilic visited Yayoi Kusama's Flower Obsession rooms at the NGV Triennial exhibition during the Australian Open. Picture: Fiona Hamilton

NGV director Tony Ellwood said: “We are delighted to see so many Victorians and interstate and international visitors embracing the NGV Triennial with such enthusiasm.

“We created this exhibition so people could have unprecedented, free access to some of the most dynamic and diverse international contemporary art and design from around the globe.”

Children play with colour and shape using velcro swatches at an installation by the Dutch art collective 'We Make Carpets' at NGV Triennial at NGV International.

Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley said: “The success of the NGV Triennial not only cements NGV’s reputation as a global cultural powerhouse — it showcases the strength and vitality of our ‘creative state’.”

Exclusive to Melbourne and complemented by extensive public programs, NGV Triennial is an ambitious exhibition of art, design and architecture featuring major works by more than 100 artists and designers from 32 countries.

Ayleh, Mena and Larah check out Mass, an installation of 100 larger-than-life skulls at NGV Triennial. Picture: Josie Hayden

Highlights include Yayoi Kusama’s flower installation room, Ron Mueck’s 100 monumental hand-cast skulls and Chinese fashion designer Guo Pei’s crystal-encrusted haute couture gowns.

Mr Foley said: “This exhibition is the first of its kind at the NGV and its success shows us that great contemporary art continues to inspire locals, tourists and art lovers alike.”

The NGV Triennial, at NGV International (St Kilda Rd), closes on April 15. Free.